Best Bars in the ByWard Market
ByWard Market is often thought of as Ottawa’s busiest tourist district, but within its historic streets is a growing concentration of cocktail-focused bars that reward discerning drinkers. For those who care about craft, technique, and atmosphere, the Market offers a handful of bars that elevate the city’s drinking culture beyond what you might expect from a tourist district. From meticulously constructed cocktails to inventive pairings with food, the following four establishments define the area’s serious approach to drinks.
Bar Ocelli
World-Class Cocktail Lounge | 17 William Street
Bar Ocelli stands as one of Ottawa’s most ambitious cocktail programs. Co-owned by Managing Partner Witek Wokaczek, the bar delivers drinks of precision and technical skill. Seasonal cocktail menus ensure each visit offers something new, whether you’re drawn to refined classic cocktails or intricate house creations. The intimate, moody interior creates the perfect setting for enjoying cocktails and conversation.
Little Sussex
Hand-Carved Ice, Excellent Steak | 15 Clarence Street
Part of Sussex & Co., one of Ottawa’s top steakhouses, Little Sussex combines culinary excellence with elevated drinks. The bar is known for its meticulous attention to detail — hand-carved ice, house-made tinctures, and extensive spirits selection. Pair their Steak Frites with béarnaise sauce alongside the Bitters & Fog (a peated scotch-forward cocktail) for a dinner experience that highlights both bar and kitchen.
Ember
Live Fire Kitchen | 92 Clarence Street
Owned by Kyle Wilson and Cody Nicoll, Ember merges inventive cocktails with refined culinary craft. For diners seeking casual fine dining, one that pairs carefully executed cocktails with live-fire cooking, Ember represents one of the more compelling 2025 openings in Ottawa. It’s equally suited to a relaxed dinner, a cocktail-focused evening at the bar, or a date night that benefits from a little candlelight and a well-stirred drink.
Apothecary
Prohibition Theme, Historical Building | 54 York Street
Hidden in the cellar of Starling, Apothecary is a bar that thrives on atmosphere. The Mortician’s — a smoked whisky-forward cocktail — is a must-try staple. On Thursday nights, the space hosts Jazz Night from 7 to 11 PM, blending live music, moody lighting, and well-executed cocktails in a way that transports visitors to another era.
ByWard Market as a cocktail destination
While it may appear on the surface as a busy tourist district, ByWard Market has quietly developed into a destination for cocktail enthusiasts. These four bars demonstrate that serious drinks can coexist with the energy of a historic urban marketplace, offering carefully curated menus, technically accomplished bartenders, and spaces designed for conversation. Whether you’re a local or visiting the city, this small but focused district is a must-visit for those who appreciate craft and culture in their cocktails.
For a broader look at the city’s top venues, see our guide to the best cocktail bars in Ottawa.