Guidebook for Ottawa

Marie & Marcos
Marie & Marcos
Guidebook for Ottawa

Drinks & Nightlife

This is a bourbon specialty house. Amazing cocktails (though a bit on the expensive side) and food (including chicken and waffles)! It's one of our favorites. If you like cocktails, try the Gin Fizz. Tuesdays evenings are buck-a-shuck. Price: $$$
Hooch Bourbon House
180 Rideau St
This is a bourbon specialty house. Amazing cocktails (though a bit on the expensive side) and food (including chicken and waffles)! It's one of our favorites. If you like cocktails, try the Gin Fizz. Tuesdays evenings are buck-a-shuck. Price: $$$
Tequila bar. Also, amazing tacos. A little bit on the expensive side, but check it out on Tuesday nights, when tacos are 2 for 1. Price: $$$
20 locals recommend
Ace Mercado
121 Clarence Street
20 locals recommend
Tequila bar. Also, amazing tacos. A little bit on the expensive side, but check it out on Tuesday nights, when tacos are 2 for 1. Price: $$$
This unpretentious, underrated pizza place looks like your friend's basement hang-out in the 80s (but it's not in a basement, with doors opened in the summer). This is the type of place where the staff and the customers know each other by name, and the pizza is truly one of the best in Ottawa. We want to tell everyone about it, but at the same time, we want to keep it for ourselves! Price: $
Angelos Sports Bar and Grill
303 St. Patrick St
This unpretentious, underrated pizza place looks like your friend's basement hang-out in the 80s (but it's not in a basement, with doors opened in the summer). This is the type of place where the staff and the customers know each other by name, and the pizza is truly one of the best in Ottawa. We want to tell everyone about it, but at the same time, we want to keep it for ourselves! Price: $
A chain from Ottawa which brews their own beer. Food and drinks are reasonably priced. Price: $$
10 locals recommend
Clocktower Brew Pub Byward Market
10 locals recommend
A chain from Ottawa which brews their own beer. Food and drinks are reasonably priced. Price: $$
If you're looking for a dance floor to party all night... or at least until 2am
8 locals recommend
Zaphod Beeblebrox
27 York St
8 locals recommend
If you're looking for a dance floor to party all night... or at least until 2am
Nice little pub, nice patio for the summer with big screen for sports events. Price: $$
7 locals recommend
The Earl of Sussex
431 Sussex Dr
7 locals recommend
Nice little pub, nice patio for the summer with big screen for sports events. Price: $$
Perfect for watching sports events. Price: $$$
10 locals recommend
Ha Long Fish & Seafood Market
789 Somerset St W
10 locals recommend
Perfect for watching sports events. Price: $$$
Nearest gay bar, intimate atmosphere (read: it gets really hot in the summer!) with very small deck allowing you to take a breath of fresh air. Drag shows on Saturdays (of questionable quality, but fun!). Lady's night, Men's night.
8 locals recommend
The Lookout Bar
41 York Street
8 locals recommend
Nearest gay bar, intimate atmosphere (read: it gets really hot in the summer!) with very small deck allowing you to take a breath of fresh air. Drag shows on Saturdays (of questionable quality, but fun!). Lady's night, Men's night.
Great little pub, offers a very good brunch too. It's small, so it can be hard to get a spot.
95 locals recommend
The Manx Pub
370 Elgin St
95 locals recommend
Great little pub, offers a very good brunch too. It's small, so it can be hard to get a spot.
Laid-back gay pub, slightly older crowd (30+)
Centretown Pub Complex
340 Somerset St W
Laid-back gay pub, slightly older crowd (30+)
3-story dance club/music venue. Indie/alternative/jazz music. Wednesdays are popular for dancing and is also queer night.
32 locals recommend
Mercury Lounge
56 Byward Market Square
32 locals recommend
3-story dance club/music venue. Indie/alternative/jazz music. Wednesdays are popular for dancing and is also queer night.
Martini bar, gay friendly. Wednesdays are 5$ martinis, Thursdays are 6$ mojitos. Also a BYOW on Sundays and Tuesdays (5$ corking fee).
8 locals recommend
The Buzz Kitchen + Cocktail
374 Bank Street
8 locals recommend
Martini bar, gay friendly. Wednesdays are 5$ martinis, Thursdays are 6$ mojitos. Also a BYOW on Sundays and Tuesdays (5$ corking fee).
Also known as "The Laff". A true dive bar. Price: $
27 locals recommend
Chateau Lafayette (The Laff)
42 York St
27 locals recommend
Also known as "The Laff". A true dive bar. Price: $
Nightclub
32 locals recommend
Babylon
317 Bank St
32 locals recommend
Nightclub
Cozy, usually packed, features local brew Ashton.
12 locals recommend
Quinn's
1070 Bank St
12 locals recommend
Cozy, usually packed, features local brew Ashton.
Pinball machines and old arcade games everywhere, excellent perogies. A bar like no other in Ottawa. Serves as a venue for local artists as well (with cover).
52 locals recommend
House of TARG
1077 Bank St
52 locals recommend
Pinball machines and old arcade games everywhere, excellent perogies. A bar like no other in Ottawa. Serves as a venue for local artists as well (with cover).
There are so many pubs in Ottawa. This is one that I particularly like because the food is good. Price: $$
9 locals recommend
D'Arcy McGee's
44 Sparks St.
9 locals recommend
There are so many pubs in Ottawa. This is one that I particularly like because the food is good. Price: $$
Another pub which serves food.
12 locals recommend
Sir John A Pub
284 Elgin St
12 locals recommend
Another pub which serves food.
A popular pub among locals and tourists alike.
7 locals recommend
Fox & Feather Pub and Grill
283 Elgin St
7 locals recommend
A popular pub among locals and tourists alike.

Essentials

Nearest grocery store. Open 24/7, closed only a few days a year. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students get 10% off.
150 locals recommend
Metro
50 Beechwood Ave.
150 locals recommend
Nearest grocery store. Open 24/7, closed only a few days a year. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students get 10% off.
Another grocery store. Also open 24/7, closed only a few days a year. Students also get 10% off on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
264 locals recommend
Loblaws
64 Isabella St
264 locals recommend
Another grocery store. Also open 24/7, closed only a few days a year. Students also get 10% off on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Small pharmacy located inside Rideau Centre (ground floor).
108 locals recommend
Shoppers Drug Mart
174 Bank St
108 locals recommend
Small pharmacy located inside Rideau Centre (ground floor).
The nearest pharmacy
30 locals recommend
Rexall Drugstore
200 Rideau St
30 locals recommend
The nearest pharmacy
Liquor store - wine, beer and hard liquor. Wine lovers, please note that this store's vintage selection (on the lower level) is one of the largest in Ontario.
191 locals recommend
LCBO
160 Elgin St
191 locals recommend
Liquor store - wine, beer and hard liquor. Wine lovers, please note that this store's vintage selection (on the lower level) is one of the largest in Ontario.
Liquor store - beer only
57 locals recommend
Beer Store
515 Somerset St W
57 locals recommend
Liquor store - beer only
Same day (usually) cell phone repairs for your emergency needs.
Rideau Cell Phone plus, iPhone repair Ottawa
1 Nicholas St
Same day (usually) cell phone repairs for your emergency needs.

Entertainment & Activities

A well-known adorable little cinema. You are more likely to find an award-winning foreign film playing there than a blockbuster.
87 locals recommend
ByTowne Cinema
325 Rideau St
87 locals recommend
A well-known adorable little cinema. You are more likely to find an award-winning foreign film playing there than a blockbuster.
"You and your friends are investigating a murder when all of a sudden the door slams shut behind you. As you explore the room you are now locked in, you discover what seems to be a set of clues that may help you escape. You have 45 minutes to work together to uncover the clues and find the key to get out before..." (escapemanor.com)
22 locals recommend
Escape Manor - Downtown
292-A Queen St
22 locals recommend
"You and your friends are investigating a murder when all of a sudden the door slams shut behind you. As you explore the room you are now locked in, you discover what seems to be a set of clues that may help you escape. You have 45 minutes to work together to uncover the clues and find the key to get out before..." (escapemanor.com)
The new Landsdowne features TD Stadium (catch Ottawa's Fury - soccer or Ottawa's Red Black - football), a VIP cineplex (serves alcohol), a bunch of bars and restaurants, a skate park and a Whole Foods Market. You can access it through the bike path that follows Rideau Canal. About 20 min bike ride from our place.
196 locals recommend
Lansdowne Park
Marché Way
196 locals recommend
The new Landsdowne features TD Stadium (catch Ottawa's Fury - soccer or Ottawa's Red Black - football), a VIP cineplex (serves alcohol), a bunch of bars and restaurants, a skate park and a Whole Foods Market. You can access it through the bike path that follows Rideau Canal. About 20 min bike ride from our place.

Shopping

Dollar store
23 locals recommend
Dollarama
1050 Somerset St W
23 locals recommend
Dollar store
Shopping Centre, includes a pharmacy and a liquor store on the ground floor.
589 locals recommend
Rideau Centre
589 locals recommend
Shopping Centre, includes a pharmacy and a liquor store on the ground floor.

Food Scene

Unpretentious, authentic mexican food. Price: $
27 locals recommend
Ahora Mexican Restaurant
307 Dalhousie St
27 locals recommend
Unpretentious, authentic mexican food. Price: $
Great little coffee shop. Price: $
34 locals recommend
The Ministry of Coffee
274 Elgin St
34 locals recommend
Great little coffee shop. Price: $
Great little tea/coffee house. Vegetarian food available. If you're lucky, you'll spot the mini horses on a walk from the stable next door. Price: $
6 locals recommend
The Tea Party
119 York Street
6 locals recommend
Great little tea/coffee house. Vegetarian food available. If you're lucky, you'll spot the mini horses on a walk from the stable next door. Price: $
A coffee shop chain from Ottawa - has wifi Price: $
210 locals recommend
Bridgehead
131 Beechwood Ave.
210 locals recommend
A coffee shop chain from Ottawa - has wifi Price: $
Coffee shop with lots of space to work and power outlets for your laptop. Has wifi. Price: $
18 locals recommend
Bluebird Coffee
261 Dalhousie St
18 locals recommend
Coffee shop with lots of space to work and power outlets for your laptop. Has wifi. Price: $
Great ambiance and food (and coffee, of course). Great spot to spend a few hours in the summer, as they have a beautiful terrasse with shade from trees. No WiFi! Price: $
32 locals recommend
Planet Coffee, ByWard Market, Ottawa
24a York St
32 locals recommend
Great ambiance and food (and coffee, of course). Great spot to spend a few hours in the summer, as they have a beautiful terrasse with shade from trees. No WiFi! Price: $
Brunch and desserts. Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. Expect a small lineup. Price: $$
19 locals recommend
CACAO 70 Eatery
53 William St
19 locals recommend
Brunch and desserts. Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. Expect a small lineup. Price: $$
If you are a meatatarian (Or a "steak and potatoes" kind of person), this place if for you: ribs, pulled pork, jerk, etc. We love it! Price: $$$
11 locals recommend
The Smoque Shack
250 City Centre Ave
11 locals recommend
If you are a meatatarian (Or a "steak and potatoes" kind of person), this place if for you: ribs, pulled pork, jerk, etc. We love it! Price: $$$
One of Ottawa's oldest bakeries
9 locals recommend
Rideau Bakery
50 Rideau St
9 locals recommend
One of Ottawa's oldest bakeries
Great little Italian store. Also serves excellent sandwiches at lunch time. Price (sandwiches): $
64 locals recommend
La Bottega Nicastro, ByWard Market
64 George St
64 locals recommend
Great little Italian store. Also serves excellent sandwiches at lunch time. Price (sandwiches): $
Better known for their excellent meat. Great brunch or happy hour place. Price: $$$
9 locals recommend
Murray Street
Murray Street
9 locals recommend
Better known for their excellent meat. Great brunch or happy hour place. Price: $$$
Sushi - Try going later in the evening, when they offer 2 for 1 on most of their sushi. Price: $$$ (but $$ during the 2 for 1 deal)
6 locals recommend
Kinki Lounge Kitchen
41 York St
6 locals recommend
Sushi - Try going later in the evening, when they offer 2 for 1 on most of their sushi. Price: $$$ (but $$ during the 2 for 1 deal)
All you can eat sushi, my go-to place in the area. Price: $$
7 locals recommend
Hokkaido Sushi
272 Dalhousie St
7 locals recommend
All you can eat sushi, my go-to place in the area. Price: $$
A café where both tourists and locals like to stop for a quick bite to eat - paninis, salads. Price: $
Byward Cafe
55 Byward Market Square
A café where both tourists and locals like to stop for a quick bite to eat - paninis, salads. Price: $
Might be the cheapest breakfast around. Also a university-style bar. Price: $
13 locals recommend
Father & Sons Restaurant
112 Osgoode St
13 locals recommend
Might be the cheapest breakfast around. Also a university-style bar. Price: $
Great burgers, great atmosphere! A favorite among locals. They don't take reservations. Price: $$
80 locals recommend
Chez Lucien
137 Murray St
80 locals recommend
Great burgers, great atmosphere! A favorite among locals. They don't take reservations. Price: $$
Has gotten mixed reviews from our friends, but we've only had good experiences there ourselves. Price: $$
9 locals recommend
Bite Burger House on Murray st.
108 Murray St
9 locals recommend
Has gotten mixed reviews from our friends, but we've only had good experiences there ourselves. Price: $$
Great food, good atmosphere, live piano music. Price: $$$$
28 locals recommend
Das Lokal
190 Dalhousie Street
28 locals recommend
Great food, good atmosphere, live piano music. Price: $$$$
My boyfriend and I are passionate about this place. You HAVE to try it. Must like/tolerate spicy food. Price: $
19 locals recommend
Pili Pili Grilled Chicken
205 Dalhousie St
19 locals recommend
My boyfriend and I are passionate about this place. You HAVE to try it. Must like/tolerate spicy food. Price: $
This vegetarian place is my favorite in the surroundings. Peaceful atmosphere, nice staff. Forget your stress and fill your belly with healthy vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options. Price: $
Perfection Satisfaction Promise Vegetarian
167 Laurier Ave. E
This vegetarian place is my favorite in the surroundings. Peaceful atmosphere, nice staff. Forget your stress and fill your belly with healthy vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options. Price: $
Amazing tacos. Great ambiance. They don't take reservations and better get there early! But the waiting time will be worth it I promise! If it's too busy, you might want to check out Datsun, its neighbor, from the same owners (Asian fusion). Price: $$$
168 locals recommend
El Camino
380 Elgin St
168 locals recommend
Amazing tacos. Great ambiance. They don't take reservations and better get there early! But the waiting time will be worth it I promise! If it's too busy, you might want to check out Datsun, its neighbor, from the same owners (Asian fusion). Price: $$$
Amazing scones! Great breakfast place. Usually packed.
20 locals recommend
The SconeWitch (Elgin)
150 Elgin St
20 locals recommend
Amazing scones! Great breakfast place. Usually packed.
This place has been recommended to me by my vegetarian friends.
36 locals recommend
Pure Kitchen Westboro
357 Richmond Rd
36 locals recommend
This place has been recommended to me by my vegetarian friends.
This place has been recommended to me by my vegetarian friends.
28 locals recommend
The Table Vegetarian Restaurant
1230 Wellington St. W
28 locals recommend
This place has been recommended to me by my vegetarian friends.
This place has been recommended to me by my vegetarian friends.
62 locals recommend
The Green Door Restaurant
198 Main St
62 locals recommend
This place has been recommended to me by my vegetarian friends.
South Indian Restaurant. My personal favorite.
26 locals recommend
Coconut Lagoon
853 St. Laurent Blvd
26 locals recommend
South Indian Restaurant. My personal favorite.
Great food, great drinks. When you go to the washroom downstairs, don't miss the Speakeasy hidden bar - you might have to push the bookshelf to open the secret door.
78 locals recommend
Union Local 613
315 Somerset St W
78 locals recommend
Great food, great drinks. When you go to the washroom downstairs, don't miss the Speakeasy hidden bar - you might have to push the bookshelf to open the secret door.
Was recommended to me - vegetarian and vegan friendly.
37 locals recommend
Bread & Sons
195 Bank St
37 locals recommend
Was recommended to me - vegetarian and vegan friendly.
One of only 2 of Ottawa's restaurants that made the list of top restaurants in Canada. We tested it out - it's truly excellent. Price: $$$$
56 locals recommend
Fauna
425 Bank St
56 locals recommend
One of only 2 of Ottawa's restaurants that made the list of top restaurants in Canada. We tested it out - it's truly excellent. Price: $$$$

Sightseeing

Simply walk around, buy fresh fruits or vegetables to snack on or to make dinner at home, or buy some locally made jewelry. In the winter, don't miss the maple syrup and maple treats.
61 locals recommend
Byward Market Square
Byward Market Square
61 locals recommend
Simply walk around, buy fresh fruits or vegetables to snack on or to make dinner at home, or buy some locally made jewelry. In the winter, don't miss the maple syrup and maple treats.
We are only a short walk's distance to Canada's Parliament. At night in the summer, once the sun is completely down, check out the light show. It's free and lasts about 1.5 hours.
891 locals recommend
Parliament Hill
Wellington Street
891 locals recommend
We are only a short walk's distance to Canada's Parliament. At night in the summer, once the sun is completely down, check out the light show. It's free and lasts about 1.5 hours.
Tabaret Hall, the most famous of the University of Ottawa's buildings. Features a small park.
Tabaret Hall (TBT)
550 Cumberland St
Tabaret Hall, the most famous of the University of Ottawa's buildings. Features a small park.
A Basilica worth taking a look at if the doors are open.
56 locals recommend
Notre Dame Basilica
385 Sussex Dr
56 locals recommend
A Basilica worth taking a look at if the doors are open.
If you are crossing to the Quebec side, take this bridge, and make sure to turn around for breathtaking views of Ottawa and the Parliament
14 locals recommend
Alexandra Bridge
14 locals recommend
If you are crossing to the Quebec side, take this bridge, and make sure to turn around for breathtaking views of Ottawa and the Parliament
Great view of the city. Try it at night while subtly sipping on a beer - at your own risk, as alcohol is forbidden in public spaces in Ottawa. (Dear Québécois: Ottawa is NOT Montreal - you could get a warning or a fine).
35 locals recommend
Nepean Point
35 locals recommend
Great view of the city. Try it at night while subtly sipping on a beer - at your own risk, as alcohol is forbidden in public spaces in Ottawa. (Dear Québécois: Ottawa is NOT Montreal - you could get a warning or a fine).
Ottawa City Hall features a skating rink in the winter.
25 locals recommend
Ottawa City hall
110 Laurier Ave W
25 locals recommend
Ottawa City Hall features a skating rink in the winter.
The residence of the General Governor. Walk around in the park, tour the residence, skate in the winter.
96 locals recommend
Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Dr
96 locals recommend
The residence of the General Governor. Walk around in the park, tour the residence, skate in the winter.

Parks & Nature

Nice park with some paths along the river. Features a kid's playground.
43 locals recommend
Strathcona Park
25 Range Rd
43 locals recommend
Nice park with some paths along the river. Features a kid's playground.
During the tulip's festival, make sure to check it out! From there, you can also access great bike paths that go around the Parliament. There is also a very small art gallery.
90 locals recommend
Major's Hill Park
Mackenzie Avenue
90 locals recommend
During the tulip's festival, make sure to check it out! From there, you can also access great bike paths that go around the Parliament. There is also a very small art gallery.
Enjoy the bike paths or just take a walk along the canal. You can reach Landsdowne that way (20 min bike ride).
259 locals recommend
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
1 Second Avenue
259 locals recommend
Enjoy the bike paths or just take a walk along the canal. You can reach Landsdowne that way (20 min bike ride).
You need a car to get there. Winter or summer, you'll find something to do in Gatineau Park. Camping, canoe-camping, biking, walking, hiking, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, some downhill skiing. Or just go for a drive in the fall, when the leaves are just gorgeous. Don't miss the Mackenzie King Estate: gardens, ruins and cottages from the 1940s. Explore by car and by foot. Stop at the Chelsea Pub or at L'Orée du bois on your way back.
522 locals recommend
Gatineau Park
33 Chem. Scott
522 locals recommend
You need a car to get there. Winter or summer, you'll find something to do in Gatineau Park. Camping, canoe-camping, biking, walking, hiking, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, some downhill skiing. Or just go for a drive in the fall, when the leaves are just gorgeous. Don't miss the Mackenzie King Estate: gardens, ruins and cottages from the 1940s. Explore by car and by foot. Stop at the Chelsea Pub or at L'Orée du bois on your way back.
Ornamental Gardens, Arboretum, Agriculture and Food Museum, and a bunch of smaller themed gardens. The Experimental Farm is near Dow's lake and connects with the bike pathway.
10 locals recommend
Experimental Farm Pathway
Experimental Farm Pathway
10 locals recommend
Ornamental Gardens, Arboretum, Agriculture and Food Museum, and a bunch of smaller themed gardens. The Experimental Farm is near Dow's lake and connects with the bike pathway.
You can rent paddle boats, paddle boards, canoes, kayaks in the summer, as well as skates and sleighs in the winter. On beautiful summer days, you might be put on a waiting list to rent equipment, but take the opportunity to get a drink or a snack at the bar/restaurant.
191 locals recommend
Dows Lake
1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway
191 locals recommend
You can rent paddle boats, paddle boards, canoes, kayaks in the summer, as well as skates and sleighs in the winter. On beautiful summer days, you might be put on a waiting list to rent equipment, but take the opportunity to get a drink or a snack at the bar/restaurant.