Ottawa's Best Bars
Canada’s bar scene has undergone a quiet revolution over the past decade, and Ottawa has not been left behind. For generations, the nation’s capital was better known for its pubs than its cocktails. If you wanted a pint of lager or a rye-and-ginger, you had no shortage of options. But if you were searching for something more refined, you often had to travel to Montreal or Toronto.
That reputation is now changing. Ottawa is outgrowing its dull image, thanks to a new generation of restaurants and bars that are pushing boundaries and reducing our reliance on cookie-cutter concepts and chain restaurants. Inevitably, older establishments close, making space for bold new bars that reflect current tastes and global trends. In this cycle of reinvention, Ottawa has developed a bar culture worth noticing.
The best bars in Ottawa
Ottawa now has some great watering holes, despite them rarely appearing on annual listings of Canada’s Best. Our appreciation for the city’s bar scene, combined with the absence of consistent media coverage, motivated us to launch 10 Best Bars.
We released the first iteration of Ottawa’s best bars list in 2024. This year marks the second edition of what we hope will become an annual tradition. We believe the establishments on our list represent the best Ottawa has to offer. These bars have consistently delivered excellent service and demonstrated a clear dedication to the art of bartending. Our goal is for this list to serve as a guide to the city’s cocktail scene.
Compiling the list
This list is not assembled by algorithms, but by a small group of dedicated cocktail enthusiasts. Our contributors are not critics in the traditional sense. They approach each visit with curiosity and discernment and remain anonymous to preserve the integrity of their experiences.
These individuals have refined their palate by visiting well-renowned bars across Canada and abroad. They also possess solid foundational knowledge of food and cocktails, allowing them to better evaluate their experience when visiting a bar or restaurant.
The final list is the result of discussion and, often, difficult choices. Many bars in Ottawa deserve recognition, but only ten can make the cut. At times, the decision comes down to the smallest of details: thoughtful garnishes, the warmth of a welcome, or the way a bar manages its guests on the busiest nights.
What makes a great bar?
The best bars aren’t necessarily fancy. Some are places to celebrate milestones, while others are neighborhood bars. In either case, it’s somewhere you look forward to returning to.
Hospitality is non-negotiable. A great bar is one where the staff greet you warmly, where you’re well taken care of, and where you leave feeling better than when you arrived.
Service is central to that experience. The bartender plays a pivotal role: equal parts beverage historian, mixologist, conversationalist, and confidant. The best are efficient, knowledgeable, and capable of turning even a simple Gin & Tonic into a memorable libation. Whatever you order, they ensure it is well-balanced before serving it.
The menu also matters. A stagnant cocktail program signals complacency; a seasonal one reflects passion and innovation. The best establishments update their offerings regularly, showcasing seasonal ingredients or experimenting with new techniques. Bars that are serious about their cocktails typically offer between seven and twelve signature drinks on their menu.
Food has become a crucial part of the equation. We’ve come a long way since potato chips and pickled eggs. Today’s great bars curate small plates designed to pair with their drinks, expanding a visit’s potential from “just drinks” into a complete evening.
Then, there is the intangible element: concept. The very best bars have a clear identity that permeates everything. From lighting to glassware, from the playlist to staff attire, every detail aligns with the vision. Guests may not consciously notice this cohesion, but they feel it.
A final marker of excellence lies in how a bar shapes its atmosphere. The great ones are never too loud or too crowded. They don’t rely on television screens blaring sports highlights or playlists pushed to nightclub volume. Instead, they create a space where drinks and conversation take center stage.