Glebe and Old Ottawa South

Where to eat and drink in The Glebe 

The stretch of Bank Street running through The Glebe and Old Ottawa South is made for a café crawl, where Ottawa’s favourite chains blend seamlessly with rising indie spots. Get your caffeine fix at Little Victories, Drip House, Ten Toes Coffee Co., Beandigen, Sofia Vintage Motor Café, Happy Goat Coffee Co., or Black Squirrel. Each stop brings its own personality, so the fun is in tasting your way through them!

You’ll also find diverse and delicious cuisines throughout the area — from Lotus of Siam and Cô Ơi Kitchen to Cantina Gia, The St. Rita, and Paper Tiger (try the Vietnamese Garlic Noodles). For quick, grab‑and‑go favourites, Kettleman’s Bagels and Pizza Nerds always deliver.

Arts and culture 

Artisan energy permeates the neighbourhood, where indie arts spots welcome visitors to explore local art, music and performance.

Art enthusiasts can explore local galleries along Bank Street including Jaya Krishnan Arts and the Montigny Contemporary. Stop by the Chinese Aces Skate the Canal mural at Bank Street and First Avenue for a dose of local history.

If you prefer a hands-on art experience, check out arts workshops offered by 4Cats Arts Studio, The Mud Oven and Beandigen Café.

Catch a movie at the Mayfair Theatre, live music at Irene’s Pub or Red Bird or touring comedians and musicians at TD Place.

Outdoor activities

The expansive pathways along the picturesque Rideau Canal beckon walkers, joggers and cyclists to enjoy leisurely outings against a scenic backdrop. Nearby parks like Patterson Creek Park provide serene settings for picnics, reading or simply soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings.

The Lansdowne Park area hosts seasonal farmers’ markets, yoga classes and outdoor concerts, fostering a sense of community in the great outdoors.

For a lively way to explore the neighbourhood, hop on a group ride with Thursty Pedaler—Ottawa’s pedal‑powered party bike. It’s all about fresh air, good vibes, and a rolling tour that keeps the energy high.

Shopping

The Glebe’s bustling Bank Street is lined with boutiques, specialty stores and local shops.

Seasoned thrifters or vintage lovers can enjoy the area’s treasure trove of secondhand clothing shops, including Big Kimmy’s, The Jungle and Bad Dog Co.

For those with a taste for the finer things, stop by one of the Glebe’s specialty shops like Provence en Couleur, Hokum, Compact Music, The Papery or Stomping Ground.

Visit one of the area’s signature bookstores; Octopus Books, Black Squirrel Books & Espresso and Evermore Books (NEW).

If you’re around The Glebe during market season, check out the Lansdowne Farmer’s Market or 613flea at Aberdeen Pavilion for delicious food stalls, one-of-a-kind items and much more.

Nightlife

From cozy pubs and intimate lounges to vibrant live music venues, The Glebe offers great evening entertainment for everyone. For elevated cocktails and snacks, try Margarita’s, Thr33’s Co. Snack Bar or Bandito’s. Pub and tavern highlights include Irene’s Pub, Glebe Central Pub, The Senate Tavern and The Belmont.

For unique nightlife experiences, check out The Bunker, a bar and golf simulator, Midway Pool Hall or House of Targ, an underground bar, pinball arcade and pierogi spot. 

Major annual events + sports

Sports aficionados will love the Glebe. Experience Canadian ice hockey at an Ottawa Charge or Ottawa 67s game, football (Ottawa Redblacks), basketball (Ottawa BlackJacks) and soccer (Atlético Ottawa, Ottawa Rapid FC) at TD Place located in Lansdowne Park. Lansdowne also hosts many markets, festivals and concerts throughout the year including the annual Christmas Market.  

A cornerstone of The Glebe’s annual calendar is the Great Glebe Garage & Sidewalk Sale, where hundreds of locals partake in a spring-cleaning sale while thousands rove the neighbourhood in search of their next great find. Always the fourth Saturday in May.

Located between the Centretown and Old Ottawa South neighbourhoods, getting to the Glebe is easy as the popular Bank Street runs directly through it. Accessible by car, bus, bike and walking, this is a centrally located neighbourhood.

Find more businesses on the Glebe BIA website.