Last Updated: January 8, 2026
From $5 pints and half-price pizzas to buck-a-shuck oysters and discounted craft cocktails, Ottawa’s happy hour scene offers affordable ways to enjoy the city’s best bars and restaurants. Whether you’re meeting colleagues after work, catching up with friends, or exploring the capital’s dining districts, knowing where and when to find the deals makes all the difference.
Ottawa’s happy hour culture spans neighbourhoods from the historic ByWard Market to the trendy streets of Westboro and beyond. This guide breaks down the best spots, their specials, and insider tips to maximize your after-work experience.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa’s best happy hours run weekdays between 2-6 PM, with standouts like Clarendon Tavern ($7 drinks, half-price food), Social on Sussex ($6 drafts, $12 oysters), and Barley Mow Westboro ($6 pints, $13 apps). ByWard Market offers the highest concentration of deals. TD Place is cashless if heading to events.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| ⏰ Peak Hours | Weekdays 3-6 PM (varies by venue) |
| 💰 Average Savings | 30-50% off regular prices |
| 📍 Best Areas | ByWard Market, Elgin Street, Westboro |
| 🍺 Typical Drink Deal | $5-7 pints, $6-8 wine |
| 🍕 Typical Food Deal | Half-price apps, $5-10 snacks |
ByWard Market: The Heart of Ottawa’s Happy Hour Scene
ByWard Market offers the densest concentration of happy hour deals in the city.
Ottawa’s oldest public market district—established in 1827—has evolved into the city’s premier destination for after-work drinks. With over 600 businesses drawing 50,000 weekend visitors during peak season, the Market offers dozens of bars and restaurants competing for your business with generous specials.
The atmosphere combines historic charm with vibrant nightlife. Street performers entertain on Clarence Street while patios fill with office workers unwinding after the day. In summer, outdoor seating becomes prime real estate; in winter, cozy interiors and fireplaces keep the drinks flowing.
Top ByWard Market Happy Hours
Clarendon Tavern
- Address: 11 George Street
- Hours: Daily 4-6 PM
- Drinks: $7 beer/wine, $10 cocktails
- Food: Half-price pizzas and wings (approximately $10)
- Vibe: Casual pub with excellent courtyard patio in summer
Social Restaurant + Lounge
- Address: 537 Sussex Drive
- Hours: Daily 3-5 PM
- Drinks: $6 beer/wine
- Food: $12 for 6 oysters, $19 charcuterie boards
- Vibe: Upscale lounge atmosphere, great for dates
Saigon Boy Noodle House
- Address: 85 Clarence Street
- Hours: Weekdays 4-6 PM
- Drinks: $6 beer/wine
- Food: $5 tacos, $7 wings, $9 pork belly
- Vibe: Asian fusion with surprising happy hour value
Grand Pizzeria
- Address: Clarence/George Street area
- Hours: Monday-Friday 3-6 PM
- Drinks: $5 pints and wine
- Food: Half-price pizzas ($11.50-$14)
- Vibe: Perfect for groups wanting to share
Joey Rideau
- Address: Rideau Street
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday 2-5 PM
- Drinks: $5 lager, $6+ wine
- Food: $5 yam fries to $25 steak frites
- Vibe: Modern chain with consistent quality
Heart & Crown
- Address: 67 Clarence Street
- Hours: Various specials
- Drinks: Rotating tap deals
- Food: Irish pub fare
- Vibe: Multiple stages, live music nightly 9 PM-2 AM
Elgin Street: The Downtown Corridor
Elgin Street’s bar and restaurant corridor stretches from the National Arts Centre to the Queensway.
Elgin Street runs through downtown Ottawa, lined with patios, cafés, and bars that attract a mix of government workers, students, and locals. While slightly less dense than ByWard Market, Elgin offers its own character—from upscale lounges to neighbourhood pubs.
Top Elgin Street Happy Hours
Rabbit Hole
- Address: 208 Sparks Street (nearby downtown)
- Hours: Tuesday 4-6 PM (special night)
- Drinks: Varies by promotion
- Food: Half-price pizzas from 6 PM to late
- Vibe: Speakeasy-style bar, creative cocktails
Metropolitain Brasserie
- Address: Elgin Street area
- Hours: Hill Hour 4-7 PM
- Drinks: Discounted wine and beer
- Food: Discounted oysters; Thursday features buck-a-shuck
- Vibe: French brasserie, upscale but accessible
Back to Brooklyn
- Address: ByWard Market (easily accessible from Elgin)
- Hours: Daily 5-7 PM
- Drinks: 2-for-1 cocktails
- Food: 30% off food menu
- Vibe: Brooklyn-inspired bar with exposed brick
Westboro: Neighbourhood Pub Culture
Westboro’s Richmond Road offers a more relaxed alternative to downtown’s busier scenes.
West along Richmond Road, Westboro provides a quieter alternative to downtown’s bustle. This neighbourhood has grown into a destination for boutique shopping, specialty coffee, and—importantly—comfortable pubs with loyal followings.
Top Westboro Happy Hours
Barley Mow Westboro
- Address: Richmond Road area
- Hours: Monday-Friday 2-5 PM
- Drinks: $6 rail drinks, wine, and craft beer
- Food: $13 appetizers (poutine, pierogies, nachos)
- Vibe: Sports bar with excellent selection
Churchill’s
- Address: Westboro
- Hours: Sundays (specialty day)
- Drinks: $7 Kronen pints
- Food: Various Sunday specials
- Vibe: Traditional pub atmosphere
Southside Bar & Kitchen
- Address: Westboro/Bank Street area
- Hours: 4-7 PM
- Drinks: $5 beers
- Food: Discounted bar snacks
- Vibe: Neighbourhood local, relaxed crowd
Hidden Gems: Ottawa’s Best-Kept Happy Hour Secrets
Buck-a-shuck oyster deals appear throughout the city for those who know where to look.
Beyond the main drags, Ottawa hides some exceptional happy hour finds that regulars guard jealously.
Shore Club (Westin Ottawa)
- Hours: Daily 3-5 PM
- Special: Buck-a-shuck oysters
- Why Go: Upscale hotel bar with ocean vibes, excellent for impressing guests
Chop Steakhouse & Bar
- Hours: 2-6 PM and 9 PM-close (lounge/patio only)
- Special: Discounted drinks and appetizers
- Why Go: Steakhouse quality at bar prices
The Clarendon Courtyard
- Hours: Summer months during regular happy hour
- Special: Same as Clarendon Tavern but outdoors
- Why Go: One of ByWard Market’s best patios for people-watching
Happy Hour by Day of the Week
Not all happy hours are created equal. Here’s when to target specific venues:
| Day | Best Bets | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Barley Mow, Grand Pizzeria | Start-of-week crowds are lighter |
| Tuesday | Rabbit Hole (half-price pizza night) | Best pizza deal downtown |
| Wednesday | Social on Sussex, Joey | Midweek specials often strongest |
| Thursday | Metropolitain (buck-a-shuck) | Oyster lovers’ paradise |
| Friday | Clarendon Tavern, Heart & Crown | Pre-weekend energy, largest crowds |
| Saturday | Limited happy hours | Most venues shift to weekend pricing |
| Sunday | Churchill’s, brunch spots | Some venues offer Sunday-specific deals |
Practical Tips for Happy Hour Hunters
Timing Your Visit
- Arrive Early: Popular spots fill up fast, especially patios in summer
- Weekdays Only: Most happy hours run Monday-Friday; weekends revert to regular pricing
- Sweet Spot: 4-5 PM offers the best combination of deals and available seating
- Last Call: Order your final discounted drink 10 minutes before happy hour ends
What to Know
- Cash vs. Card: Most Ottawa bars accept cards; some offer cash-only deals
- Tipping: Standard 15-20% on pre-discount prices is appreciated
- Reservations: Not typically needed for bar seating during happy hour
- Dress Code: Ottawa’s happy hour scene is casual; business casual fits everywhere
Transit and Parking
ByWard Market is easily reached by O-Train (Rideau Station) with a 5-10 minute walk. Street parking after 5:30 PM is often free but fills quickly. Consider parking further out and walking—Elgin and Bank Street offer more availability.
Happy Hours Near Major Venues
Planning drinks before an event? Here’s where to go:
Before TD Place Events:
- The Glebe offers numerous options along Bank Street
- Lansdowne complex has several restaurants with pre-event specials
- Allow 30 minutes to walk from ByWard Market or take the #6/#7 bus
Before NAC Shows:
- Social on Sussex is walking distance
- Metropolitain Brasserie suits pre-theatre dining
- Most Elgin Street options are 10-15 minutes on foot
Before Canadian Tire Centre:
- Kanata options are limited; consider happy hour downtown first
- Scout & Vittle (Westboro) works for westward trips
Seasonal Considerations
Winter Happy Hours (November-March)
- Focus shifts indoors to fireplaces and warm atmospheres
- Fewer crowds mean easier seating
- Hot toddies and warming drinks appear on menus
- Coat check may be essential at busier venues
Summer Patios (May-September)
- Patios become the main attraction
- Clarendon Courtyard and Social’s terrace are prime spots
- Arrive by 4 PM for outdoor seating
- Longer daylight extends the happy hour vibe
FAQ
Q: What time do most Ottawa happy hours run?
Most Ottawa happy hours run weekdays between 3-6 PM, though some start as early as 2 PM (Barley Mow) or extend to 7 PM (Metropolitain). Weekend happy hours are rare—plan for Monday-Friday visits.
Q: Are happy hour prices really worth it?
Absolutely. Typical savings run 30-50% off regular prices. A $5 pint that normally costs $9 saves $4 per drink. Half-price appetizers can turn a $30 snack into $15. For groups, savings add up quickly.
Q: What’s the best neighbourhood for happy hour in Ottawa?
ByWard Market offers the highest concentration of deals within walking distance. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, Westboro’s pubs provide similar value with fewer crowds.
Q: Can I just order drinks during happy hour, or do I need to buy food?
Most venues have no food purchase requirement during happy hour. However, ordering a small appetizer often improves service and extends your welcome at the bar.
Q: Are happy hour deals available on weekends?
Rarely. Ottawa’s happy hour culture centers on weekday after-work crowds. Weekends see full pricing at most establishments, though some Sunday specials exist (Churchill’s, brunch spots).
Q: Where can I find buck-a-shuck oysters in Ottawa?
Metropolitain Brasserie offers buck-a-shuck on Thursday evenings during Hill Hour. Shore Club at the Westin runs daily buck-a-shuck from 3-5 PM. Both are excellent quality.
Q: Is ByWard Market safe for happy hour?
Yes, ByWard Market is safe during happy hour and early evening. The area is busiest and most monitored between 4-8 PM. Standard city awareness applies—stick to well-lit streets and busy venues.
Q: Do I need reservations for happy hour?
Generally no. Bar seating is usually first-come, first-served. For groups of 6+ or if you want a specific table, calling ahead doesn’t hurt.
Q: What’s the dress code for Ottawa happy hours?
Ottawa’s happy hour scene is casual to business casual. You’ll see everything from suits (government workers) to jeans (everyone else). Dress comfortably.
Q: How do I get to ByWard Market for happy hour?
Take the O-Train Line 1 to Rideau Station and walk 5-10 minutes north. Buses #1, #6, and #7 also serve the area. Street parking after 5:30 PM is often free but limited.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s happy hour scene rewards those who know where to look. From the bustling streets of ByWard Market to the comfortable pubs of Westboro, affordable drinks and discounted food await—if you time it right.
The best approach? Pick a neighbourhood, arrive by 4 PM on a weekday, and let the specials guide your choices. Whether you’re after buck-a-shuck oysters at Shore Club, half-price pizza at Grand Pizzeria, or $6 craft beers at Barley Mow, Ottawa delivers value without sacrificing quality.
Grab your colleagues, set a group text, and start planning your next happy hour adventure across the capital.
Sources: Ottawa Tourism, individual venue websites, and local dining guides. Hours and specials subject to change—confirm with venues before visiting.
