Ottawa's 10 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.
The nation’s capital is outgrowing its dull reputation thanks partly to a new generation of venues that are pushing boundaries, 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 now developed a bar culture worth noticing.
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, and this year marks the second edition of what we hope will become an annual tradition. 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
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, but passionate cocktail enthusiasts who approach each visit with curiosity and discernment. They remain anonymous to ensure the integrity of their experiences. These individuals have refined their palate and 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 evaluate their experience better when visiting a bar or restaurant.
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 final list is a result of discussion and, often, difficult choices. Many bars in Ottawa deserve recognition, but only ten can make the cut. Sometimes 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 of nights.
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.
Hospitality is non-negotiable. A great bar is one where the staff greet you warmly, where you’re taken care of without fuss, and where you leave feeling just a little better than when you arrived.
A great bar provides excellent service. The bartender, in particular, plays a pivotal role: equal parts craftsman, entertainer, and confidant. The best are quick without rushing, knowledgeable without being pretentious, and capable of turning even a simple Gin & Tonic into a polished experience. Whatever you order, they ensure it’s well-balanced before serving it.
Then there’s the menu. A stagnant menu signals complacency; a dynamic one reflects curiosity and care. The strongest establishments update their offerings regularly, showcasing seasonal ingredients or experimenting with new techniques. Establishments that are serious about their cocktail program usually have between 8 to 12 signature drinks on the menu.
Food has also 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: delectable crudo, crispy arancini, inventive vegetarian bites. These offerings turn a visit from “just drinks” into a rounded evening experience.
But the intangible element—the magic—comes from concept. The very best bars have a clear identity that permeates everything. From the lighting to the glassware, from the playlist to the attire of the staff, 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, never too crowded. They don’t rely on television screens blaring sports highlights or playlists turned up to nightclub volume. Instead, they create a space where drinks and conversation take center stage.