Looking for the best spots to stop in for a patio cocktail, yummy appetizers or happy hour deals? Take advantage of the summer heat and check out this guide, compiled from Yvonne Langen’s Savour the City columns in OBJ. Get ready to follow your taste buds around the city with Langen’s expert recommendations, from sunny patios to delectable snacks.
Downtown Ottawa happy hours
Everyone seems to be feeling the pocketbook pinch these days, so if you’re looking to make your money go further, hit up a happy hour. A variety of downtown dining destinations serve up sips and bites for a steal as part of their social hour offerings.
These are Langen’s favourite spots for small bites and healthy pours to help you put an end to the age-old debate of, “Where should we go for drinks?” Check out the full column here.
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Aiana – Social Hour, Tuesday–Friday, 3-5 p.m.
The Shore Club – Low Tide Hour, Daily, 3-5 p.m.
North & Navy – 5 à 7 Aperitivo Hour, Monday–Thursday, 5-7 p.m.
Social – Social Hour, Monday–Saturday, 3-5 p.m.
Abby’s Wine Bar – Wine Wednesdays, Wednesdays, 5-10 p.m.
Q Bar – Happy Hour, Weekdays, 4-7 p.m.
Cocotte Bistro – Apéro Hour, Sunday–Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
The Clarendon – Happy Hour, Tuesday–Sunday, 4-6 p.m.
Secret garden patios in Ottawa
Al fresco dining is a limited-time offer here in Ottawa. To help you make the most of it, we’ve rounded up a handful of quiet courtyards and secret garden patios that let you take some air without too many squealing bus brakes and car horns. Read the full column and reviews here.The Moonroom, 442 Preston St.
The Clarendon Tavern, 11 George St.
Arlo, 340 Somerset St. W.
The Whalesbone on Elgin, 231 Elgin St.
Tavern at the Gallery, 380 Sussex Dr.
Downtown Ottawa lunch spots
To help you avoid casting about for your next lunch spot, Langen shares this curated list of midday dining destinations.
All these restaurants are a stone’s throw from Parliament Hill, located between Wellington and Somerset streets on the north-south axis, and Elgin and Lyon streets on the east-west axis. Full list and reviews here.
Sansotei Ramen, 153 Bank St.
Thali, 136 O’Connor St.
Cocotte Bistro, 123 Metcalfe St.
Seoul Dog, 154 O’Connor St.
Toro Taqueria, 139 Bank St.
Aiana, 50 O’Connor St.
Bread and Sons, 195 Bank St.
Mulligans Golf Bar, 201 Queen St.
Paradise Poké, 134 Bank St.
Shawarma Express, 119 Slater St.
Yvonne Langen is the food and drink content creator behind Taste & Tipple. She is also a regular fixture on TV and radio as a lifestyle expert. You may have previously read her work in Ottawa Magazine.
