Where to Find the Best Speakeasies in Ottawa for Your Next Night Out
Just to be clear: alcohol isn’t banned in Ottawa. We no longer have to hide in speakeasies to indulge in a drink or two.
However, the allure of these hidden bars, from their obscure locations and live jazz music to their craft craft cocktails, isn’t lost on us. After years of wondering how speakeasy-style bars have evolved, I gave in and experienced them for myself.
To my surprise, they are still tucked away in unassuming spots, although no longer as inconspicuous as they would’ve been. They play jazz music and serve incredible craft cocktails and artisanal spirits.
If you, too, want to satisfy your curiosity, here’s a list of the best speakeasies in Ottawa that are worth experiencing at least once.
Jackalope
Media credit: jackalopeottawa
Website: https://www.rabbitholeott.ca/
Location: 208 Sparks Street
Phone: +1 613 695 0500
Operating hours: Mon-Fri 11:30 am to late, Sat 5 pm to late
Located right beneath Sparks Street, Jackalope is a hidden gem that only a few have seen. Just like the mythical creature it was named after, this speakeasy looks like it came straight out of a fantasy novel with antique furniture, elixirs, and potions.
The only way to enter this speakeasy is to make a reservation with Rabbit Hole. Trust me, we tried finding the hidden elevator on our own but no one spilled the beans.
It was their staff who showed us the way to the elevator, which took us to Ottawa’s underground. Behind those doors, we found a secret bar serving incredible cocktails and artisanal spirits served by the best mixologists around.
Food is served at this speakeasy, but it isn’t the place for a fine dining experience. Be aware of that before you book a table.
Pro tip:
Every Friday and Saturday, starting at 10 pm, they will enforce a dress code: neat, chic, and presentable. Don’t come dressed in streetwear or casual wear, or else you will be kicked to the curb.
Rooftop Sneaki Tiki Bar
Media credit: jessicaexploring
Website: https://rabbitholeott.ca/
Location: 129 Bank Street
Phone: +1 613 695 0500
Operating hours: Depends on the weather
Believe it or not, Rabbit Hole houses two speakeasies in its 130-year-old building. Aside from the underground bar, it has a Rooftop Sneaki Tiki Bar, which is a four-story climb up a secret staircase.
Unlike Jackalope, this open-air bar is accessible only when the weather allows it. Thus, the best time to stop by would be during the warmer months, especially around summer.
You can have tropical cocktails, fresh oysters, and dance parties while you soak up some sun. The best part is they also open at night so you can have a tropical party under the starry skies of Ottawa.
Reservations are required to enter this tiki bar.
Pro tip:
Rooftop Sneaki Tiki isn’t ideal for fine dining because it mostly has lounge chairs and small tables. Instead, you can grab a hefty meal at Rabbit Hole before getting some cocktails here.
Afterlight
Media credit: Centretownottawa
Website: http://www.cityafterlight.ca/
Location: 129 Bank Street
Operating hours: Tue-Wed 7 am to Midnight, Thu 7 pm to 2 am
Afterlight is a cocktail lounge and listening bar hidden in an early 1900s heritage building. Just a steep staircase down, beyond a door with no sign, you’ll find the secret bar.
Open mostly on weeknights, it’s an ideal spot for a much-needed drink after an exhausting day at work. With a DJ curating music for your evenings, you can listen to some tunes, relax, and savor your drink while you catch up with your peers.
Since they only serve small plates of snacks like olives, chips, and salsa to complement your liquor, you shouldn’t come here on an empty stomach. If not after-dinner drinks, you can do an apertivo to stimulate your appetite for a delicious dinner.
Pro tip:
Reservations aren’t necessary. If you’re having a spontaneous night out with a large group of friends, you can still get a table at short notice as long as you arrive early.
Apothecary Lounge
Media credit: apothecarylounge613
Website: http://www.apothecarylounge.ca/
Location: 54 York Street
Phone: +1 613 421 0820
Operating hours: Sun-Thu 6 pm to midnight, Fri-Sat 6 pm to 1 am
Cover charge: None
For a speakeasy tucked away in the cellar of a restaurant, Apothecary Lounge is surprisingly very cozy and classy. With its industrial decor, prohibition flair, and rich history, you can spend hours at this spot, catching up with friends and dining with loved ones.
Their menu isn’t extensive, but they have great options to fill your tummy and your soul. Some dishes worth mentioning include their bang bang shrimp, ceviche, steak frites, and poached salmon.
The liquor menu, on the other hand, is a different story because they have everything from craft cocktails and artisanal spirits to wine and beer. They’ve got a drink for every mood and occasion.
Pro tip:
There are no cover charges and reservations are required only for large groups. However, we still recommend booking a table in advance as the place can get packed really fast.
The Staff Room
Media credit: 613union613
Website: https://www.union613.ca/
Location: 315 Somerset Street W
Phone: +1 613 231 1010
Operating hours:
- Mon-Tue 3 pm to 10 pm
- Wed-Fri 3 pm to Midnight
- Sun 5 pm to 2 am
When you walk down the stairs of Union 613, you’ll find a small bookcase that is actually the entrance to a speakeasy called The Staff Room.
Although they claim to be the only speakeasy in town, we know this isn’t true because we’ve seen others. Out of the ones we’ve visited, this looks the most like a dingy backroom where the magic happens.
Small and intimate, this bar is an ideal spot for one-on-one conversations with a friend because you’ll be able to hear what they are saying. Without any loud music and drunk guests around, it’s always relaxed enough for a casual conversation.
Pro tip:
The Staff Room can fit a group of about 20 guests for intimate dinners and other special celebrations. You can rent this space from Monday through Thursday for at least $800, but it will cost at least $2,500 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Ward 14 Consignment Bar
Media credit: wardfourteen
Website: https://www.wardfourteen.com/
Location: 139 Preston Street
Phone: +1 613 421 1446
Operating hours: Daily 5 pm to 2 pm
Ward 14 is a small yet lively bar hidden behind a consignment store. The owner, Max, who you’ll likely meet on your visit, merged two of his favorite things, vintage goods and alcohol, in this space.
Over the years, this bar has become the go-to watering hole for the neighborhood. If you’re having trouble finding this place, you can ask around, or you can find the big red brick building with the sign that says Ward 14 consignment bar.
Our favorite thing about this place is its fun, lively atmosphere, which is definitely best experienced with a group of friends. And of course, we like that the liquor is unpretentious and affordable.
Pro tip:
Every Monday at 7 pm, they have Trivia Night at Ward 14, which you’ll need a reservation for if you want to join in the fun. Just go to their website and click Book Trivia to make a reservation.
Speakeasy Tapas Lounge
Media credit: japanruby
Website: https://speakeasyottawa.com/
Location: 55 York Street
Phone: +1 613 241 6221
Operating hours:
- Tue-Wed 11:30 am to midnight
- Thu-Sat 11:30 am to 1 am
- Sun 9 am to 8 pm
Cover charge: None
Tickets: Yes (varies per performance)
Unlike most of the bars on this list, the Speakeasy Tapas Lounge isn’t much of a secret. It isn’t hidden behind a bookshelf or in the depths of Ottawa’s underground, but it deserves to be here because they do everything else right.
From their liquor to their jazz music, this speakeasy has all you need for a fun time, perfect for a big night out with friends. It’s easily one of the best jazz clubs in town, where you can hear live performances nearly every week from local artists.
We also like that they serve meals, so you won’t be drinking on an empty stomach. They have kebabs, steak, and salmon, but they are known for their tapas—and rightfully so.
Pro tip:
If you want to watch a specific artist, go to their website or social to check their lineup of acts. You’ll find more information on the artists, set dates, and ticket prices from there.