I keep going back to Ward 14, a neighborhood bar on Preston Street
Ward 14 Consignment Bar
139 Preston Street
6 PM – 2 AM
Preston Street has slowly become one of Ottawa’s most compelling stretches for cocktail enthusiasts. On one end, polished venues like Mati and stalwarts such as The Moonroom set the standard for serious drinks. Just steps away, Ward 14 offers a different take: less refined, perhaps, but no less devoted to the craft of a decent cocktail.
Ward 14 opened in 2016 in Little Italy, introducing a concept unheard of in Ottawa: a cocktail lounge seamlessly woven into a consignment shop. Nearly every object is up for grabs. Spot a portrait or a lamp that catches your attention, and you’ll likely find a discreet price tag attached.
The thrifty philosophy extends beyond the décor. Ward 14 champions the idea of affordable indulgence: craft cocktails paired with hot dogs, a combination more commonly encountered at cult bars such as Yacht Club or Romeo’s.
Finding the bar can be surprisingly difficult for first-time visitors. The entrance sits discreetly on the ground floor of a grey apartment building near Preston and Somerset, not far from the local fire station.
Inside, the room resembles a curiosity cabinet. Chairs rarely match. Tables vary in shape and size. Glassware shifts from drink to drink. Artworks hang across the walls, each potentially for sale. The aesthetic could easily feel chaotic, yet somehow it coheres into something charming and deeply personal.
What might appear like disorder quickly reveals itself as warmth. Ward 14 is a narrow, intimate space that naturally draws people together. Guests arrive from every corner of the neighbourhood: couples on dates, small groups of friends, industry workers finishing a shift. The tone is casual and welcoming, a true neighbourhood bar.
Seating options are varied despite the bar’s modest footprint. Small tables line the room, high tops provide additional space, and a banquette accommodates groups. In warmer months, a patio and a picnic table out front expand the experience outdoors.
Tea candles on every table soften the room with a warm glow. Even when the bar fills up (which it often does) the staff manage the space carefully so it never feels overcrowded.
Service reflects the bar’s relaxed character. The team is friendly and efficient, capable of producing nearly any classic cocktail on request. Orders arrive quickly, and staff circulate regularly to check on guests.
Prices are another part of the bar’s appeal. Most cocktails hover around $14, notably below Ottawa’s average.
Takes Two to Mango ($14): This perfectly balanced spicy margarita has become our default order at Ward 14. It balances sweetness, citrus, and heat.
Pineapple Mule ($14): This cocktail offers a tropical twist on the gin mule, substituting pineapple ginger beer for the traditional mixer. The result is bright and refreshing, exactly what the style promises.
Boulevardier Ananas ($15): This cocktail will appeal to Campari enthusiasts. The drink preserves the Boulevardier’s bitter backbone while introducing subtle fruit sweetness.
For those seeking something simpler, the bar also offers a Local Lager & Shot ($9) which is a can of beer branded with the bar’s frontage paired with a rail shot.
Food at Ward 14 is intentionally minimal. The menu centres on hot dogs, a pairing that initially seemed unappealing to me. After hearing repeated praise, I eventually gave in and ordered a few during a later visit. Now, skipping them feels like missing the point.
“The Ward” hot dog ($9): This is the essential late-night order. It’s a large sausage in a soft bun topped with pickled banana peppers, mustard, and sauerkraut. It’s exactly what you want after a night out.
