Before Drip House Cocktail Bar came to life, 692 Somerset had already known the rhythm of dual purpose: coffee by day, cocktails by night. Pre-pandemic, this address housed Bar Robo, a café-bar hybrid with the same concept, though never with such excellence.

As the name suggests, Drip House began as a coffee shop, building a following with their drip coffee, espresso, and light fare (sandwiches, salads, breakfast bowls, and avocado toasts). With this formula, they expanded across Ottawa. The Somerset outpost, their third, opened in 2021. It thrived as a café but eventually evolved when the team introduced an evening cocktail program. Perhaps this dual-purpose model hints at the company’s broader vision: in September, Drip House rebranded its 121 Parkdale Avenue location as Bodega, a New York-Italian style casual restaurant that still serves specialty coffees while adding wine and craft cocktails to the mix.

Each Drip House location has its own personality, but their signature design feature is their moody yet hip vibe: warm wood accents, gold-veined marble counters, and wall art from emerging local artists. The comfortable layout is perfect for a drink, a small bite, and conversation. It naturally lends itself to an evening bar setting. At Somerset, that design foundation makes the café’s day-to-night transformation feel effortless.

Come evening, the ambiance shifts to something between moody, cozy, and warm. A backlit Calacatta gold marble waterfall bar counter glows against a ceiling of wood slats and string lights, creating the most amazing vibe. Cognac leather banquettes, black marble tables, and small oil lamps punctuate the room with warmth. If you crave a stylish, dimly lit cocktail lounge, you’ll find it here.