This year, you can keep enjoying a meal or drinks on Ottawa patios, even in the winter! Whether you can eat indoors or not, restaurants, pubs and breweries have created heated and sometimes covered outdoor spaces as an alternative. So BYOB (bring your own blanket) and meet with friends or loved ones on these comfortable, cozy patios for some social physical distancing. (Businesses are ordered roughly by distance from Parliament Hill.)
Tulip Lounge and Restaurant
Sit back and relax on the large patio at the Tulip Lounge and Restaurant in downtown Ottawa. You can dine and drink in the covered and heated tent space each evening and upon request during the day (blankets are available for extra comfort). If you’ve made a reservation and are driving, the attached Hilton Garden Inn/Homewood Suites hotel will validate your parking.
Metropolitain Brasserie
Between Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market area is a sunken patio in front Metropolitain Brasserie. Although there’s no covered space for winter, you can sit around the firepit and sip one of the restaurant’s yummy warm or cold drinks.
The Grand Pizzeria and Bar
This corner spot across from the BeaverTails kiosk in the historic ByWard Market neighbourhood has a large outdoor patio with fire pits (blankets are available). People watch from all angles while you enjoy The Grand’s authentic Neapolitan style pizza, pasta or a drink.
The Brig Pub
One of Ottawa’s most coveted patios is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the ByWard Market area. The Brig’s courtyard space is surrounded by walls that are both beautiful (check out the urban art) and useful (they make a cozy windbreak). The food and drinks are equally delightful.
Cooper’s Gastropub
One block from Elgin Street and the Rideau Canal in downtown Ottawa, Cooper’s Gastropub under the Embassy Hotel & Suites has a cozy heated patio with firepits, blankets and wind blocks. A convenient spot to warm up with food and drinks, including mulled wine or warm apple cider, before or after an outing on the Rideau Canal Skateway!
Deacon Brodies Pub
Elgin Street is known for its many pubs and restaurants, and the staff at Deacon Brodies Pub is happy to serve anyone who wants to sit on their corner patio this winter. Grab a seat under a space heater and enjoy a pint, pub food or the biggest whisky selection in town.
The Art House Café
This unique spot in the Chinatown neighbourhood blends coffee, cocktails and art. Plus The Art House Café patio is covered and heated! Step inside to see the exhibited art which is available for purchase, or view it on their website.
Spark Beer
Sit back and relax on a Muskoka chair next to a fire pit on the back patio at Spark Beer. This casual spot in the Chinatown area serves their own beers, guest taps, as well as warm beverages including mulled cider and hot toddies. You can also order soup and snacks, or bring your own takeout.
The Bridge Public House
The restaurant at the Rideau Sports Centre, located just east of downtown along the River River, offers two outdoor options in winter. You can do brunch, lunch or dinner on The Bridge Public House’s heated upper patio. Or plan ahead and reserve a private fire pit package which includes a tended fire on the riverside property, as well as food and drink options. This is a handy stop when you’re skiing along the new Rideau Winter Trail!
Beyond the Pale
Just west of downtown near Chinatown and Hintonburg, Beyond the Pale brewery added a large dome to their spacious outdoor patio space. The tent, warmed up with heaters, is a cozy spot to sip a beer and enjoy some Smoquehouse food. You can even cross-country ski, snowshoe or even snow bike over via the SJAM and Trillium pathways!
Bar Lupulus
In trendy Wellington Village, just west of downtown, Bar Lupulus serves a large selection of rotating beers, wines, as well as innovative cuisine. Even in the winter, you can relax at a table on their quiet back patio warmed by heaters and umbrellas.
Stofa
Also in Wellington Village, Stofa is offering an exclusive private patio experience for up to four people. You can “rent” the entire outdoor patio including Muskoka chairs, a fire pit, heaters and special menu. This is a limited time opportunity since the refined restaurant’s patio size (and capacity) multiplies when warmer weather arrives.
Zak’s Diner Kanata
The suburban Kanata location of Zak’s Diner—a small local chain of eateries—has a large patio with fire pits. Order classic diner fare, including all-day breakfast, thick milkshakes and satisfying burgers, as well as seasonal beverages and cocktails.
