The “best” patio in Ottawa can be difficult to define. Is it a place with incredible food? A great beer selection? Smaller crowds? A nice view? We considered all of the above when formulating this list (which is in no particular order) and tried to include options in a range of neighbourhoods. Above all else, each of the following 10 patios has a vibe that we’d enjoy on a sunny day, in and around the Nation’s capital. They’ll also have good beer.
| Sir John A Best for: A pint of domestic or foreign beer. While there are a selection of patios on Elgin Street, we enjoy Sir John A for its fantastic beer list, street level people watching and reasonable turnover, meaning there’s usually not a huge wait to be seated. |
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| Copper Spirits and Sights Best for: A bird’s eye view of the city, with cocktails. Copper Spirits and Sights is the rooftop patio of the Andaz Ottawa Byward Market. Without question, it’s one of the best views in the city. Though the food menu is limited to snacks, the cocktail list and atmosphere are well worth the elevator ride. |
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| Mill Street Brew Pub Best for: A view of water. While there are a few Mill Street locations, none can rival the view from the patio in Lebreton Flats, a converted mill originally built in the 1800s overlooking the Ottawa River. |
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| Quinn’s Ale House Best for: A pint of Ashton beer and pub grub. An Old Ottawa South institution, Quinn’s has a great range of draft options from Ashton Brewing Company and reliably tasty pub staples. |
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| Bistro L’autre Oeil Best for: An extensive beer list and quaint surroundings. With one of the most impressive beer lists in the Ottawa region, L’Autre Oeil is worth the drive (or bike ride) over to Aylmer. Plenty of room and only a short distance away from the Aylmer waterfront, a great place to catch a sunset. |
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| Metropolitain Brasserie Best for: People watching and classy snacks (mussels, oysters). The French Brasserie’s patio is tucked beside parliament and is frequented by government types. After-work patio snacks on special during their famed “Hill Hour” (4-7 pm on Mon-Fri) include oysters and steamed mussels. |
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| The Lieutenant’s Pump Best for: A pint of domestic or foreign beer. Partially subterranean and always buzzing, the patio of the Lieutenant’s Pump is a staple on Elgin Street. Enjoyable if you can get a seat. |
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| Soif Best for: One of the best wine lists in town. Soif, located in Gatineau, pairs small plates with some fantastic wines. All the more enjoyed under the sun. |
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| Pub Italia Best for: A literal bible of beer. While known for its kitschy interior decor, Pub Italia’s patio is also a great place to enjoy a selection from their extensive beer list. |
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| Chelsea Pub Best for: Poutine, beer and charm. The beautiful surroundings of Chelsea and a range of unique beers, Chelsea Pub is one of our favourite Ottawa getaways. |
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Honorable mentions:
Les Vilains Garcons, Social, Irene’s, Brother’s Beer Bistro, Les Brasseurs du Temps, Lowertown Brewery, Union Local 613, Fairouz.