Best of Ottawa 2020: Cocktail lounges and wine bars

?After over 20-years writing about life in Ottawa, we think we have a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer. In this weekly series, we share our picks with you — our top hotels, live music venues, local brews, bands and more. Check, share and discuss #OLMBest every week!

Umbrella Bar — 1001 Queen Elizabeth Drive

Great views and delicious cocktails go hand in hand at Umbrella Bar! Located right on Dow’s Lake, it makes for the perfect night out, especially on a breezy summer night. The outdoor patio is spacious and is adorned with beautiful lights during the warmer months. Want to drop by in the colder months? No worries, the indoor area is just as beautiful. Order a plate of crab rangoon egg rolls to go with your drink . . . trust us.
Photo Credit: Umbrella Bar

The Moonroom — 442 Preston Street

The Moonroom is a gorgeous cocktail spot right in the heart of Ottawa's Little Italy. Located in an old house that has been restored, the Moonroom offers a cozy, yet high-class atmosphere, making it perfect for a date night. Their cocktails are stunningly crafted and served in sleek, modern glasses that make for the most Insta-worthy shots for all you bloggers out there! They also offer a menu of delicious snacks – we recommend their mouthwatering truffle parmesan popcorn to accompany your drink.
Photo Credit: The Moonroom

Copper Spirits & Sights — 325 Dalhousie Street

Mix good views and good drinks and you get Copper Spirits and Sights! Located on the rooftop of the gorgeous Andaz hotel in the ByWard Market, this bar is city luxury at its finest. Serving a variety of high-end cocktails, this is the ultimate “treat yourself” spot. Want to sip a Copper Skyline, while looking out at the actual skyline? Copper Spirits and Sights is the place for you!
Photo Credit: Copper Spirits & Sights

Rabbit Hole — 208 Sparks Street

Sparks Street is home to Ottawa’s one of Ottawa’s trendiest spots, The Rabbit Hole. Just as its name implies, the beautiful, twinkle-light-filled ceiling really does make you feel like you’re in a magical, wonderland-like world. Downstairs they offer an intimate, fine dining experience, but upstairs is where they have their full-serve bar and lounge. Sit back and watch their talented mixologists do their thing!
Photo Credit: Vics Mom via Google Maps

Bar Lucy — 111 York Street

Bar Lucy is new to the scene, occupying the space that was previously cafe Origin Trade, but it’s already bringing in a crowd. The intimate space, which also has a patio, takes inspiration from around the world and specializes in fine cocktails, wine and craft beers. In light of the current pandemic, reserve your spot in advance via their website before you visit!
Photo Credit: Montgomery Scotch Lounge

Montgomery Scotch Lounge — 1154 Bank Street

If scotch is your thing, you definitely need to check out Montgomery. It really is like no other. In fact, it is the only single-malt scotch lounge in the country! Enjoy some on site, or order a bottle to go, it’s up to you! Oh, did we mention that it shares a space with and is owned by the same people as Oat Couture? We recommend you try both!
Photo Credit: Montgomery Scotch Lounge

The Albion Rooms — 33 Nicholas Street

The Albion Rooms, located in the Novotel Ottawa, is a gorgeous cocktail bar specializing in craft cocktails and farm-to-table bites. The drink menu is vast, consisting of various local craft beers, popular commercial beers, spirits, and, of course, a plethora of delicious wines and beautifully concocted cocktails. If alcohol isn’t really your thing, they also serve up a great selection of kombucha and old-fashioned sodas. A great spot to spend the evening with some good company.
Photo Credit: The Albion Rooms

Bar Laurel — 1087 Wellington Street West

Bar Laurel’s Spanish-influence makes it unique in its own right. The drink menu consists of a variety of both Canadian and Spanish wines and expertly mixed cocktails while the food menu features Spanish favourites like queso and chorizo tapas, and cheese platters that pair perfectly with their high-quality wines.
Photo Credit: Bar Laurel

The Riv Snack Bar — 62 Sparks Street

An extension of popular fine dining spot Riviera, The Riv Snack Bar is a fully outdoor bar perfect for stopping by after a nighttime stroll with a loved one or to catch up with friends after a long work day. They serve up various mixed cocktails, wine, beer and small plates and snacks like marinated olives and homemade chips all of the high quality you know from the main restaurant.
Photo Credit: Riviera

Union Local 613 — 315 Somerset Street West

Union Local 613 is a vibrant and exciting cocktail spot focused on homemade ingredients and community. And by homemade, we mean even down to the fruit juices and syrups they use in their delicious mixed drinks. If you’re overwhelmed by the selection when you get there, no worries! Union Local 613 offers a taster option, so you can try before you buy. The relaxed and communal atmosphere makes this spot ideal for a casual meeting or catch up with a friend.
Photo Credit: Brett Legree via Google Maps