The 5 Best Sports Bars in Ottawa That Are Local MVPs for Game Day
We’ve all been there, Friday night comes around, and the group chat is buzzing, but no one can decide where to meet.
You’re looking for a spot with a buzzing vibe, cold drinks, a few pool tables, and the game playing on a massive screen. But somehow, the usual places just don’t feel right.
What you really need is a perfect sports bar that delivers on every front, without the guesswork.
After checking out the best places in town, I’ve found Ottawa’s top sports bar that checks all the boxes.
Whether you’re up for a game of pool, catching the latest match, or simply hanging out with friends and enjoying some great food, this list has it all.
Ready to upgrade your night outs? Let’s go!
1. The Senate Tavern
Address: 33 Clarence St
Phone: (343) 882-1657
Business Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 01:00 AM
The Senate Tavern, situated in the heart of downtown Ottawa, stands out as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts and casual diners alike.
With multiple big screens positioned throughout the bar, it’s designed for a true game-day experience, ensuring you won’t miss any action.
Their pub-style menu is a highlight, featuring comfort food that elevates the experience. They have mouthwatering burgers and signature Canadian poutine that are best paired with an impressive selection of ice-cold beers.
But beyond sports and food, The Senate Tavern offers impressive amenities. With pool tables, spacious outdoor patios, and ample seating, it’s perfect for group gatherings, casual hangouts, or even solo visits.
A small hiccup, though. The Senate Tavern can get quite crowded during major games, which may make it difficult to find the perfect seat for comfortable viewing.
Pros
- Multiple big screens
- Pub-style menu
- Impressive amenities
Cons
- Can get crowded during major games
Customer Reviews
Great service, atmosphere, and food
“Stopped into The Senate Tavern for a bite to eat, a few beers, and to watch some sports on TV. It was a great experience from the service to the atmosphere and the food. This is a great authentic sports bar because they played the sports broadcast over the speakers in the bar and it wasn’t a chain style restaurant. They have jerseys and sports equipment on the walls and the staff all help each other and are down to earth and friendly. We will be back.”
— Brian Henry, Google Review
Welcoming and warm environment
“Always a blast at senate. The environment is welcoming and warm. They have a great beer and food selection. I also found that Jesse was a phenomenal bartender/server, and will pleasantly come back for his service. He brought great energy and great vibes, along with great music. Might I say; karaoke Tuesdays are the best way to kick back and enjoy”
— Elsa Canaj, Google Review
2. High Fives Sports Pub
Address: 1876 Robertson Rd
Phone: (613) 421-5774
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday: 07:00 AM – 12:00 AM
High Fives Sports Pub is a lively and vibrant spot, perfect for sports fans and anyone looking for a great time.
The friendly and attentive staff create a welcoming atmosphere that makes each visit enjoyable.
With large HD screens placed throughout, you can catch every angle of all the major games, whether it’s hockey, football, basketball, or UFC matches.
Don’t forget to pair your viewing experience with their solid menu of classic pub favorites, including burgers, wings, and nachos, all served fresh and hot. All this adds to the vibe of the pub.
Plus, they offer an excellent selection of beers on tap, making it easy to find the perfect drink to accompany your meal and the game.
However, service can be slow during busy times, especially when large crowds gather for popular games, which might lead to longer waits for food and drinks.
Pros
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Large HD screens
- Solid menu of classic pub favorites
- Excellent selection of beers
Cons
- Service can be slow
Customer Reviews
Great staff and amazing group of regulars
“My wife Cheryl and I were in town last week to go to a Sens game and stayed at the Best Western the pub is attached to. After the game we went I for a bite and a couple of beers. Turns out High Five is a pretty popular joint with great staff and an amazing group of regulars. We had an absolute blast. If I lived in the area this would be my place to hang at. Thanks High Five et al for a great evening, especially to an off duty staffer and partner, you know who you are ,😘I highly recommend stopping in for food and a pint when in the area.”
— Geoff Gordon, Google Review
Great, friendly place
“Great friendly place if you want to follow most sporting events. I usually find this location a joy to watch the English Premier League with my friends. Most of the games are in the morning and their variety of breakfast meals are great and never felt disappointed. This is the third year and never thought of looking somewhere else 🙏”
— Karim Fahmi, Google Review
3. Hometown Sports Grill
Address: 1525 Bank St
Phone: (613) 733-0808
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday: 09:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Hometown Sports Grill is known for its inviting vibe, making it a popular spot for both regulars and newcomers.
Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the five-plus large screens strategically placed throughout the venue, ensuring that every thrilling moment is within your view.
The impressive sound system enhances the experience, immersing you in every intense goal or touchdown, adding to the excitement of being surrounded by fellow fans.
As for the food, the menu is packed with all the game day essentials, from juicy burgers and crispy wings to unexpected gems like fresh salads and flavorful wraps.
To complement the food, Hometown Sports Grill offers a rotating selection of local craft beers, with highlights including Coors Light, Hometown Pilsner, and refreshing sangria, a perfect pairing for whatever meal you choose.
That said, a minor downside is that the bar tends to fill up fast, especially when there’s a big game or special event, making it harder to secure seating.
Pros
- Five-plus large screens
- Impressive sound system
- Packed game day menu
- Rotating selection of local craft beers
Cons
- Tends to fill up fast
Customer Reviews
A great place where everyone should be able to find something to eat
“Love that they have a full Vegan Menu as well as an omni menu. It’s a great place where everyone should be able to find something to eat. Lots of tv’s to watch sports on. They host event nights with a smaller menu. Kitchen closes around 10 or 10:30 pm which is nice as most places with Vegan options close before 8pm. They also have a room you can book for groups.”
— Jace Eileen, Google Review
Spacious sports bar with ample booths and screens
“Spacious sports bar with ample booths and screens and an elaborate vegan menu. The french fries here are delicious—crispy skin with fluffy interior, perfect like McDonald’s but larger. There is a nice covered patio. We walked in and were impressed by the choice of seating and distraction. The kids were mesmerized by the television and we ordered the cauliflower appetizer, sweet and tangy. Only four stars because it’s quite loud inside and oddly expensive for the concept and area.”
— C Gar, Google Review
4. MacLaren’s
Address: 301 Elgin St at MacLaren St
Phone: (613) 236-2766
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 05:00 PM – 01:00 AM
- Friday & Saturday: 05:00 PM – 02:00 AM
- Sunday: 05:00 PM – 12:00 AM
When you think of Elgin Street, one of Ottawa’s bustling hubs, it’s hard not to mention MacLaren’s.
They’re serious about athletic events, and they cover a wide array of competition broadcasts, everything from NHL, NFL, NBA, and UFC events, guaranteeing that fans of all types of sports are catered to.
They’ve also got premium pool tables where you can show off your skills, which is also a perfect spot to relax and maybe even hustle a few friends while keeping the good vibes going.
And of course, no sports bar is complete without a killer drinks menu. MacLaren’s serves up everything like local craft beers and cocktails, ensuring everyone’s taste is covered while they watch the game.
Then again, it’s nothing new that the bar can come across as a bit rundown, with some areas appearing dusty and worn, which might affect the overall ambiance and comfort.
Pros
- Covers a wide array of sports broadcasts
- Premium pool tables
- Killer drinks menu
Cons
- Place is a bit rundown
Customer Reviews
Awesome service and very approachable staff
“Pool tables are awesome! $12 an hour and then $0.20 a minute afterwards; what a great system and a great price! The menu items are a bit expensive but they list a great variety of drinks on the menu, especially with shots. Didn’t order any food so no comment there. Service was awesome, staff were very approachable and checked in on my group at the perfect times.”
— JGBDB, Google Review
Great atmosphere and amazing service
“Great atmosphere, amazing service, our server radhika was very nice and friendly everything went great and we didn’t have to wait to be seated or served even if it was a little busy. I’ll definitely be coming back for a game of pool and a glass of scotch. I highly recommend the maclaren’s !”
— Anas Bennani, Google Review
5. Tailgators
Address: 1642 Merivale Rd
Phone: (613) 224-0249
Business Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 01:00 AM
- Friday & Saturday: 12:00 PM – 02:00 AM
TailGators is a sprawling playground for fun, food, and sports, turning a night out into an adventure. Since opening its doors in 2007, TailGators has been on a mission to elevate the traditional sports bar experience.
With a jaw-dropping 20,000 square feet of space, this place is one of the largest venues in Ottawa, and it’s packed with everything you need for a fantastic time.
Sports fans are in luck with more than 35 LCD screens and 2 massive 22ft HDTVs, keeping you in the loop on every play.
And let’s not forget the grub. TailGators offers a mouthwatering menu featuring nachos, fresh salads, crispy fries, and a range of drinks from beer to non-alcoholic options.
Now, while this sports haven scores high on space and entertainment, the ID check process can be overly stringent, which can be frustrating, especially during major game days.
Pros
- 20,000 square feet of space
- More than 35 LCD screens
- Two massive 22 ft HDTVs
- Mouthwatering menu
Cons
- Overly stringent ID check process
Customer Reviews
Amazing service and fair prices
“Great tables. Good 90s early 2000s music. Fair prices. The food is high up there for pub food. The service is AMAZING. That’s the only place I’m tipping>40%. Yes, they’re THAT good. My only complaint will be the ping pong rackets. They’re pretty worn out. Next time I’ll bring my own.”
— Shane, Google Review
Very attentive staff
“Very happy with our experience tonight! Rented their private room for a staff party and it was perfect! Big table for everyone to sit and eat, two private pool tables, couches and tv’s for the hockey game. The food was so good and portions were huge! Our waitress Natalie was awesome. She is like 8 months pregnant but it didn’t slow her down for a second! Very personable and attentive. Thank you Tailgators for a great night 😊”
— Leita Booker, Google Review