Entertainment in Ottawa
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Zaphod Beeblebrox
‘Zaphod Beeblebrox’ means ‘kick-ass live music venue’ in an otherwise undecipherable alien tongue. Grab a Gargleblaster cocktail, and let the trippy beats (from New Age to thumping African rhythms) take you on a ride to the edge of the universe.
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ScotiaBank Place
Ottawa is a hard-core hockey town. It’s worth getting tickets to a game even if you’re not into hockey – the ballistic fans put on a show of their own. The NHL’s Senators play at the ScotiaBank Place, in the city’s west end.
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The Manx
A homey velvet sea awaits you at this basement pub-style hangout. Weekend folk music is a big draw, although most people come for the great selection of Canadian microbrews (including the beloved Creemore) served on copper-top tables.
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Fat Tuesday’s
Ottawa’s little slice of New Orleans is known around town for its dueling pianos on Friday and Saturday nights. Palm readings and happy hour discounts lure the locals on the other days of the week.
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Manx
A homey velvet sea awaits you at this basement pub-style hangout. Most people come for the great selection of Canadian microbrews (including the beloved Creemore) served on copper-top tables.
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Stoneface Dolly’s
Named for the owner’s mother, who perfected the art of a stone-cold poker bluff, this popular joint is great place to grab a pint of Beau’s or Hobgoblin – there’s food throughout the day too.
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Social
A chic, flowing lounge with slick DJ-ed beats, Social lures the trendy types with overstuffed furniture and oversized drinks – the cocktails are so large, there should be a lifeguard on duty.
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National Arts Centre
The capital’s premier performing arts complex delivers opera, drama, and performances from the symphony orchestra. The modish complex stretches along the canal in Confederation Sq.
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Hotel Lafayette
Many would argue that 'the Laff' puts the 'crap' in crapulence, but this rundown relic actually does a good job of capturing ByWard's laid-back attitude.
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Honest Lawyer
If you think the name is oxymoronic, just wait until you get inside the Honest Lawyer - the pub has a buzzing student vibe and yet it's remarkably clean.
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Barrymores
Rough and ready, this much-loved hangout features live rock and metal on weekends. It appears abandoned, but that's really part of its cachet. Rock on!
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Château Lafayette
Many would argue that ‘the Laff’ puts the ‘crap’ in crapulence, but this run-down relic does a good job of capturing ByWard’s laid-back attitude.
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Clock Tower Brew Pub
Enjoy homemade brews like Raspberry Wheat and Fenian Red amid exposed brick and ByWard bustle. There are two additional locations around town.
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Royal Oak
Ottawa’s oldest British pub is such an authentic nod to the motherland that you’ll want to order blood pudding with your draught beer.
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Ideal Coffee
Ideal indeed; handcrafted blends are produced and roasted on-site. The decor is thin – it’s all about rich, flavorful cups of joe.
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Mayfair Theatre
Check out ‘Saturday Sin-ema’ at the majestic Mayfair Theatre, which looks the same as it did in the early ’30s.
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Planet Coffee
Skip Starbucks and grab a latte around the corner in the quiet courtyard. Sweetened ice coffees are a big hit.
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Bridgehead Coffee
A dozen shops strong, Bridgehead is the eco-conscious alternative to the mega-chains imported from the States.
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Bytown Cinema
The Bytown Cinema has been screening independent and international movies for over 60 years.
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Irene’s Pub
This friendly and funky lil’ pub offers live Celtic, folk or blues, and a great selection of imported beers.
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Civic Center
You can catch the Ottawa 67s, a minor-league hockey team, at the Civic Center.
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Lookout Bar
This popular joint in the ByWard Market caters to a wide range of patrons, especially lesbians.
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D’Arcy McGee’s
Eavesdrop on MP’s aides at this spirited Irish pub just a stone’s throw from Parliament Hill.
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E18hteen
If Ottawa attracted a jet-setter crowd, they’d probably come to this manse-turned-lounge.
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Rainbow Bistro
This upstairs joint is the best place in town to catch some live blues tunes.
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