13 Best Places For Delectable Cocktails in Ottawa — Trust us, you’ll be ordering several drinks off the menus here.
The days of drinking cheap vodka without a chaser are long gone. So are shots of tequila that almost made me quit drinking – I’ve left those days in university.
From here on out, it’s all about cocktails—because why torture ourselves with disgusting drinks when we can enjoy something that tastes like elevated juice?
I mean, come on, no one really thinks whiskey is delicious, right? Okay, don’t come for me if you genuinely do, but you get what I mean.
To spice up my hangouts with friends (or my solo drinking sessions), I made it my mission to find the best cocktail bars in Ottawa. And folks, I’ve finally completed it!
These cocktail spots will have you crawling back home, and let’s be honest, it’s a journey you’ll laugh about later—totally worth it!
1. Apothecary Lounge
Website: https://www.apothecarylounge.ca
Address: in the cellar, 54 York St
Contact details: +1 613-421-0820
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 6 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 6 PM to 1 AM
Apothecary Lounge will make you and your friends want to dress up for a stylish night out.
Its intimate atmosphere creates the perfect ambiance for patrons to enjoy tasty libations, great company, and engaging conversations.
The cocktails definitely take center stage in the Apothecary Lounge, making it irresistible for folks to return for another captivating experience.
Though the options aren’t extensive, the menu is well-curated enough to offer something that catches your eye no matter your preference.
However, if you want something beyond the menu, you can always opt for the dealer’s choice where the bartender will whip up something based on your tastes.
Located in the ByWard Market, its unbeatable location is another reason why this should be on your list of places to visit.
2. Riviera
Website: https://dineriviera.com
Address: 62 Sparks St.
Contact details: +1 613-233-6262
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, and Sunday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 5 PM to 11 PM
If I have one rule when it comes to eating out, it would be to never say no to fine dining. This brings us here today to Riviera, an upscale restaurant where cocktails steal the spotlight.
Another highlight is that they have a wide variety of creative concoctions, ensuring there’s something for every palate to enjoy.
Looking for something more familiar? They have whiskey sour, Manhattan, and even a daiquiri.
Dreaming of a unique and inventive flavor? Check out the femme fatale, featuring Slete Mezcal, Valrhona bittersweet chocolate-infused Campari, and Cocchi Storico vermouth.
Riviera describes it as smoky, voluptuous, and dangerous – and honestly, who can say no to that?
3. Rabbit Hole
Website: https://rabbitholeott.ca
Address: 208 Sparks St
Contact details: +1 613-695-0500
Located along the exciting Sparks Street, Rabbit Hole takes you on an otherworldly adventure, complete with mouth-watering plates and enchanting cocktail flavors.
Although short, their cocktail menu has a charming allure, making it seem as if the menu is staring at you with the mischievous grin of the Cheshire Cat.
The passionate spritz is highly recommended, especially to those who have an affinity for sweet drinks. With delightful inclusions of cotton candy, tonka bean, passion fruit puree, vanilla syrup, soda, and prosecco, it promises a memorable sip.
If you want an exciting combination of sweet and floral, the can can might be more up your alley.
It comes with Hendricks Grand Cabaret, sloe gin, grenadine, lemon, egg white, and lavender bitters, creating a layered taste experience.
4. Charlotte
Website: https://www.charlotteottawa.com
Address: 340b Elgin St
Contact details: +1 613-421-0669
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday and Thursday – 6 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 6 PM to 2 AM
Charlotte boasts a creative setting adorned with stylish furnishings and artistic embellishments, creating an overall vibrant vibe.
The creative allure extends to the exciting cocktails, with a wide array of offerings to choose from.
For something with a spicy kick, I’m sure you’ll thoroughly enjoy sipping through spicy mami, a fiery concoction made with blanco tequila, passion fruit liqueur, pineapple, lime, and Thai chili syrup.
While they don’t have the traditional flavors on their menu, you can always ask the bartender to make you one.
Needless to say, you’d want this to be the next location for your Friday night activity.
5. Stolen Goods Cocktail Bar
Website: https://www.stolengoodscocktailbar.com
Address: 106 Sparks St
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday to Saturday – 6 PM to 2 AM
Stolen Goods Cocktail Bar isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for the rebels looking to chase the night away with daring concoctions and surprising adventures in the form of an ever-changing menu.
Don’t worry – there are no actual stolen goods here.
Right now, their spring-themed cocktail menu is as inviting as a picnic in the park during this season, showcasing delightful seasonal flavors that will make you feel refreshed.
That said, they also have a semi-permanent menu. By “semi-permanent,” I mean these offerings will stick around for a while, though they might disappear in the blink of an eye.
And if that’s not enough to make you plan a trip pronto, then I hate to break it to you, but you’ll be missing out!
6. 10Fourteen
Website: https://www.10fourteenbar.com
Address: 1014 Wellington St. W
Contact details: +1 613-422-8610
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 PM to 2 AM
10Fourteen is a stylish, laid-back spot meant for those looking to unwind in a casual setting.
While their cocktail menu isn’t exactly for those who crave variety, folks seeking creative concoctions will surely be impressed by its innovative appeal.
There’s midnight hour, for example, rising to the top with its interesting blend of chocolate, cold brew, bourbon, and lemon. It sounds like a recipe for disaster, but in fact, it creates surprisingly harmonious flavors.
Another inventive offering I just couldn’t take my mind off is the call me so old fashioned, a butter-washed delight, featuring cognac infused with miso and sesame, sugar, bitters, and cherry.
It’s definitely a wise choice for those seeking an avant-garde approach to cocktails.
7. The Hyde
Website: https://www.thehyde.ca
Address: 15 George St
Contact details: +1 613-422-5111
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – closed
- Thursday to Saturday – 5 PM to 12 AM
The Hyde boasts a refreshing ambiance, ideal for those who want to stray away from the drab—despite its undeniably charming allure—of speakeasy-type bars.
It’s hip, modern, and sleek, creating a chic space where patrons can gather to enjoy the bar’s signature drinks.
The hunter’s punch is an Ottawa favorite, for sure. Let me tell you, when our team went over for some taste test, I can’t count how many “ooohs” and “aahhhs” I heard as soon as we all took a sip!
This delightful glass is made with gin, Hunter’s Liquor, grapefruit, lemon, cucumber, and mint.
Beyond the alcohol-infused drinks, they also have one without so you can enjoy the flavors of cocktails without the buzz.
It’s surprising how The Hyde continues to fly under the radar, considering its delicious variety of selections.
8. Copper Spirits and Sights
Website: https://www.hyatt.com/andaz/yowaz-andaz-ottawa-byward-market/dining
Address: 325 Dalhousie St
Contact details: +1 613-321-1234
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 5 PM to 12 AM
Located on the rooftop of Andaz Ottawa along ByWard Market, Copper Spirits and Sights is a sophisticated option, complete with dazzling views of the surrounding area.
It’s an ideal choice for folks seeking an elevated cocktail experience as they indulge in lavish sips.
For those who are always on the hunt for some unexpected culinary adventure like me, the bourbon blush is the obvious choice.
Other than bourbon, it also features Galliano, lemon juice, egg white, fresh strawberry puree, and black pepper, creating an overall intriguing blend that will have you appreciating every taste.
9. Nan’s Parlour
Website: https://www.nansparlour.com
Address: 73 Clarence St
Contact details: +1 613-562-1008
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday and Wednesday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Thursday – 4 PM to 1 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 4 PM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 3 PM
Nan’s Parlour offers a unique cocktail adventure with its vibrant interior, adhering to the granny-chic aesthetic that combines stylish and eclectic.
Their cocktail menu is humorously called Grandma’s Liquor Cabinet, featuring a variety of drinks that would’ve made your grandmother a legend in the local Bingo scene.
The nan’s Christmas morning brew gives a sense of nostalgia, especially for those who grew up drinking eggnog during the holiday season.
However, since we’re all adults here now, it features other interesting ingredients such as cold brew espresso, vodka, Kahlua, and Frangelico.
10. Poa Tiki Bar
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Qmk3hx3QyCJWjog7
Address: 281a Dalhousie St
Contact details: +1 519-870-7779
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday, and Sunday – 5 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 5 PM to 2 AM
Poa is Ottawa’s sole tiki bar, offering a buzzing ambiance characterized by its eclectic, neon-lit decor.
Aside from its fascinating interior, folks also come here for – you guessed it – the cocktails!
It’s well-known for its fascinating gimmicks when serving drinks, where one even burst into flames like fireworks in a tiny glass.
Some drinks are served inside a quirky mug, creating an even more exciting experience you’d rave about on social media.
11. The Moonroom
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MRXbDFhhfdk8Tb2Q8
Address: 442 Preston St
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 PM to 2 AM
The Moonroom is a cozy lounge where one can indulge in a variety of sophisticated flavors, letting craftsmanship really shine.
The classic flavors take the spotlight here. If you’re looking for a place with whiskey sours done right, you might’ve just found your go-to spot.
12. Bar Ocelli
Website: http://www.barocelli.com
Address: 17 William St
Contact details: +1 613-722-7108
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday to Sunday – 5 PM to 1 AM
Dim-lit and atmospheric, Bar Ocelli is a cosmopolitan hangout spot, and we’re not talking about the cocktail! We’re talking about its magnetic allure that exudes glitz and glamor with flavors inspired by destinations all over the globe.
While their cocktail menu is short and sweet, you won’t find me complaining. After all, each one proves to be a hit, crafted with precision and offering a delightful taste adventure.
The Szechuan caper martini offers an interesting twist to traditional martinis. The floral and citrusy Botanist gin comes with Szechuan pepper and capers, creating a unique and flavorful concoction.
13. Starling Restaurant and Bar
Website: https://www.starlingottawa.ca
Address: 54 York St ground floor level
Contact details: +1 613-421-0820
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 4 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM
Starling Restaurant and Bar is a bright and airy oasis with a highly raved cocktail menu.
The flamingo flirt margarita is definitely a stunner. This delicious concoction made me appreciate Jose Cuervo Traditicional, and that’s not something to take lightly!
Of course, it wouldn’t be possible without the help of rose and lavender simple syrup, lemon, lime, and Cointreau.
If you don’t find something you like, you can always ask for the dealer’s choice and your drink will be crafted according to your taste.