The 5 Best Nightclubs in Ottawa
Visiting nightclubs is a good way to relax and party. They are also great places to visit if you’re a tourist and it’s your first time in Ottawa.
Ottawa’s nightlife is full of surprises and has a lot to offer. Let us take you on a tour of the finest nightclubs in the city!
In this article, we will be reviewing the best nightclubs in Ottawa so you know where to visit when you’re hanging out with your friends or maybe even your special someone.
How much does it cost to visit Ottawa’s nightclubs?
For club entrance, you should expect a fee of around $5 to $15. Some clubs don’t ask for payment as long as you’re wearing decent clothes and are ready to pay for drinks.
There are also extra fees for VIP treatment and other amenities.
The table below should give a clearer picture when it comes to fees:
1. Babylon
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Security | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Size | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Performers | ★★★★(4/5) |
Babylon is an excellent nightclub if you’re looking for live performances from both bands and live artists. It is conveniently located in Bank Street, one of Ottawa’s busiest areas, and can attract many crowds.
Because of this, you can be sure that when you go there, you are going to meet a lot of people who want to party just like you.
It is quite massive, able to fit around a hundred people all at once without being too crowded. The dance floor is also huge, with tons of switching and flashing lights to make the experience more lively.
The sound system is commendable as well. Even outside, while lining up, people can already hear the bouncy music playing from inside the club.
But when you’re finally inside, you should notice that the music isn’t even that loud, and it’s just right.
Another thing we love about this place is its very professional staff. Even in a casual setting full of alcohol and smoking, the staff of Babylon is able to provide great services.
The only drawback of this club is its inconsistent playlists. Sometimes when clients are dancing, they’ll suddenly stop because the song switches from something bouncy and danceable to something slower.
It’s also worth mentioning that it doesn’t have its own website, so for reservations, customers need to call its hotline or send a message to its Facebook page.
Pros
- Has live performances from bands and solo artists
- Professional staff
- Great size
- Lively sound system
Cons
- Complaints about the playlist being inconsistent
- No website
Customer Reviews
Impressive
“I was really impressed at the size and sound of this club! A lot of photos don’t do it justice, definitely a fun place for a night out.” – P. Gonni
Will be back
“Not the most *upscale* club but the level of energy here was unmatched. The people were beautiful. The bartenders really took care of us and had such enlightening, Salt-of-The-Earth-Like spirits. I would’ve fell in love with the girl working the bar if hubby hadn’t been around! 🤣 I’ve made friends for life in such a short night. I hope everyone is doing O.K. amidst the pandemic and hopefully wishing to see familiar faces upon my return.” – Arzelie Marshall
2. The Hudson
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Security | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Size | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Performers | ★★★★(4/5) |
The Hudson is also a great glimpse of Ottawa’s nightlife. The club is known for its incredibly huge dance floor and diverse music selection.
Another thing we love about the Hudson is its huge capacity. It is able to fit more than a
hundred people without feeling crowded, and it even has tables for private events that are quieter than the main parts of the club.
In these rooms, guests can book their own performers and dancers to entertain them for a night to remember. These rooms are great for special occasions like bachelor and bachelorette parties.
The Hudson’s security is also commendable. The bouncers are friendly but firm, so whenever someone is acting too naughty, they are removed from the premises without violence and hassle.
We’re big fans of its sound system as well. All different types of music and genres are played there.
The music is loud, but it doesn’t drown you out or feel like it’s too much for the room size.
The only downside to Hudson is its exclusive entrance. To get in, you have to sign up on the establishment’s website and wait a while to get confirmation that you’ll be able to get inside.
Other than that, it’s definitely a solid choice for experiencing the Ottawa nightlife.
Pros
- Bottle service
- Good for private events
- Impressive sound system
- Huge dance floor
- Good customer service
- Strict security
Cons
- Exclusive entrance
Customer Reviews
Fave!
“My favourite club in the city! Best, most welcoming staff! I came here for my birthday with a big group and they brought out our bottles with the sign and a birthday song. Great service and great time” – Rosario K.
Love the bottle service
“Swift entry & escort to booths. Bottle service is fast and they always make a show!
The bottle girls are FINEEEE. Super organized & friendly staff. Best place to go on a Saturday night if you’re looking for a fun stress free night. “ – Qyanah Fernandez
3. Sky Lounge
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Security | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Size | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Performers | ★★★★(4/5) |
The Sky Lounge is another great option if you want to check out Ottawa’s nightlife. The club is hosted by professional hosts and experienced DJs.
The live DJ sets make the Sky Lounge unique. Unlike other establishments that just have a set playlist, the music in this place is unpredictable and ever-changing.
We also love the fact that it is located up top of a huge building, hence its name. It’s one of the most unique things about this establishment, and the thrill of being up high plus the buzz that the alcohol gives you is definitely something else.
Even though this place is located inside a building, it’s actually pretty huge. The dance floor is spacious and doesn’t feel sticky like floors in a movie theater.
It’s noticeable that the area is regularly cleaned and sterilized, and we are really impressed with that. We also love that this club has its own photographer, and you can pay him to take your photos and email them to you after a week.
The only downside of the Sky Lounge is the fact that it can get crowded. Being located in the building means there are barely any open areas and it can feel like there are too many people inside already.
Other than that, it’s a great place to experience Ottawa’s nightlife.
Pros
- Great security
- Huge dance floor
- Live DJ sets
- Photographer service
- Has open areas
Cons
- Can get crowded at times
Customer Reviews
Great security
“This is hands-down the best nightclub in the Ottawa/Gatineau area. They have best security I have come across. Really good-hearted people doing their best to create a safe environment. The staff is extremely friendly and the DJ is the best in the city as well. Make sure you come in your best outfit as there is a in-house photographer who does great work and you can get the pictures of the night about a week later. 10/10 will come again.” – Hamza Bani Hani
Overall great
“Great music, lots of open space/nice layout(unlike Hyde n seek which is the size of a master bedroom). The staff and security are both very friendly and provide great service. One of the best things about this club is the photographer, most clubs don’t have one and the photographer here really adds to the vibe of the place. This club should be rated much higher, best in Ottawa/Gatineau area and it isn’t even close.” – Mo Blazer
4. The Lookout Bar
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Security | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Size | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Performers | ★★★★★(5/5) |
The Lookout Bar is another excellent taste of Ottawa’s nightlife. With live performances from notable drag queens and its own DJ, it is a unique and entertaining spot indeed.
Located in the busy street of York, it is neighbored by other popular establishments. It’s also easily accessible by transit, so even commuters can enjoy the club’s lively energy and colorful drinks.
As one of Ottawa’s gay bars, you can expect a welcoming atmosphere from the staff and patrons alike. You won’t have to worry about being made to feel unwelcome or uncomfortable for being yourself.
We also love that, unlike most nightclubs in Ottawa, this one is open every night. The Lookout Bar hosts live entertainment throughout the week as well, including drag shows, musical performances, and more.
The only downside here is the fact that its tables are a bit close to the stage. Sometimes, the people sitting at these tables may get included in the performance.
We understand that not everyone is extroverted enough to join in on the performance, so we consider this a drawback. However, if you’re someone who likes to perform yourself and is comfortable doing so, this should be a non-issue for you.
Overall, because of its uniqueness, we definitely think the Lookout Bar is one of the city’s best.
Pros
- Drag shows
- Open to everyone
- Great space
- Open everyday
Cons
- Tables can be included in performances
Customer Reviews
Amazing
“The staff was absolutely amazing at making sure we had our drinks. Saw a drag show with my friend for the first time and had a blast! Didn’t know it was a club after the drag. Will definitely come back for more drag and dancing.” – Courtney S.
The queens were fun
“The music was awesome, an absolutely fantastic mix. Absolute bangers, great transitions, great choices. The queens were so much fun..” – John Byrtus
5. NUVO Lounge 295
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Security | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Size | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Performers | ★★★★(4/5) |
The NUVO Lounge 295 is also a solid nightclub to visit in Ottawa. Unlike most clubs that are only open on Friday and Saturday nights, this one is open on Thursday nights as well.
Located in Dalhousie, the NUVO Lounge has a laid-back atmosphere despite having its own dance floor.
Its seats are cushioned with high-quality fabrics that don’t feel sticky or itchy, so those looking for a low-key time can just sit back and watch the club’s live shows.
We love that the NUVO Lounge is able to maintain spaciousness even with a large number of people at the venue. This is thanks to the multi-level layout of the area.
NUVO’s themed lighting is also a sight for sore eyes. We love the different neon colors that shine through the windows in the venue, and these lights also match the music being played at the bar, which adds to the ambiance of the place.
The only complaint we have with this establishment is its sound system being too loud. This can easily be remedied by talking to its DJs to let them know how you’d like the sound to be adjusted, but this may not always work since other people prefer loud music.
Overall, the NUVO Lounge 295 is a great spot to experience Ottawa’s nightlife without having to worry too much about the energy you bring to the dance floor.
Pros
- Open 3x a week
- Good size
- Themed lighting
- Spacious even with crowds
Cons
- Complaints about the sound system being too loud
Customer Reviews
Great experience
“This is by far the best place to be in Ottawa. My expectations were surpassed! Great music, electric atmosphere, reasonably priced drinks. I love the safety and security protocols as well. Jay, you made our day!! Like I mentioned to you, my friends and I WILL BE BACK!! “ – Taiwo O.
Spot on
“One of the best clubs in O-town. The ambience is spot on and its very spacious. Very friendly staff.” – J. J.
FAQs about Nightclubs in Ottawa
And those are the best nightclubs in Ottawa. Now you should be ready for your next night out with friends!
If you’re looking for other great places to visit in Ottawa, check out the following articles: