Ottawa's 10 Best Bars
Canada’s bar scene has drastically changed over the past decade. Ottawa is shifting from a predominantly pub city to one that has a growing number of wine and cocktail bars.
The nation’s capital is outgrowing its dull reputation thanks partly to a wave of new bars that pursue innovation, reducing our reliance on cookie-cutter bars and chain restaurants. Old establishments close and get replaced by new bars that are aligned with current trends.
The best bars in Ottawa
Ottawa now has some great watering holes, despite them rarely appearing on the annual listings of Canada’s best. Our love for Ottawa’s bar scene combined with the absence of media coverage is what motivated us to launch 10 Best Bars.
We released the first iteration of Ottawa’s best bars list in 2024. This year’s list marks the second year publishing our list.
We believe the establishments on our list are the best in Ottawa. These bars have consistently offered excellent service and demonstrated dedication to the art of bartending. We hope that our list serves as a guide to Ottawa’s cocktail scene.
Compiling the list
Our best bars list was compiled by a small group of dedicated cocktail enthusiasts. Our publication highlights the best bars in the nation’s capital based on the opinions of these anonymous individuals entrusted with finding the best spots.
The individuals who assessed Ottawa bars have refined their palate and their judgment by visiting numerous well-renowned bars across Canada and abroad. They also have solid foundations and knowledge about food and cocktails, allowing them to better evaluate their experience when visiting a bar or restaurant.
Many bars deserve to be on our list, but not all could fit. Difficult choices were made when selecting these bars, and often it came down to small details that made one establishment stand out above the others.
What makes a great bar?
The best bars aren’t necessarily fancy. Although some are fine establishments where you go to celebrate milestones, others are neighborhood bars. In either case, it’s somewhere you look forward to going back to.
One of the most important factors is how welcoming the staff is. A great establishment is one where the staff takes care of you from the moment you enter to the moment you pay your bill.
A great bar provides excellent service. The bartenders are convivial, fast, and knowledgeable, capable of making any classic cocktail. Whatever you order, they ensure it’s well-balanced before serving it.
The best bars update their menu now and then. They’re up to date with the beverage industry’s latest innovations. They serve libations that exist nowhere else by employing cutting-edge techniques. These establishments don’t focus solely on their beverages. We’ve come a long way since potato chips and pickled eggs. They serve delicious and creative plates that pair well with their libations.
Every establishment is created with a concept in mind. The best establishments execute on that concept to the fullest, to the point that it permeates everything: the menu, the glassware, the ingredients, the lighting, the staff attire, the music, the decor, etc. Everything from the entrance to the bathroom is cohesive.
A great bar is designed so that patrons enjoy an evening of drinks and conversation. These bars are never too crowded, even at full capacity. They don’t rely on TV screens or loud music to attract clientele.