Lowertown Brewery is a hip brewpub with quaint decor involving concrete walls, wooden tables and overhead duct work that is strangely reminiscent of the old logger houses of Ottawa's heritage. Canadian comfort food, craft sandwiches, pre-prohibition cocktails and pool tables are just some of the reasons to try out this pub. The recipes are rooted in tradition, yet come with new flavors and concepts, offering Ottawa a progressive dining experience. Nightly live music events featuring local singers and bands add a wonderful touch to the festive atmosphere. Good eats and creative concoctions infused with liveliness shakes up any gathering at this bar, whether small and intimate or big and rowdy. Don’t fret even if you are here by yourself. The atmosphere is sociable, allowing everyone to enjoy the fun vibes of this place.
Touted to be one of the most popular live music bars and concerts venue in the city, Barrymore's has played host to both local talent and established Canadian and international acts. Housed in a converted theater, this venue has seen a number of changes in ownership ever since its establishment in 1978. Today a nightclub, the Sunday retro nights are especially popular among the 20-something crowd. The Aloha Room Tiki Bar, a small, surf-themed bar is located in the same property.
One in a chain of three restaurants which are scattered around Ontario, Hard Stones Grill is a great place to come to for a meal with the family. Serving breakfast and brunch dishes from early morning hours and hearty items like pizzas, burgers, steaks and pastas through the rest of the day, the restaurant sees quite a bit of the local crowd. Cozy booths and mood lighting give the place a warm welcoming ambiance. This is also a popular spot for people to drop in on a game night to cheer on their favorite teams over a pint of beer.
With around 30 high definition TVs and 21 pool tables, MacLaren's on Elgin is one of the best sports bars in the entire city. Having opened its doors in the year 1997, this has become quite a renowned spot among locals and tourists alike. Sports memorabilia crowd the places on the wall which do not have TVs and gives the place a warm, lively vibe. The bar serves an array of zippy cocktails, an impressive list of beers on tap and a selection of shots and shooters. Hearty burgers, sandwiches, nachos, steaks and pizzas are also served here for those looking for a bite to eat after a rousing game of pool. You can also book the entire bar to host lively parties and events.
The only place in Ottawa that combines great music and a vibrant atmosphere is Mavericks. If you're into the punk genre, this is pure heaven for punk lovers. The place is quiet extensive and is famous for staging popular concerts. Mavericks clientele is quiet stylish and classy and well-facilitated with modern light and sound system to give you a great concert experience. Sip on to some chilled beer or choose from the variety of other spirits offered here while watching your favorite artist perform. Mavericks, truly, is a good times spot.
Ritual is one of those better places around town where music and live gigs happen to be the order of the day. Hustling and bustling with activities all round the year, Ritual is known for its excellent taste in music and for the unpretentious air that it carries off with panache. A place for budding talent and experienced seasoned artists, as the name suggests, music here has become more of a cult and a ritual. So, for those who go all gaga over music, Ritual is where you should come knocking to.