5 of the best bars in Ottawa for watching sports if you want to actually enjoy your food too
Just because it's bar food doesn't mean it needs to be bad food.
Meals (that don't suck) from some of Ottawa's best sports bars.
For us sports lovers, having a good place to watch the game is crucial. It brings a level of excitement and camaraderie that you just don't get sitting on the couch at home.
Sports bars across the city let the beverages flow to help lubricate the anxiety of a big game or a big moment, but far too often they neglect the quality of their food, presumably thinking, "Screw it, people will come anyway."
For us food lovers, however, the quality of our bar bites can make or break an experience. That's why we've put together a list of some of the best sports bars in Ottawa where the food isn't an afterthought.
The Senate Tavern
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Bar Food
Address: 1159 Bank St.; 33 Clarence St.; & 1008 Wellington St. W., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Senate has long been a neighbourhood watering hole where many gather to watch the game, big or small. Having three strategically placed locations throughout the city makes it easy for anyone and everyone to find the Senate Tavern that's the right fit for them and offers a few differences at each location to provide a unique appeal at every spot.
Recently, the Senate went through a menu revamp that we can all celebrate. While they're still serving up bar classics like nachos, wings and a good ol' fashioned chicken tendy, the quality of the food has drastically improved to a point where it's worth eating there even if the game isn't playing!
That being said, there's seldom a better atmosphere than sitting with a basket of hot honey chicken wings, drinking an ice-cold draft beer and feeling the camaraderie around you while watching a playoff game at the Senate.
MacLaren's
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Bar Food
Address: 301 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: MacLaren's is one of Ottawa's best pool halls. On any given Friday or Saturday night, those who elect to not arrive early could run the risk of waiting hours for a table, and pool is definitely what most people associate the Elgin Street staple with. However, the TV setup in MacLaren's is also an impressive display. This pool hall has also become a favourite place for many to watch the pay-per-view UFC fights, Euro Cup soccer games and hockey playoffs when the times come around — but how is the food?
Honestly, the name of the game at MacLaren's is variety. From burgers to dips, to steaks and even three-course meals, MacLaren's has raised the bar on what you can expect from pub food. To boot, the food is solid. If you have a craving for a club sandwich with a side of classic poutine while you watch the Leafs choke away another playoff series, you're in good hands here.
Mulligans
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Bar Food
Address: 201 Queen St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Much like MacLaren's, Mulligans serves a main purpose other than watching sports (in this case, a golf simulator), but that doesn't stop it from being a wonderful place to congregate for games. Whether it's the PGA Tour or Monday Night Football, the friendly staff and lively atmosphere at Mulligans make for an elite viewing experience.
As for the food, the one-page menu at Mulligans features a variety of elevated classics with a few twist items you don't always see on a pub menu. For me? The Chorizo Pogos and the Ginger Thai Duck Wings are entirely worth straying from the norm for. And don't forget a side of Django Fries.
Whether you're going to swing a few clubs or watch someone else do it, you can feel confident you'll be eating well either way.
The Wood on Wellington
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Bar Food
Address: 1237 Wellington St. W., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Wood on Wellington is a textbook sports bar. Lots of TVs, good bar seating, a lively atmosphere and a wide variety of beers and bites that can keep you entertained for hours throughout the game. It really is a sports fan's dream.
Let's cut to the chase. The food here is good. Don't believe me? Go in and try it, or check the Google reviews if you need more persuading. Like any restaurant, especially a sports bar, it's not going to be perfect, but they definitely do it better than most places.
But there's one night a week when the Wood becomes the most desirable place in the city for a sports fan: Monday nights.
Picture this: It's Monday Night Football and your team is playing in a huge game. Your fridge and your stomach are both empty, but you're determined to not miss a minute of the action. You head down to the Wood on Wellington to find that their juicy chicken wings are on for just $10 per order, and for only another $10, their 32-oz "Woody" of beer is on special as well!
You're now watching the game, with an order of wings and a mini pitcher of beer, and you've only spent $20. This is what dreams are made of.
Local Public Eatery
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Modern Bar Food
Address: 826 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Okay look. I thought LONG and hard about whether or not to include Local on this list. Despite its name, it's not an Ottawa local restaurant. It's technically a chain, and that is super off-brand for me.
HOWEVER, there is absolutely no denying what Local brings to the table as a sports bar where the food doesn't suck. It's actually so undeniable that I'm breaking my own rule to include it on this list. Congrats, Local! You've earned it.
On top of the gorgeous layout, numerous strategically placed TVs and general good vibe, the food at Local is really solid.
Never once have I been disappointed by their Local Burger or their upper-echelon fish tacos.
A little pro tip for you: If you get fries, ask for Sexy Sauce on the side. The server may not know what you're talking about, but the kitchen will, and it's a wonderful experience.
The bottom line is watching sports is awesome, watching sports at a bar is better, and watching sports at a bar where you actually enjoy the food is best! Don't neglect your taste buds for the game. The two experiences can and should live harmoniously together.
Happy eating, sports fans.