The Top 10 Bars In Ottawa, Canada

The Black Thorn is an up-scale cafe/bar with a proud historical past. It has made its home in the National Capital Commission Building, once the home of 19th entury carriage master Albert Thibert. Original photographs are proudly displayed in the main bar area, to help bring the history of this beautiful building alive. It is a large space, with room for over 200 diners, consisting of four main sections: the front patio, main bar area, dining room and courtyard patio. Serving an impressive collection of draught beers, wines and dishes, including the excellent gourmet pizzas, The Black Thorn is the perfect first-stop on your Ottawa bar crawl.

At the Hintonburg Public House, the friendly atmosphere and up beat music choices will soon have you feeling like you have found your new local drinking spot. The pub specializes in craft beers, many of which are sourced from the popular Muskoka breweries, although they also offer a small wine and cocktail list. The rustic furniture and quirky décor also contribute towards this place’s artsy, laid back vibe.

At the Canal Ritz, you can enjoy your drink while making the most of the bar’s central location, overlooking the beautiful Rideau Canal. Located right by the water, this snazzy bar has large glass windows and a pretty outdoor terrace for the warmer months. There’s a broad selection of Italian food on offer, and the drink list is extensive and tastes even better in combination with the amazing view.

Attracting a young crowd not dissimilar to that found in some of Toronto’s trendiest haunts, The Belmont is a casual bar serving well made drinks and small plates of delicious food. The minimalist interior reflects its simple menu, but there is a good selection of drinks available. Fun, attentive staff contribute to the energetic atmosphere and make this a great place to head for a night out with friends.

A ByWard Market favorite is The Rainbow, a blues bar. The place has grown a strong national and international reputation as the home of many travelling music acts. The acoustics here are perfect for a live music gig and although its main attraction is blues acts, you can also often enjoy pop, alt, jazz, rock or soul music along with your drink.

Despite being open for over 20 years, the Manx Pub remains a well kept secret, tucked away in a basement on Elgin Street. The dimly lit interior appears relatively unassuming, but the place has a great relaxed atmosphere, fostered by its arts pub heritage. True to form, the walls are decorated with local art, rotated on a monthly basis and the place often hosts jazz and DJ nights on Sunday and Monday evenings.