Historic Taverns of Ottawa: A Guide to The Laff & Beyond
Last Updated: January 19, 2026
In a city known for its sterile government buildings, Ottawa’s historic taverns are the rebellious, beer-soaked soul of the capital. These aren’t just places to drink; they are living museums where prime ministers, lumberjacks, and punk rockers have rubbed shoulders for over a century.
While trendy cocktail bars come and go, institutions like The Château Lafayette and The Dominion Tavern endure. They are the keepers of Ottawa’s “quart culture,” where a large bottle of Labatt 50 is the standard currency and the decor hasn’t changed since the Cold War. Visiting these spots isn’t just a night out—it’s a rite of passage. Here is your guide to the legendary watering holes that built Ottawa.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: The Château Lafayette (“The Laff”) is Ottawa’s oldest tavern (1849) and a must-visit for its Saturday “Lucky Ron” show. For a grittier vibe, “The Dom” is the heart of the punk scene. The Prescott in Little Italy serves the legendary meatball sandwich.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 🍺 Oldest | The Laff (Est. 1849) |
| 🎸 Music Hub | The Dominion Tavern |
| 🥪 Best Food | The Prescott (Meatball Sandwich) |
| 📍 Key Area | ByWard Market / Preston St |
The Château Lafayette (The Laff)
The Grand Old Lady of York Street | 42 York Street
If these walls could talk, they would scream. Established in 1849 (the same year as the Stony Monday Riot), The Laff is Ottawa’s oldest tavern. It predates the Dominion of Canada itself.
- The History: Originally Grant’s Hotel (built by Francis Grant), it served as a refuge for Reformers fleeing rocks and bullets during the political riots of 1849.
- The Legends: Ask about Big Joe Mufaro, a legendary bouncer and strongman whose bootprint is reportedly still stamped on the ceiling from his exuberant dancing.
- The Vibe: As a landlord in the 1970s famously described it: “We used to be that bar where you’d come, drink your face off, and fight each other.” Today, it’s safer, but the energy remains chaotic and welcoming.
- The Show: Every Saturday afternoon, Lucky Ron takes the stage. He has been doing this since 1999. When he plays “I’m Just a Gigolo,” the entire bar—from 19-year-old students to 80-year-old regulars—stomps on the floorboards until dust falls from the rafters.
- Ghost Story: Rumour has it the tavern is haunted. Staff avoid the dirt-floor basement alone, whispering of a hidden well and the spirit of a girl connected to the building’s brothel past.
Image: The iconic neon sign of The Laff welcomes patrons on York Street.
The Dominion Tavern (The Dom)
Since… forever (in spirit) | 33 York Street
Just down the street from The Laff lies its darker, louder cousin: The Dominion Tavern. While The Laff is for stomping your feet, The Dom is for banging your head.
- The Vibe: Gritty, alternative, and fiercely loyal to its roots. This is not a place for craft cocktails or dress codes. It’s a place for pool, loud music, and cheap beer. The staff takes no nonsense, and the patrons respect that.
- Cultural Significance: The Dom is the spiritual home of Ottawa’s punk, metal, and alternative scene. If a band is touring through town playing at The Bronson or Zaphod’s (RIP), they are likely drinking here after the show.
- The Look: Sticky floors, band stickers covering every surface, and pool tables that have seen serious action. The back patio is a legendary spot for smokers and philosophers alike.
- Live Music: While less frequent than dedicated venues, The Dom hosts shows that are loud, sweaty, and memorable. It’s where many local bands cut their teeth.
- What to Order: A bottle of Ex or 50. Don’t ask for a Mojito.
The Prescott
Since 1934 | 379 Preston Street
Located on Preston Street in Little Italy, The Prescott is a different kind of institution. It’s a sports bar before sports bars were a marketing concept.
- The “Cadillac”: This is the reason you go. The Meatball Sandwich (often called the Cadillac) is legendary. Simple, messy, and delicious, it features homemade meatballs, a rich tomato sauce, and fresh Italian bread. It hasn’t changed in decades because it doesn’t need to.
- Square Pizza: Another quirk of The Prescott is their square pizza, served on trays. It’s thick, cheesy, and perfect for soaking up a few drafts.
- History: Originally a hotel, it became a gathering place for the Italian community and sports fans. The walls are lined with photos of boxing legends, hockey stars, and local heroes who have visited.
- The Crowd: On game nights, it’s packed. It’s a multi-generational spot where grandfathers bring grandsons to watch the Senators. You’ll see construction workers having lunch next to tech CEOs.
The Carleton Tavern
Hintonburg’s Living Room | 223 Armstrong Street
Before Hintonburg was trendy, The Carleton Tavern was there. Established in 1935, it has survived the neighbourhood’s rougher years and its recent gentrification without losing its soul.
- The Vibe: It feels like stepping into a time capsule from 1975. Wood panelling, draft beer, and a sense of community that is rare today. It remains a steadfast “regular” bar amidst a sea of vegan cafes and yoga studios.
- The Heart: The Carleton is famous for its free Christmas dinner, a tradition of feeding anyone who has nowhere else to go. It’s a tavern with a massive heart, often raising funds for local charities.
- The Survival: During the pandemic and the subsequent economic shifts, “The Carleton” remained a pillar for the community. It’s the kind of place where the bartender knows your name and your order before you sit down.
- Best For: A quiet pint, a game of pool, and honest pub grub like club sandwiches and egg rolls.
The Cheshire Cat Pub
A British Outpost in Carp | 2193 Richardson Side Road
While not a downtown dive, The Cheshire Cat deserves mention for its authentic history and dedication to the British pub tradition.
- The Building: Housed in a restored 1883 schoolhouse in Carp, the building itself is a piece of Ottawa Valley history. It survived a devastating fire a few years ago and was lovingly rebuilt by the community and owners, a testament to its importance.
- The Vibe: Unlike the urban taverns, this is a classic British pub experience. Stone walls, a roaring fireplace in winter, and a massive selection of craft beers and cask ales. It feels miles away from the city, even though it’s just a short drive west.
- The Food: This is “gastropub” done right. Their fish and chips are contenders for the best in the region, and the Sunday Roast is a weekly ritual for many families.
- Why Go: For a Sunday drive that ends with a proper pint. It connects Ottawa’s rural agricultural history with its modern appreciation for craft beer.
FAQ: Tavern Tips
Q: Are these places cash only? The Laff and The Dom historically leaned towards cash, but most now accept cards. However, bringing cash is always faster and appreciated for tipping.
Q: Is “The Laff” safe? Yes. Despite its rough-and-tumble history, it is a very welcoming and safe tourist destination today. The “roughness” is part of the charm, not a danger.
Q: What is a “Quart”? In Ottawa tavern parlance, a “quart” usually refers to the large 22oz or 50oz bottles of beer (typically Labatt 50 or Ex) meant for sharing—or for a long afternoon.
The Lost Taverns: A Toast to the Fallen
To truly understand Ottawa’s tavern culture, you have to acknowledge the ghosts of venues past. These spots may be gone, but they are woven into the city’s DNA.
The chaudière (The Chaud)
Once located in Hull (now Gatineau), The Chaud was legendary. It was the “bucket list” destination for underage drinkers from Ottawa crossing the bridge, but also a serious venue for live music.
- The Legend: Known for its circular bar and sticky carpets, it hosted acts like Rush and The Police before they were massive.
- The Demise: Like many historic spots, it eventually fell victim to urban development and changing tastes, but ask any Ottawa resident over 50, and they have a “Chaud story.”
The Alexandra Hotel
Before it was demolished, “The Alex” on Bank Street was a gritty, honest working-class tavern.
- The Vibe: It was where the rough edges of Centretown met. It wasn’t fancy, but it was real.
- The Legacy: Its closure marked the end of an era for the traditional “men’s entrance / ladies and escorts” tavern layout that defined Ontario drinking laws for decades.
Zaphod Beeblebrox
While more of a club than a tavern, Zaphod’s deserves a mention in any discussion of Ottawa’s historic drinking holes.
- The Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster: Their signature drink, smoking with dry ice, was a rite of passage.
- The Stones: The Rolling Stones shot a music video here. That alone cements its status in Ottawa folklore.
Tavern Etiquette 101: How Not to Look Like a Tourist
Ottawa’s historic taverns operate on a set of unwritten rules. If you want to fit in at The Dom or The Laff, follow this code.
1. The “Round” System
In these establishments, you rarely drink alone. If you are with a group, buying “rounds” is the standard.
- The Rule: One person buys drinks for the whole table. The next person buys the next round.
- The Don’t: Do not be the person who accepts free drinks all night and “forgets” when it’s their turn. That is a cardinal sin.
2. Tipping is Cash (Preferably)
While they accept cards, cash is king for service speed.
- The Strategy: Leave a $5 bill on the table for the first round. You will be amazed at how much faster the server returns for the second.
- The Amount: Standard is 15-20%, but for a $6 quart, rounding up generously ensures you get a seat next time it’s busy.
3. Respect the Regulars
See that guy at the end of the bar who looks like he’s part of the furniture? He probably is.
- The Seat: Do not take “his” seat. If a stool is empty but has a coaster and a half-drunk beer on it, it is occupied.
- The Stories: If a regular starts talking to you, listen. You will learn more about Ottawa’s history in 10 minutes with “Old Bill” at The Carleton than in a museum tour.
4. Ordering “A Beer”
If you just say “I’ll have a beer,” you are getting a Labatt 50 or an Ex (Export).
- Don’t Ask for: An IPA list, a cocktail menu, or anything involving a blender.
- Do Ask for: “A quart,” “A draft,” or a “Bar rail shot.”
A Perfect Saturday Itinerary: The “Historic Crawl”
Want to experience it all? Here is a curated schedule for a Saturday steeped in history (and beer).
- 12:00 PM - The Prescott: Start in Little Italy. Order a Meatball Sandwich to build a “base.” Watch the early afternoon sports crowd filter in.
- 2:00 PM - The Carleton Tavern: Head west to Hintonburg. Play a game of pool. Admire the wood panelling. Chat with the bartender about the neighbourhood’s changes.
- 4:00 PM - The Laff: Head to the Market. This is non-negotiable. You need to be there for Lucky Ron. Get there early (3:30 PM) if you want a seat. Sing along. Stomp.
- 6:30 PM - The Dominion Tavern: Walk down York Street. The sun is setting, and The Dom is waking up. Grab a quart. Listen to whatever punk or metal playlist is running. Soak in the grittiness.
- 9:00 PM - Dinner: You will need food. Grab a slice of pizza or a shawarma nearby (classic Ottawa drunk food) before deciding if you have the stamina for live music back at The Dom or The Laff.
The Food of the Dive: Beyond the Sandwich
We talked about the Cadillac, but true tavern food is a genre of its own.
- Pickled Eggs: A jar of these sits behind the bar at many historic spots. They are rubbery, salty, and perfect with a cheap lager.
- Pepperettes: Often sold individually from a jar. The “tavern breakfast.”
- Salt & Vinegar Chips: For some reason, this is the official flavour of Ottawa taverns. The acidity cuts through the beer.
The Architecture of the Ottawa Tavern: Reading the Walls
If you look closely, the buildings themselves tell a story of Ontario’s puritanical past.
The “Ladies and Escorts” Entrance
Until the 1970s, Ontario liquor laws were bizarrely strict. Taverns often had two entrances:
- Men’s Entrance: For men only. It led to a side of the bar that was often standing-room only or strictly utilitarian.
- Ladies and Escorts: For women or couples. Men could not enter unless accompanied by a woman.
- The Artifacts: You can still see traces of this in some older buildings (like the former Elmdale or The Carleton), where the layout feels oddly segmented. The Carleton still has separate rooms that echo this era.
Terrazzo and Wood
The aesthetic of an Ottawa tavern is specific.
- Terrazzo Floors: Indestructible, easy to mop, and classic mid-century.
- Wood Panelling: Not the fancy mahogany of a British club, but the plywood veneer of a 1970s basement rec room. It absorbs sound (and smoke smell, historically).
- The Circular Bar: Designed for efficiency, allowing one bartender to service 360 degrees of patrons.
Tavern Myths vs. Reality
Every historic spot has its tall tales. Let’s debunk (or confirm) a few.
Myth: The Tunnels
- The Story: There are secret tunnels connecting The Laff to other buildings for bootlegging.
- The Reality: There are old coal chutes and basements in the ByWard Market, but a vast network of prohibition tunnels is likely exaggerated. However, the “hidden well” in The Laff’s basement is real.
Myth: It’s Dangerous
- The Story: “Don’t go to The Dom, you’ll get stabbed.”
- The Reality: This reputation is decades out of date. While they aren’t sanitized Disney bars, they are safe community spaces. The “danger” is mostly aesthetic. The bouncers are pros, and the regulars protect their own.
Myth: They are closing soon
- The Story: Gentrification will kill them all.
- The Reality: They own their buildings (often) or have incredibly long leases. They are profitable because they don’t chase trends. While the Alexandra Hotel fell, The Laff and The Carleton are arguably busier now than ten years ago as people crave authenticity.
Final Summary
Ottawa’s historic taverns offer something you can’t buy in a new development: authenticity. They have survived fires, prohibition, and urban renewal. Whether you’re stomping your feet to Lucky Ron at The Laff or shooting pool at The Dom, you are participating in a century-old Ottawa tradition. So, raise a glass (preferably a quart) to the history you can taste.
Sources: Château Lafayette, Dominion Tavern, The Prescott.
