Across the Bridge to enjoy the Ottawa Gatineau region's only Cigar Lounge
Bacchus: Cigare & Sofa
3 boul du Casino, Gatineau, QC
Open 4PM – 12AM
Parking: You will find free underground parking on the premises. The hotel’s overnight guests can also use the valet parking.
Hours: The hours at Bacchus are excellent. This establishment opens at 4 PM and closes at midnight, 7 days a week.
Ottawa has its share of sleek cocktail dens and well-polished dining rooms — the kind of places you keep in your back pocket for date nights or when friends are in from out of town. But just across the river in Gatineau lies something the capital simply cannot claim: a cigar lounge.
That distinction belongs to Bacchus Bar, a discreet retreat tucked inside the Hilton Lac-Leamy, mere steps from the casino floor. Named for the Roman god of wine — and perhaps for the ancient temple in Lebanon it calls to mind — Bacchus carries a quiet, old-world gravitas. In the cigar room, Roman-style columns flank the space like sentinels, and the air hums with the scent of tobacco and the slow swirl of amber spirits.
It’s a unique proposition in the National Capital Region: a venue where you can savour a Cuban robusto and a glass of cognac under the same roof. And Bacchus makes it remarkably easy. There’s no need for a reservation; it’s an eleven-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, and the free coat check spares you from juggling winter layers.
The space
To reach Bacchus, visitors pass the reception of the Hilton Lac-Leamy and find themselves in the Conrad Lounge, a bright, contemporary space designed for casual gathering. A discreet sign—Bacchus: Sofa & Cigare—signals the passage into a completely different world.
The bar is divided into two distinct areas: the expansive Sofa Lounge, and the more intimate Cigar Lounge. Each is designed to suit a different rhythm of evening.
The Sofa Lounge greets you with wood paneling, a gas fireplace encased in dark marble, and twelve-foot windows framing the tranquil waters of Lac-Leamy. Tea candles, table lamps, and recessed ceiling lighting lend the room warmth without distraction. Sit in sofas and armchairs, while taking in the view of the Lac Leamy through twelve-feet tall windows. Plush sofas and armchairs invite conversation, while the view outside reminds you that you are still, however quietly, part of the world.
In contrast, the Cigar Lounge is a world unto itself. Access requires permission from staff, reinforcing the sense of exclusivity. Inside, the space is moody and contemplative: black leather wingback armchairs huddle around small black marble tables, charcoal wainscoting wraps the walls, and a portrait of Winston Churchill smoking a cigar presides over the room with a wry approval. Despite seating for roughly thirty guests, the room never feels crowded. Everyone finds a private corner, the music is unobtrusive, and a sports channel plays quietly on a small, corner-mounted television. It’s a space that respects both intimacy and solitude.
The service
The service at Bacchus is always formal yet relaxed. Staff members wear traditional bar attire, but guests are under no pressure to dress up; hoodies sit comfortably beside suits. Upon entering the cigar lounge, a brief interaction with staff secured our seating, and thereafter, attentive yet unobtrusive service ensured we had everything we needed. While water wasn’t automatically placed on tables, a simple request rectified this immediately.
Where the Bacchus team truly shines is in their expertise. Head bartender and supporting staff alike understand the nuances of cigars and spirits. On numerous occasions, they have guided us through both Cuban Habanos and New World selections, cutting each cigar to perfection, sparing any amateur error on our part. If you inquire about a pairing, whether a delicate cognac or a bold scotch, you can trust their recommendations. They know not only the mechanics of a cigar but the sensory experience it affords.
The menu
The cigar selection at Bacchus is impressively curated. Habanos from iconic Cuban brands such as Cohiba, Romeo y Julieta, Partagás, Montecristo, and H. Upmann sit alongside a thoughtful array of non-Cuban cigars, neatly displayed in two large humidors. The inventory evolves over time, ensuring variety while maintaining the classics. The prices were listed, and we could see the length and ring gauge (thickness/ diameter) of the cigars.
As a cocktail enthusiast, we were glad to see that the cocktail program was recently updated but we still found that it wasn’t up to par when compared to cocktail-focused bars. From a menu of 11 cocktails, there were 3 sweet martinis and also 3 cocktails that listed the use of the same cranberry juice. The Black Manhattan (25$) made of Bourbon & Amaro was quite expensive but seemed like an excellent pairing choice for a cigar. Upon a subsequent visit we noticed that this cocktail had been removed from the menu.
During our visits, we sampled a range of drinks, including red wine, scotch, cognac, rum, a Litchi Martini, a Cuba Libre, and a Margarita. The Cuba Libre and Litchi Martini were great and tasted as expected. The Margarita, however, arrived as a frozen cocktail rather than a shaken or stirred version, though this was prior to the recent program update.
Cocktail presentation was understated, with drinks served in simple glassware on plain white napkins. Garnishes were minimal, usually a lemon wedge, which feels incongruous with the lounge’s exclusivity. More elegant touches—dehydrated citrus wheels or branded coasters—would elevate the visual experience. Notwithstanding, each drink was served in appropriate glassware and made with care, reinforcing the lounge’s dedication to craft over spectacle.
We did appreciate that the cocktail program employs spirits from local distilleries. The menu featured Gin du Jardin (Chelsea), Sortilège (a Quebec favorite), and AIR coffee liqueur (Gatineau). Overall, we recognize that Bacchus puts their energy towards optimizing their cigar and scotch offerings, though it would be nice to see some accessible-priced libations that pair well with cigars, such as a signature old-fashioned or a rum-forward cocktail.
While Bacchus is primarily a cigar and spirit destination, a modest food program exists, offering small bites and shareable plates. Options include nachos ($29), beef tartare ($32), and a charcuterie board ($50), among others. Though we have not yet sampled the food, the menu reflects thoughtful pairings that could complement the bar’s rich drinks and cigars. Notwithstanding, the prices of the alcohol were decent: the libations were within the average price for Gatineau. The cigars were more expensive than at the shop but well worth it.
Overall the Bacchus is a great venue for its target audience. Located near a hotel exit, it’s easy to get there. The parking is easy all year ’round, the bar is always open and never too busy. The Bacchus is worth it for anyone who enjoys a cigar now and then but it’s not the perfect place if you’re only looking to eat and drink. Keep in mind that it’s not a cocktail bar but rather a cigar lounge above all else.
Good afternoon,
I am planning to pass by your establihment on Tuesday evening of April 15th 2025.
May I bring and enjoy my own cigars? I understand a fee might be charge if it is.
Or, is it not permitted?
Cheers!
Francis Guerin
Hi Francis,
As of 2020, Bacchus no longer allows guests to bring their own cigars. To smoke here, you will have to buy a cigar from the establishment.
Cheers!
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