Best & Cool Bars in Ottawa

"This cozy Centretown pub is the epitome of welcoming neighbourhood watering holes — a wide-ranging beer selection will satisfy high and low-end tastes alike, and the Manx offers some of the best pub grub in town. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Michael Canty (@mjcanty1) on Feb 17, 2019 at 2:35pm PST"

"The beloved Elgin Street pub is offering up some specials along with their regular menu, including a beet salad, braised short rib and sticky toffee pudding. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Manx Pub (@manxpub)"

"Famous for: Focus Single Hop Ale, Danger Sauce Belgian Quad, Turbo Cobra Ninja Belgian Strong Ale, Second Hand Smoke Rauchbier, Gravity of WInter Porter, Cosmic Latte White Stout, Rye Guy IPA, The Darkness Oatmeal Stout, Yummy North East Pale Ale, Pink Fizz Wheat Beer, Aromatherapy American IPA, Breaking Bitter"

"Beyond the Pale Brewing Company is Brewing beer for the locals of Ottawa since 2012. Situated right in Ottawa’s heart, it facilitates the visitors with a big Taproom and patio, perfect for enjoying one of sixteen beautifully crafted beers pouring on tap!. Yes, they have 16 different beers to serve."

"Beyond the Pale is a local, independent brewery that has a taproom and hosts events in the city. Relax on the patio on nice days and sip on a beer while munching on a sandwich. Reopens June 11thAddress: 250 City Centre Ave Bay 106, OttawaPhone: 613-668-2337Website"

"Approximately nobody thinks of Ottawa as a destination for Southern food — and, yet, here we are. Union 613 is doing fancied-up versions of catfish, fried chicken and side ribs, but the quality is tip-top and the restaurant’s ethos is just as good (it offers staff health plans, for example). It’s got brunch takeout on Sundays (think fried chicken and waffles) and a stellar cocktail, craft beer and wine list that can be taken to-go as part of Ontario’s COVID rules."

"Ottawa’s reigning champions of southern food aren’t afraid to make political statements; they also do a fine brunch with options from chicken and waffles to shrimp and grits, accompanied with buttermilk biscuits. There’s a tidy cocktail selection beyond the tired old mimosa. A post shared by Viktor S. DeVice (@viktordevice) on Oct 29, 2017 at 7:47am PDT"

"Satisfy your craving for some sweet, sweet Southern soul food. I’m tempted to just say: chicken and waffles, mic drop. But that would be an injustice to the other delectable items on the brunch menu at Union 613."

"While at first glance Fauna may appear to be an oh-so-serious dining experience, the premise behind the restaurant is simple: to have fun. The menus consist mainly of local ingredients prepared in playful and unique ways that are conducive to sharing and savoring as a group. Note that private rooms are also available upon request for groups of 8 to 12 guests—which can be a lovely option for gatherings or celebrations."

"Located on 425 Bank Street, Fauna is a restaurant that has spent two years on designing and renovating their restaurant to provide you an ultimate experience of cocktailing. So there is no way you’ll be disappointed with the interiors. They use local ingredients that depend on season, and they also serve smaller plates so you can enjoy more variety of their exotic food."

"Located in the historic Byward Market in the heart of Ottawa, SOCIAL offers a sumptuous and elegant atmosphere. Traditional French and contemporary North American cuisine marry with a playful air. Experimental flavours demand unique and classical wine pairings inviting holistic approach to dining."

"A post shared by Abe Bourgi (@boodzz) on Sep 18, 2016 at 7:05pm PDT. Everything’s fun at Atari— from insanely inventive cocktails with puffs of pink and blue cotton candy on top, to the Text Me Maybe (Absolut vodka with sake). If you’re looking for a party, you’ll find it here, on the rooftop patio in the Byward Market neighborhood."

"Located 297 Dalhousie Street, Atari is a bar and a restaurant which offers unique drinks. There is one thing Atari wants for their customers and it’s to have a great leisure time. They host weekly events that entertain their customers and treat every day like a party day."

"Head to this funky spot for comfort snacks and plates, make-your-own tartars, and a cool cocktail menu with interesting names. Opens June 11thAddress: 297 Dalhousie Street, OttawaPhone: 613-422-8877Website"

"Famous for: Avant Gardiste French Red Ale, Sommerfest German Golden Ale, Rheinwasser Kölsch, Biergarten Blonde Helles, Route 21 Märzen, Husaria Pilsner"

"Ottawa doesn’t have a particularly large Filipino community, but that hasn’t slowed Tamis, which grew so popular it recently decamped to a much larger space. Expect some Filipino staples such as sizzling sisig (grilled pork belly), tangy-spicy adobo, and crepe-adjacent lumpia. Tamis also isn’t afraid to throw a few curveballs, like pimento cheese dip."

"Centretown Filipino go-to Tamis is offering delivery of dishes like spicy adobo chicken, lechon kawali (crispy pork belly), and other spicy, (mostly) meaty treats. Get it via Doordash or Uber Eats. View this post on Instagram"

"This one is located in Old Ottawa East on the shores of the Rideau river. What is special about this park is the Rideau River Nature Trail that connects Springhurst with Brantwood Park. The sights of the Rideau river from there are wonderful."

"Britannia Park has it all—kayak and paddleboard rentals, beach volleyball, washrooms, a snack bar, a big beach, grassy spaces and picnic tables, lots of free parking, and more. It’s easy to reach via bike paths along the Ottawa River from downtown, by car or by OC Transpo. But here’s the pièce de résistance: Beachconers Microcreamery and the Britannia Coffeehouse are just beyond the park’s eastern edge, meaning you can easily add ice cream cones, cinnamon rolls, muffins, and tea and coffee to your picnic."

"Opened along the Ottawa River at the turn of the 20th century, Britannia Park is one of the most popular parks in Ottawa. It’sa fantastic place to escape from the bustle of downtown Ottawa. Hopping over to Britannia Park is especially worthwhile if you’re travelling to Ottawa with kids."

"Brittania Park is a park and beach spot for a classic summer experience enjoying the water with white water rafting and other watersports, a picnic lunch, and spending time in the shaded park.Address: 2805 Carling Ave, Ottawa"

"The Watson's Mill is the only working museum in Ottawa and is a historic flour mill that still sells stone-ground, whole wheat flour. The place is also believed to be haunted by locals and open to general Public during summer- the highlight being the summer events held here every year. On other days, the history of the place invites visitors to see the old machinery and to have a meal at the Ma...Read more"

"Watson's Mill is one of the best-preserved examples of 19th century mill architecture and the only operating industrial heritage site within the City of Ottawa. It is designated as part of historic Dickinson Square, at the heart of the Village of Manotick. Manotick, Ontario K4M 1A2 tel.: 613-692-MILL (6455) www.watsonsmill.com"

"The historic flour mill located in the village of Manotick is a picturesque building — great for photos in the fall and summer months. Watson’s Mill offers building tours where you can even purchase the flour they produce.Photo: Sofia Donato"

"The twin falls where the Ottawa River meets the Rideau River makes for an impressive Instagram photo for your feed. To best photograph the Rideau Falls you can head to the Rideau Falls Park. Another excellent photo spot is at the Tavern On The Falls, which is along Sussex Drive and has an outdoor patio overlooking the falls."

"Yes, we have listed other falls in this top 10 list of best places to shoot in Ottawa. But can you blame us?. They’re just so exciting to shoot!"

"Situated on the banks of the Ottawa River, Jacques Cartier Park becomes the outdoor venue for many events and festivals throughout the year. Canada Day celebrations take place here, as does Winterlude (Bal de Neige), when the park is transformed into a snow playground. The park is also home to two historic buildings, including Maison Charron, which was built by Philemon Wright in the early 19th century and now serves as a cultural education center during the summer."

"Located just on the other side of the Quebec/Ottawa border, the Jacques Cartier Park is great for cycling, nature watching at Leamy Lake, and simply enjoying the beauty of this celebrated city park.Address: 285 Laurier St, GatineauWebsite"

"This museum looks at rural life beginning with the creation of the Richmond military settlement in 1818; a History Centre provides information about local families and community life. 2064 Huntley Road Stittsville, Ontario K2S 1B8  tel.: 613-831-2393  e-mail: goulbmus@rogers.comwww.goulbournmuseum.ca"