Check out 5 of Ottawa’s trendiest cocktail lounges

Photo: Joe L

When life gets busy, it is always nice to treat yourself. What better way to do that than to indulge in delicious food and bevs? There is no shortage of places in Ottawa to grab a cocktail and unwind after a hectic week. You can find unique bars and lounges all over the city serving delicious food and drinks. However, with so many choices, picking a destination for your weekend festivities can be difficult. When choosing your cocktail Oasis, you want somewhere with tasty options, good music, staff, and an overall fun atmosphere. If the place fits your Instagram/Pinterest aesthetic, that's just a bonus. To help you pick your next night out location, here is a list of five trendy cocktail lounges you need to try in Ottawa.

1. Charlotte — 340b Elgin Street

Charlotte is a contemporary, mid-century cocktail lounge located on Elgin Street. This lounge is filled with unique, vintage-styled furniture and art pieces that complete their chic look. Charlotte wants you to feel the comfort of your living room in their lounge. While kicking back in their comfortable sofas and chairs, their trendy and upbeat music helps you unwind and let loose.

Charlotte offers an incredible menu with so many options for cocktails, wines, and appetizers. It is the perfect location for a date night or girl's night out. While visiting, make sure to take a mirror selfie in their bathrooms, as they have fun and eye-catching wallpapers just waiting for you to pose in front of them.
Photo:  Charlotte

2. Atari Garden — 297 Dalhousie Street

Atari Garden is another stylish lounge located in the Byward Market. Atari’s dark atmosphere is complimented by the greenery and lights along the ceiling and classic photo wall. This spot is super insta-worthy, on top of being a fun environment with great food, drinks, and helpful staff. Their menu offers some delicious small plates and tapas dishes, including Avocado Caesar, Salata, Smash Burger, Crispy Dumplings, and more. They offer many diet-friendly foods, with gluten and dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. To pair with their dishes, you will find a wide variety of signature cocktails, such as the Summer in Soho, Peach Blossom, Green Passion, and Margarita De Fresa Picante. Atari Garden hosts themed events once a month called “That Time of The Month.” This month’s themed event on February 19th will feature brunch accompanied by a live DJ and bottomless mimosas. They also host open mic nights, galas, and more. There is always something going on at Atari Garden.
Photo: Bitter Sweet Spirit

3. Savanna Lounge — 145 Besserer Street

This chic lounge is the perfect blend of luxury and fine dining. Here you will find a gorgeous dining hall complete with sparkling chandeliers, creating a moody and elegant ambiance. This is a fantastic location if you want to get dressed up and have a classy evening downtown.

Their menu is delectable, with dishes made from the finest and freshest ingredients. Savanna Lounge has many classic seafood, steak, and pasta dishes to choose from. Their cocktails match this menu perfectly, with fine ingredients and alcohol to complete their signature masterpieces. Some of their cocktails include the Honeybee, Lay on the Bay, the Georgian, and more.
Photo: Savanna Lounge

4. Apothecary Lounge — 54 York Street

Apothecary is a speakeasy lounge located in the heart of the Byward Market. Apothecary has a funky atmosphere that is like no other in the city. The name Apothecary comes from the medicinal cures found in bitters, tonics, and spirits. According to their website, Apothecary believes “in using real botanicals, house-made syrups, and tinctures, to heal the body, mind, and soul.” The Apothecary Lounge uses unique and rare ingredients in their drinks, such as “blue butterfly-infused Tanqueray,” “chili chocolate infused stoli gold,” and “grapefruit hibiscus simple syrup.” These ingredients mixed with the bartender's talent and creativity make for a cocktail like no other. You can find some great deals at Apothecary’s happy hour which is Sundays to Thursdays from 5 pm to 6 pm and 10 pm until closing.
Photo : Ottawa Tourism

5. Rabbit Hole — 208 Sparks Street

This enchanting location can be found underground on Spark Street. When entering this cozy basement lounge, you will find comfortable booths for you and your crew to lounge on while indulging in delicious food and drinks. While sipping on your signature cocktail you will notice the gorgeous twinkly tree branches above you as well as the gorgeous stone walls that surround the lounge. Rabbit hole offers an intimate dining experience. Their menu ranges from oysters to pizza, to truffle fries and burgers. There is a dish for everyone’s unique taste and needs. Their cocktail list is filled with fun and tasty drinks. The Dark Rabbit is especially delicious and a must-try. This lounge is more intimate and fills up fast, especially on the weekends; make sure to a reserve ahead.
Photo: Rabbit Hole