Top Bars in Ottawa – Most Viewed (2025)

Tucked beneath the hum of downtown Ottawa, Afterlight invites you to descend the stairs and slip into a hidden world of sound, shadows, and refined drinks. More than a bar, it’s a listening lounge — designed for those who want to experience music, craft cocktails, and ambiance in harmony. Housed in a heritage building at 129 Bank Street, Afterlight is the sibling project to City At Night, but with its own identity: quieter, more introspective, and focused on creating an immersive after-hours atmosphere. The décor leans raw and intimate: exposed stone and brick walls, dim lighting, minimalistic touches, and elegant seating that invites you to linger. A steep stair leads you downward; once inside, the space softens, filled with shadows, subtle glow, and sonic texture. At the heart of Afterlight is its music programming. DJs—often from Ottawa’s finest curators—spin carefully chosen sets that sit between lounge, deep grooves, and more experimental soundscapes. This is not a dance club; it’s a listening bar where music and conversation can coexist. The bar menu emphasizes cocktails, natural wines, and small bites. The goal is balance: drinks that are thoughtful and unique, flavors that complement the mood without overpowering your senses. They operate primarily on weeknights — Tuesday through Thursday — offering an alternative to louder nightlife. It’s the kind of place you go to unwind after work, meet someone new, or catch up with friends while immersing yourself in good sound and good drink. When needed, Afterlight doubles as an event venue, supporting private gatherings, corporate socials, or mixers. The space is equipped with AV, lighting, and sound to handle more formal productions. In short: Afterlight is where mixology, music, and mood converge — a hidden gem in Ottawa’s core for those who appreciate nuance, atmosphere, and after-dark sophistication.

Step down into the shadows below Ottawa’s York Street and discover Apothecary Lounge, a sophisticated speakeasy nestled beneath the Starling restaurant in the storied ByWard Market district. Housed in a heritage stone building dating back to 1875, this bar feels like a time-capsule revival of Prohibition era charm — but with all the polish of modern mixology. Inside, you’ll find plush booths, exposed brick, vintage lighting, dark wood, and intimate corners that invite you to linger. The mood is warm, mysterious, and immersive. The bartenders here aren’t just servers — they’re alchemists. Expect drinks made with hand-crafted syrups, real botanicals, bold house infusions, and a sense of theatrical flair. Some nights, live jazz serenades the space, heightening the timeless vibe. The menu offers small plates and shareable dishes — think elevated bar fare like truffle fries with champagne sauce or quail-egg toasts — perfect for nibbling between creative sips. As evening deepens, the lounge pulses with character: local regulars, adventurous drinkers, and curious visitors all drawn in by its hush-hush prestige. For those seeking something beyond the usual bar outing, Apothecary Lounge delivers more than drinks: it’s an experience. It seduces you with detail, provokes curiosity with its hidden nature, and rewards you with crafted cocktails that tell a story. Whether you’re on a romantic escape, exploring Ottawa’s nightlife, or chasing truly unique imbibing moments, this is one of the city’s most evocative small gems.

Union Local 613 (often just “Union 613”) is a multi-level bar / restaurant in Ottawa that leans into a hybrid of Southern-inspired comfort fare, craft cocktails, and an ambiance that blends rustic charm with quirky, stylish design. From the street, you walk into a heritage building on Somerset Street West, and as you explore upward or downward you discover layered spaces, each with its own feel. Upstairs, communal seating, wraparound bars, bold murals, and art pieces create a lively, social environment. Downstairs, there is a hidden speakeasy behind a bookshelf — a more intimate, low-key lounge where cocktails take center stage. They pride themselves on not being bound by strict authenticity; Union 613 puts its own spin on southern influences, with menu items like fried chicken, deviled eggs, boiled peanuts, and more eclectic items such as hog jowls, duck hearts, etc. Their cocktail and drinks program is robust, featuring a selection of bourbons, craft and local beers, and creative mixed drinks. The “vibe” is elevated but not pretentious — they balance artful décor, local artwork, and a relaxed, inclusive energy. You might go here for dinner, but also stay late for drinks or to slip down to the speakeasy for something more secluded. Because there are multiple floors and atmospheres, it’s ideal for a variety of moods: social dinners, bar nights, or quieter cocktail sessions. As reviewers note, the “hidden speakeasy” adds a sense of discovery. One reviewer on Reddit noted: “The speakeasy is neat. Drinks are great, and a bit more pricey than the upstairs. They can't accommodate large groups down there, so call ahead…” In sum, Union 613 is a layered, character-rich destination for food, drink, and atmosphere — part social restaurant, part cocktail bar, part secret lounge.