The 5 Best Rooftop Bars in Ottawa
Rooftop bars are becoming increasingly popular in Ottawa as the weather becomes warmer and people want to enjoy some fresh air while they sip on their favorite cocktails.
This article will review the best rooftop bars in Ottawa and highlight what makes them so unique.
How much do rooftop bars charge in Ottawa?
The cost of visiting a rooftop bar will depend on the drinks that you order. The table below shows the most common drinks that Ottawans love and their average price.
This is to give you a more specific look at the probable costs that you may encounter.
The Best Rooftop Bars in Ottawa
When looking for the optimal rooftop bars in Ottawa, we considered the following factors:
1. Copper Spirits and Sights
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Size | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Menu | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Feedback | ★★★★(4/5) |
Copper Spirits and Sights on Dalhousie Street is a rooftop bar with amazing views of the cityscape. The expansive rooftop patio and bar are perfect for a relaxing evening with friends.
The bar is located on the 16th floor of one of Ottawa’s most well-known hotels — the Andaz Ottawa Hotel. With its neo-classic architecture, this upscale hotel has long been one of the most popular in the city, and the bar is the perfect addition to its amenities.
Copper Spirits and Sighs accepts reservations online, which makes it very convenient for planning a night out. It’s also big enough to accommodate big gatherings and large crowds.
We love that it has a restaurant where guests can order a variety of snacks from finger food to full meals. Drinks can also be ordered at the restaurant and served at the bar.
If you’re in the mood for something fancier, the establishment has wines that can be enjoyed by the glass or the bottle. There are also several signature cocktails available that are perfect for drinking during the sunset.
The only issue we have with this location is its seats. Many guests have mentioned that the backless bar stools can be a little uncomfortable.
Hopefully, it addresses this soon because other than that, Copper Spirits and Sights is a great rooftop bar.
Pros
- Good location and view
- Online reservation
- Accepts big gatherings
- Has a restaurant as well
Cons
- Complaints about uncomfortable seats
Customer Reviews
Top tier
“I’ve been here 5 times over the past few years and each time I am blown away by how amazing it is. This isn’t just a restaurant it’s a whole experience that is luxurious and tantalizing all throughout, from the music to the service, drinks to food, this place is by far top tier.” – Curtis
Stunning
“I really enjoyed my visit. Great food and cocktails, great service, and a stunning view.” – Emma
2. Atari Garden
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Size | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Menu | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Feedback | ★★★★★(5/5) |
The Atari Garden is another great rooftop bar in Ottawa. It’s newly renovated, and the views are unbeatable.
If you’re looking for a garden-themed bar to enchant you while you’re drinking with friends, this is definitely the place to go. It’s relaxing and quiet but can also be loud and fun when the music is livened.
The Atari Garden offers both indoor and outdoor seating on the roof with full access to the bar. It has a DJ and a small but spacious dance floor, so there’s always something to do here.
We also love that the garden has its own restaurant where guests can order food and drinks that can be brought to the bar. This ensures that your experience at the Atari Garden is seamless and easy!
There are also specific corners in the bar where there are only two seats, perfect for couples. This is why it’s known as one of the best date spots in the city.
The only drawback is the Atari Garden’s pricing. The items on the menu can be pricey, especially the cocktails, but the bar’s aesthetics and good service definitely make up for that.
Overall, this is one of the best rooftop bars in Ottawa and we definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a fun and relaxing night out with your friends.
Pros
- Garden theme
- Has a restaurant as well
- Good for dating
- Vegetarian options
Cons
- Pricey
Customer Reviews
New favorite spot
“110% my favourite new spot. Staff are very welcoming and provide great hospitality- you can really tell they care about their customers and put lots of effort into the food and drinks. I had the “poison ivy” cocktail and it came in a glass case filled with smoke and the drink itself was garnished beautifully (and tasted great) I hadn’t seen anything like it before.” – Sopheya Bunna
Welcoming staff
“Concept & branding on point! Staff super welcoming and took time to explain every single time item and drink on the menu. All of them were impeccable at their job, always got water and felt very welcomed. Highly recommend for vibe and delicious tapas.” – Gabrielle Martin
3. York on William
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Size | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Menu | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Feedback | ★★★★(4/5) |
York on William’s sky lounge is another interesting rooftop bar that is worth checking out in Ottawa. It is a relaxed, contemporary spot that offers stunning views of the cityscape.
YOW actually offers numerous venues, but its most popular one is the sky lounge, which has a mix of local and international cocktails and beers along with a selection of snacks.
The lounge is casual and features lots of seating options and stylish decor. The large glass windows provide a striking view of the city while you sip your cocktail and unwind.
The space can be hired for various events from private meetings to wedding receptions. It is perfect for small groups but can accommodate larger groups as well.
We love that the location also features live music, making it a fun and buzzing place to hang out with friends.
Despite its medium size, YOW actually accepts large gatherings. This unfortunately leads to it being crowded at times, which can be annoying for some people.
It’s also pricey, so make sure you’re ready when you visit the sky lounge. Overall, it is a great place to relax with a glass of wine or some casual cocktails after a long day at work.
Pros
- Numerous venues
- Good feedback from previous customers
- View is wide
- Features live music
Cons
- Pricey
- Can be crowded at times
Customer Reviews
Great view
“After a day of walking around we wanted sit back, sip on some cocktails and soak up some sun. The rooftop doesn’t take reservations so make sure you are willing to walk around the market if you don’t get in. The vibes were good with great music. The drinks were tasty and the view was pretty.” – Mar Chris
Service was fast and good
“I was skeptic to go there at first after reading few bad reviews but I’m glad I did. The view was amazing, the service was fast and good, and the food was pretty good and decent size. We had from the starter menu the calamari and truffle fries, they were very good and filling. The drinks were good as well.” – Amira A.
4. Westboro Barley Mow
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Size | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Menu | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Feedback | ★★★★★(5/5) |
The Westboro Barley Mow is another rooftop bar that has been open in Ottawa for a while now. It is a perfect spot to get a drink and watch the city go by.
The bar has a great view of the Ottawa River and the buildings downtown. It also has heaters to keep you warm on cool nights.
It has its own happy hour where pints of beer are $5 and cocktails are only $8! There are also unique daily specials that make the bar a one-of-a-kind experience.
Another unique factor that we love about this establishment is its craft beers. You can get a flight of any of the beers on tap for only $10 and the beer menu rotates frequently, so there is always something new to try.
The decor and atmosphere are also fantastic at the Westboro Barley Mow. The rustic design makes you feel as though you have been transported to an English pub in the 1800s.
The only drawback of this place is its pricing. Some of its beers, especially the craft beers, can be expensive — it is not the cheapest place to grab a drink in town.
However, because of its unique products and the relaxing atmosphere, we still recommend the Westboro Barley Mow as one of the best rooftop bars in Ottawa.
Pros
- Happy hour
- Daily specials
- Heaters
- Offers delivery and take out
- Has its own restaurant
- Unique craft beers
Cons
- Pricey
Customer Reviews
Great staff and location
“I highly recommend a brunch on their rooftop patio. Lots of classic brunch and other pub fares on the menu. And some breakfast cocktails too. The sprinkler system at the top of the fence helps keep you cool on a hot day. The server was lots of fun too. Joking and laughing along with our group” – Alex Maclellan
Great food and drinks
“Great food, nice drinks, friendly service and a wonderful roof terrace for a sunny day.
Got some great veggie options, with 1-2 being vegan friendly as well. Also there is usually a great, rotating special menu with foods and drinks.” – Jens Weber
5. Mill St. Brew Pub
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Size | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Menu | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Feedback | ★★★★★(5/5) |
The Mill St. Brew Pub specializes in organic, local, and craft beers. It also has a wide selection of wines, bourbons, and scotches.
What makes it great is its location. The rooftop bar overlooks the cityscape without obstructing your view with tall buildings or street lights.
The bar has a beautiful ambiance, and the wait staff is quick on their feet and friendly to customers. Many previous customers have noted that they have never felt rushed to finish their drinks.
Other than organic beers, Mill Street also has a gluten-free selection for those worried about allergies. The cocktails it has available are also quite delicious and unique.
The bar has its own restaurant for those who want to stay longer and have more than just a few drinks. You can reserve tables in advance for groups, which is always good to know.
It should be noted that it can get pretty loud inside when there is a lot of traffic. This is mainly due to the open space of the place, which can accommodate a lot of people at the same time.
The pricing is also a bit steep, but we believe this is a justifiable price considering the quality of the food and beers available. Overall, it’s a solid spot for a drink out with friends and family.
Pros
- Accepts events
- Available for big gatherings
- Organic craft beers
- Has great drink options
- Good feedback
- Also has its own restaurant
Cons
- Pricey
- Can be noisy
Customer Reviews
Highly recommended for events too!
“Love this place! Amazing food and beer in downtown Ottawa, WITH parking! I recently photographed a wedding here and the staff was amazing, it’s a beautiful venue for events with the exposed brick, wood beams and views of the river. Highly recommend!” – Lauren Dabros
Worth checking out
“Visited Mill St. Brew Pub during Canada Day. There was a reasonable wait and the staff seemed well prepared for the rush. Nice interior with great views of the surrounding water and historic building. The beer selection was good and the food was tasty. Worth checking out if you’re in the area.” – Jason Chapman
FAQs about Rooftop Bars
And that concludes our list of the best rooftop bars in Ottawa. We hope you find the best bars for your preferences.
If you’re looking for a good drinking experience in other similar places, check out these articles: