YORK STREET
The 27 Club (27 York Street)
The 27 Club opened in late summer 2017 in the former home of the legendary Zaphod Beeblebrox – an important player in Ottawa’s live music scene for over 25 years. The interior space has undergone a major remodel, providing a fresh look and a new experience. The club presents an eclectic variety of great local and touring live bands and DJs.
The Lookout Bar (41 York Street, 2nd floor)
Ottawa’s most popular 2SLGBTQ+ bar has been operating for over 20 years and boasts one of the best views in the city, with a licensed balcony overlooking the ByWard Market area. At The Lookout Bar, Sunday and Wednesday are karaoke nights, Thursday features local drag competitions, and Friday and Saturday showcase drag shows starring Ottawa’s sassiest drag queens!
Berlin Nightclub (56 ByWard Market Square – between York and George Streets)
Berlin Nightclub (formerly Mercury Lounge) pays homage to the legendary club by continuing to be a hub for monthly pop ups, exhibitions, music and more. With multiple floors, you can experience the KRUSH Cocktail Bar, and theUNDERGROUND where resident DJs play house music every night. Dance the night away or enjoy a date night in the heart of the ByWard Market.
CLARENCE STREET
El Furniture Warehouse (77 Clarence Street)
This unique dive bar is a popular nightlife spot! Enjoy its casual, warehouse-style décor and budget-friendly menu. El Furniture Warehouse is a great place to go for a drink and catch up with a group of friends any day of the week!
Heart and Crown Irish Pubs (67 Clarence Street)
Affectionately known by locals as the “Irish Village,” this is a nighttime spot you don’t want to miss! Originally known as the Heart & Crown, this small pub has grown into a grouping of different venues, which is THE place to be on weekends in Ottawa. Enjoy the quiet vibe of the dark Snug Pub or listen to smaller bands in the original Heart & Crown. If you continue walking past the kitchen at the back, you’ll find Mother McGintey’s – where larger bands play and weekend revelers gather. And if you need to get away from the crowd, sneak down the stairs to the small, cozy Black Rose.
DALHOUSIE STREET
Copper Spirits and Sights (325 Dalhousie Street)
For a bar with a view, head to Copper Spirits & Sights, the city’s tallest rooftop bar on the 16th floor of Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market. Check out the chic but relaxed vibe in the indoor lounge or out on the outdoor terrace – the panoramic views are gorgeous from every vantage point!
The Palace (400A Dalhousie Street)
The Palace, once the Rideau Theatre, is a premier nightclub in Ottawa, offering a grand space for nearly 500 guests. Open Fridays and Saturdays, it brings an electrifying vibe with great music, drinks, and a lively atmosphere. VIP table reservations are available for an unforgettable night out.
MURRAY STREET
Rainbow Bistro (76 Murray Street)
Known as Ottawa’s legendary Blues venue since 1984, Rainbow Bistro hosts national and international Blues acts as well as other music genres such as Pop, Reggae, Rock and Ska. The famous Blues Brother Dan Aykroyd, an Ottawa native, has performance here!
Somewhere Dine Bar (110 Murray Street)
Open every day until 2 a.m., Somewhere Dine Bar is the perfect date night and going out spot. The menu consists of crispy calamari, duck bao buns, steak tartare and so much more. Stay late and order bottle service as this restaurant turns into a club. With a secluded patio behind the restaurant adorned with lush greenery, Somewhere is the place to be on a warm summer night.
There are many other great places to hang out in the evenings throughout Canada’s capital. Check out some highlights of Ottawa’s vibrant neighbourhoods!
Note: The legal drinking age in the province of Ontario is 19. But though 19 is the minimal age in Ottawa by law, some privately-owned establishments in the ByWard Market area reserve the right to refuse entry to patrons who are under 21 or 25 years of age. Be sure to check on these restrictions before you head out. Alcohol is served in Ottawa until 2:00 a.m.
