Our community picks for top cocktail bars, dive bars and nightlife spots in Ottawa, Ontario — independent, family-run and locally-loved places, ranked by rating and community feedback. Each spot links to its full profile with hours, menu highlights and vibe.
Ottawa · 4.9/5 (31 reviews)
The Commons is a welcoming bar located in Ottawa, Ontario. It offers a comfortable space for patrons to gather and enjoy a variety of beverages. The atmosphere is generally laid-back, making it a suitable spot for…
Known for: a laid-back spot to gather and enjoy a variety of beverages in a comfortable setting.
Ottawa · 4.8/5 (135 reviews)
Pubwells on Sussex is a welcoming bar located in Ottawa. It offers a comfortable setting for patrons to unwind and socialize. The venue provides a relaxed atmosphere, making it a suitable spot for casual…
Known for: a comfortable setting to unwind and socialize with drinks
Ottawa · 4.8/5 (295 reviews) · fusion, greek
Modern Middle Eastern cafe and restaurant in the heart of Ottawa's historic ByWard Market. Upscale dining experience with bespoke cocktails, a curated wine list, and delicious flavours from the Eastern Mediterranean.
Known for: upscale dining with bespoke cocktails and Eastern Mediterranean flavors.
Ottawa · 4.8/5 (427 reviews)
The Gilmour is a popular downtown Ottawa bar offering a lively atmosphere for patrons. It is a great spot to gather with friends to enjoy drinks and conversation. The venue provides a space for a relaxed evening out…
Known for: a lively atmosphere for drinks and conversation.
Ottawa · 4.7/5 (254 reviews)
This Ottawa cafe offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for enjoying a warm beverage and a light bite. It's a comfortable spot to catch up with friends or simply unwind with a book. They serve a selection of coffee,…
Known for: Coffee, sandwiches, spirits, and beer with locally made goods and daily happy hour
Ottawa · 4.7/5 (189 reviews) · african
Delina's Restaurant and Bar offers a taste of Eritrean cuisine in Ottawa. The menu features traditional dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. It's a welcoming spot for a casual meal with friends or family,…
Known for: traditional Eritrean cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients in a comfortable setting.
Ottawa · 4.6/5 (524 reviews) · american
Corner Peach is a charming restaurant located in Ottawa focused on serving delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere. It offers a thoughtful menu with emphasis on quality ingredients. The dining space provides a…
Known for: Simple, seasonal dishes and hip wine in a small bistro
Ottawa · 4.6/5 (3218 reviews)
Chez Lucien is an Ottawa bar offering a comfortable spot to enjoy drinks and unwind. It provides a laid-back atmosphere suitable for casual meetups with friends. The venue is a good place to relax and converse.
Known for: a comfortable spot to enjoy drinks and unwind
Ottawa · 4.6/5 (496 reviews) · african
Classic Ethiopian cuisine & lunch buffet served in a cozy dining room with delivery & take-out.
Known for: classic Ethiopian cuisine and a lunch buffet
Ottawa · 4.5/5 (1276 reviews)
Art House is a cozy cafe located in Ottawa, Ontario, offering a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying a quiet moment. It's a great spot to meet friends for a casual chat or to simply unwind with a good book and a…
Known for: a cozy and relaxed atmosphere for coffee and conversation.
Ottawa · 4.5/5 (1214 reviews) · american
Union Local 613 offers a distinctive dining experience focusing on plant-based cuisine. Located in Ottawa, this restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere for patrons to enjoy creative dishes. It's a popular spot for…
Known for: a distinctive dining experience focusing on creative plant-based cuisine
Ottawa · 4.5/5 (1294 reviews)
Pour Boy on Somerset Street offers a relaxed atmosphere with a broad selection of drinks. It's a straightforward spot for casual meetups and enjoying a quiet drink. The venue provides a no-frills environment for…
Known for: a relaxed atmosphere with a broad selection of drinks for casual meetups
Ottawa · 4.5/5 (1991 reviews) · american
Fatboys Southern Smokehouse offers a taste of authentic Southern barbecue in Ottawa. Their menu features slow-smoked meats, classic sides, and a selection of sauces, all prepared with traditional techniques. It's a…
Known for: authentic Southern barbecue with slow-smoked meats and classic sides
Ottawa · 4.5/5 (602 reviews)
Pubwells on Preston offers a well-curated selection of craft beers and cocktails in a comfortable setting. It's a popular spot for those looking to unwind after work or gather with friends for a casual evening out.…
Known for: a well-curated selection of craft beers and cocktails in a comfortable setting
Ottawa · 4.4/5 (1410 reviews) · american, french
Luxe Bistro offers a refined dining experience in Ottawa's ByWard Market. With a focus on contemporary dishes and an extensive wine list, it provides a sophisticated setting for meals. The ambiance is well-suited for…
Known for: Contemporary steakhouse in the heart of the Byward Market
Ottawa · 4.4/5 (787 reviews) · american
Located in the ByWard Market, The Albion Rooms offers a refined dining experience within a historic building. This establishment serves a menu focusing on elevated pub fare and contemporary Canadian dishes. It…
Known for: Farm to fork dining with Ottawa's finest local producers and artfully crafted signature cocktails
Ottawa · 4.4/5 (2343 reviews) · african, caribbean
High-energy taqueria and tequila bar with inventive tacos, fresh guacamole, and an extensive mezcal collection
Known for: inventive tacos, fresh guacamole, and an extensive mezcal collection
Ottawa · 4.4/5 (1803 reviews) · french, mediterranean
This charming bistro offers a taste of French-inspired cuisine in a welcoming setting. Enjoy classic dishes and a curated selection of drinks. It's a suitable spot for a casual meal with friends or a quiet evening out.
Known for: French-inspired cuisine in a charming and welcoming setting
Ottawa · 4.4/5 (117 reviews) · african
D'Afrique Restaurant & Bar offers a taste of African cuisine in Ottawa. Located downtown, it provides a welcoming atmosphere for diners to explore unique flavors and dishes. The menu features a variety of traditional…
Known for: exploring unique flavors and traditional African specialties.
Ottawa · 4.3/5 (1623 reviews) · american
Sir John A Pub offers a welcoming atmosphere for patrons to enjoy a selection of drinks and casual fare. Located in Ottawa, this establishment provides a comfortable setting for socializing and unwinding. It's a…
Known for: Largest selection of draft beers in Centretown with 50+ options
We rank top cocktail bars, dive bars and nightlife spots in Ottawa by rating and community feedback, favouring independent and family-run spots — 20 are listed on this page.
See our late-night guide at https://cupsandbites.com/ottawa/open-late for spots in Ottawa open past 10 p.m., with today's hours on every profile.
Spots that take reservations show a "Reserve a table" button on their profile; others show "Call to book" or are walk-in.
More in Ottawa: Restaurants & Cafés in Ottawa · Cafés in Ottawa · Pubs in Ottawa · Brunch Spots in Ottawa · Breakfast Spots in Ottawa · Lunch Spots in Ottawa · Dinner Restaurants in Ottawa · Bakeries in Ottawa · Coffee Shops in Ottawa · Dessert Spots in Ottawa · Open late in Ottawa