13 Classic Ottawa Pubs And Bars Recommended By A Local

Here are Some of the Best Ottawa Pubs and Bars to Check Out!

Want to find the best pubs in Ottawa? From Highlander to Pub 101, there is no shortage of amazing places to grab a drink.

The best bars in Ottawa are found all over, from downtown to the famous Byward Market. Byward Market pubs are always super popular with locals and tourists alike!

Eric has been to Ottawa a few times (and been out in the Byward Market area countless times). Lisa has only been to Ottawa briefly in the wintertime (with Eric), so we didn’t get a chance to bar hop!

Let’s just say it wasn’t the best time to visit Ottawa! We need more time to explore Canada’s capital – and we’ll do that shortly!

So, to help us narrow down the best pubs in Ottawa for when you visit, we asked a local friend, Wes, for his input.

Born and raised in Ottawa, Wes is a huge wealth of knowledge when it comes to good local places that are worth checking out! Ready to explore the Ottawa pub and bar scene? There’s lots of music, food, and drinks to be had!

Ottawa Pubs and Bars: Byward Market

As one of the most popular spots to head to if you’re “heading out”, the Byward Market area is always hustlin’ and bustlin’! The Market itself is actually full of awesome shops and stalls. The area around is full of more shops, but mainly bars, pubs, and restaurants for all tastes!

Heart & Crown Pub

Address: 67 Clarence St, Ottawa

Located in the Byward Market area, the Heart & Crown is a class stop on a fun night out. As you might guess from the name, Heart & Crown is an Irish pub – complete with Guinness, Jameson, and other favourites on tap! 

If you are looking for food, you can expect traditional pub fare. You know, fish and chips, sliders, the usuals. They even do a decent breakfast if you’re hurting after a night out!

In the back, there is an area for live music to take place. The music is bumping almost every night of the week. Eric has actually been here and the live music was incredibly good and lots of fun!

Overall, Heart & Crown is moderately priced, the atmosphere is lively and energetic, and there are plenty of good beers on tap. What else do you need?!

Aulde Dubliner & Pour House

Address: 62 William St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7A3, Canada

Eric writing: Our local – who helped us write this post – took us to the Aulde Dubliner when we visited him in Ottawa. Located at the edge of the market overlooking the main ByWard building, we had a great time. What a classic summertime activity in Ontario!

The beer and drink menu was extensive – and the food menu was also huge. With plenty of seating, we got a patio table overlooking the market in the hot sunshine.

Our friend got a Canadian Caesar while we had beers – all of which were excellent. We then got food – Eric got a burger with fries and Lisa got a salmon sandwich – both were excellent!

We’d highly suggest a stop at Aulde. Overall, the server was super friendly, and atmosphere was pleasant – you won’t regret your place for drinks!

El Furniture Warehouse

Address: 77 Clarence St, Ottawa

Taking a page out of the Warehouse playbook (there is one in Toronto, as well), El Furniture is making a splash in any city it finds itself. Located in Byward Market, this place is known for the lineups and the hype.

Why? Because every item on the menu only costs $5.75! Yes, seriously. This makes the price range cheaper – perfect for indulging in your favourite foods and drinks.

The menu is described as “Canadian” – so if burgers, tacos, and salads are very Canadian, we guess it’s Canadian! In general, El Furniture fills up fast on weekends because there’s a great upbeat and energetic vibe throughout the place. Give it a go if you need cheap food and drinks!

El Camino

Addresses: 380 Elgin St, Ottawa, 81 Clarence Street, Ottawa (Byward Market)

If you are looking for the best tacos in Ottawa, then you’ll want to head down to El Camino. You’ll notice that there are two locations on the map for El Camino. The original location is on Elgin Street while the second location is in the Byward Market.

They have slightly different hours, so check ahead for the location you want to check out! In general, El Camino is a surefire casual and upbeat vibe. For a moderate price range – you can’t beat great tacos and great drinks!

Clocktower Brew Pub

Addresses: 200 Elgin St, 89 Clarence St (Byward Market), 575 Bank St (Glebe)

We can’t talk about pubs in Ottawa without mentioning a classic stop on any Ottawa pub tour.

Clocktower is known across the city – no, seriously – there are three locations to choose from across the downtown area! They actually have more across the city – but these are the ones you’d be closest to if you were exploring the centre!

Clocktower has the distinction of being the oldest full-service craft brewery in Ottawa. Since 1996, this place has been making people feel at home in their comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

Clocktower is known for its regular and variety of seasonal beers on tap as well as its extensive food list. From sharing plates to salads to wraps and burgers and dessert – you’re sure to find something you’d like for a moderate price!

Tavern on the Hill

Address: 1223 Alexandra Bridge, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4, Canada

If you want a pint and some amazing views, then head for Tavern on the Hill. Located in a green park area very close to Byward Market, this popular spot gives you breathtaking views of the Ottawa River and the Parliament buildings on Parliament Hill.

Eric writing: Our local suggested we go and we actually hung out in the park very close by for a while.

The day we visited Ottawa was so hot that we didn’t need another pint – but it was SO tempting. We will be visiting in the future for sure!

Lowertown Brewery

Address: 73 York St, Ottawa

Lowertown Brewery is definitely a Canadian-style brewery. The cool thing about Lowertown is that they sometimes have a small bonfire on their patio.

The other really cool thing: they also have a small pinball arcade! If you are looking for food, you’ll find Canadian classics like poutine and other barbecued goodies.

Lowertown’s atmosphere is topped off with weekly live music, stand-up comedy, and people looking to have an enjoyable evening with good people. While the prices are moderate to higher, you can’t beat a local microbrewery with amazing beers and food pairings.

Ottawa Pubs and Bars: Elgin Street

Another hub for places to eat and drink is along Elgin Street. As one of the main arteries that lead towards the Parliament buildings, Elgin is a great place to start an evening as you inch (or crawl) closer to the Byward Market area! Check out a few of these Ottawa pubs and bars!

Sir John A Pub

Address: 284 Elgin Street, Ottawa

Bearing the name of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A Pub delivers a classic pub feel. Located right on Elgin Street, you can’t miss this establishment even if you tried to!

With a very relaxed pub atmosphere, Sir John A Pub hammers home the pub feel with traditional pub food, decor, and a wide mix (over 50+) of micro-local, imported, and classic draft beers on tap.

They even do a weekend pub brunch and a late-night kitchen so if you’re hungry, you know where to go!

The Manx Pub

Address: Address: 370 Elgin Street, Ottawa

Located right on Elgin Street in the heart of downtown, Manx Pub is this super cool subterranean (downstairs) hideaway pub.

Inside, the tables are cozy and the place is filled with art and a classic pub atmosphere. The prices aren’t too crazy and you’ll find a pretty decent selection of craft beers and whiskey.

The Manx is actually a place that we have been to together with Wes and another friend! Since it was wintertime, we had an Irish coffee and a massive club sandwich.

The fries were very good as well! Think classic pub grub – that’s what you find at the Manx. Occasionally, they have live music so check the schedule for which night you want to go!

Charlotte

Address: 340b, Elgin Street, Ottawa

A little outside the “pub” feel but still noteworthy for the list, Charlotte is definitely the place to go.

Located right on Elgin Street, Charlotte offers guests a very relaxing lounge atmosphere and a sophisticated coolness that you can only find in a handful of places. The entirety of this unique bar is designed to look like a mid-century living room!

Their food is a mix of snacks and small plates so don’t expect to get full here – you head to Charlotte for the rotating beers and cocktails made from in-house ingredients.

This level of coolness will come at a higher cost, but you can always go for $10 draught flights on Tuesdays. If you want to try a few different beers for a fair price, this is your best shot!

MacLaren’s

Address: 301 Elgin Street, Ottawa

Can you really write a post on pubs in Ottawa and leave out MacLaren’s? We don’t think so!

Located right on Elgin (you won’t miss it, trust us), MacLaren’s has been welcoming beer enthusiasts and sports lovers since 1997. The place remains a fixture on the corner of Elgin and MacLaren to this day!

From the dozens of billiard tables to the many HD-screen TVs around the place, MacLaren’s is a great venue for watching the big game – whatever that might be at the time!

It’s a casual sports bar that does pub food like pizza, ribs, classic apps like mozzarella sticks, and so much more. The price is fair and moderate for the experience to watch the game – makes you feel a little spoiled to get such a great bar/pub atmosphere!

Ottawa Pubs and Bars: Centretown

You might find yourself wandering downtown Ottawa – but if you can’t find Elgin, you might be in Centretown.

Located – you guessed it – in the centre of the downtown core, there are a number of great pubs and bars in the area. Below are two that come highly recommended by our local!

Union Local 613 (and Speakeasy)

Address: 315 Somerset Street West, Ottawa

Looking for an all-around outstanding experience? Consider heading down to Union 613. Located on Somerset Street, this convenient downtown location is filled with amazing cocktails and Southern-inspired dishes like fried chicken!

The vibe is definitely classier and more hipster – and the prices reflect an upscale experience. However, the food portions are good and the food is locally sourced so you’re supporting local businesses here! They even cover all meals (including a late-night menu).

The main floor of Union not doing it for you? Then head downstairs and behind the shelf to access the tiny speakeasy.

Although there is limited seating, you’ll find great cocktails being served up in an interesting, grotto-like wooden basement. But, keep that knowledge quiet – will ya?

Prohibition Public House

Address: 337 Somerset Street West, Ottawa

Playing up the old-time wooden interior and gastropub vibe, Prohibition Public House is a great stop if you’re in the area.

Located on Somerset Street, this classy establishment has made a name for itself serving up classy cocktails, local craft beers, and upscale pub eats for years.

Inside the house, you’ll find Canadian-style cuisine – from charcuterie and shared plates to salads and full-on entrees.

The price can be a little on the higher side but the quality of the food and the local beers make the experience worth the price and the trip!

Related Articles

If you are exploring Ottawa and the surrounding area, here are some other helpful guides:

• Awesome Things to Do in Ottawa in All Seasons
• Where to Stay in Ottawa – Hotels and Areas
• Explore Ottawa in One Perfect Day
• Fun Day Trips from Ottawa (+ Directions)
• How to Get From Toronto to Ottawa (All Ways)

And there you have it –  some of the best Ottawa pubs and bars in the city! Of course, this is just a shortlist. There are just so many places that you can check out – we couldn’t include them all!

Where do you like to go when you’re going out in Ottawa? Get in touch and let us know! A huge thank you to Wes for sharing his Ottawa knowledge – your next pint is on us when we see you, Wes!

As always, Keep Exploring, eh?
– L&E

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