The best bars & nightlife in Ottawa

If you like options, The Backstreet (w/Live Gaming) keeps it interesting with 200+ liquors, 90+ beers/seltzers, and now... draft.

From the Peru newsletter, October 21, 2026

Borderline Bar & Grill brings a lively La Salle vibe just down the road, with rotating craft beers, fine wines, and cocktails poured by folks who know their stuff. Locals rave about the burgers and ribs, and the happy hour and events keep it an easy pick for meetups.

From the Ottawa newsletter, October 25, 2026

Alexander Park Tavern has been a Princeton staple since 1934, turning out fresh, made-daily bar-and-grill favorites and easygoing drinks with the kind of friendly, one-on-one attention only lifers give. Ask about the daily specials, then say hi to owners Shawn and Karen Nyman while you’re at it.

From the Princeton newsletter, October 18, 2026

If you're in Peru and craving a laid-back bar and grill with a drink list that covers beer, liquor, wine, and yes, a proper Moscow Mule, The Thirsty Mule keeps things easy to like. Established in 2025 in nearby La Salle, it's a simple, celebratory go-to with no fuss, just good times.

From the Peru newsletter, October 18, 2026

FYA (For You All) is the Illinois Valley’s most inclusive hangout, serving over 100 different shots plus Drag Night, karaoke, and a full menu of mocktails, CBD/THC infusions, and zero-proof options... ideal for Peru folks who want big laughs and bigger vibes.

From the Peru newsletter, October 12, 2026

Pour Judgment leans into the "not bar food, good food" promise with stacked burgers, legit Italian beefs, crispy pork tenderloins, and fried chicken sandwiches that hit the spot. Established in 2023, it’s the kind of spot locals hit for hearty plates, cold drinks, and friendly bartenders.

From the Peru newsletter, October 8, 2026

Bailey's Place Gaming Cafe keeps things clean, comfortable, and low key while you dive into video poker, slots, and more, all powered by Gold Rush Gaming. When you want a quick after work reset in Peru, this spacious spot makes it easy to play, smile, repeat.

From the Peru newsletter, October 5, 2026

Sanctuary is La Salle’s cozy cocktail hideout, the kind of place you slide into for a well-made drink and end up lingering. Opened in 2021, it keeps things simple, friendly, and just a little bit fancy... perfect for date night, post-shift unwinding, or convincing your group chat to meet somewhere actually good.

From the Peru newsletter, October 11, 2026

Vintage Vines is the kind of wine bar locals claim as their spot, with a relaxed vibe, thoughtful pours, and just enough wine geekery to keep things interesting without turning it into homework. Perfect for a midweek catch up or an easy, treat yourself glass.

From the Peru newsletter, October 9, 2026

Flo's on Pulaski does the classic bar-and-grill thing right with hefty burgers, saucy wings, and a pork tenderloin sandwich locals argue about in the best way. Add cod, chicken strips, and family-style spaghetti & ravs... perfect for an easy pickup night or a laid-back hang.

From the Peru newsletter, September 28, 2026

Bailey's Place Gaming Cafe brings a clean, comfy vibe with video poker, slots, and more, powered by Gold Rush Gaming. When you want a low-key place to unwind and try your luck, this spot keeps it friendly, spacious, and easy to settle in.

From the Peru newsletter, October 2, 2026

August Hill Wine on the Hill, AHW/ISC Production Facility & Vineyard turns low-key weekends into little breathers with Illinois Valley views, wine flights, August Hill Chill, and live tunes while you spread out on the hillside. Book a cave tasting to step inside the working winery caves where the wines are born.

From the Peru newsletter, October 22, 2026

Riverfront Bar & Grill nails the townie trifecta, with a big, crowd-pleasing menu, 20 TVs for every game, and a legit sand volleyball court out back. Toss in Golden Tee, gaming machines, a lively patio, and rotating daily specials, and you’ve got easy weeknight plans.

From the Peru newsletter, September 26, 2026

When only a proper char will do, Elle's Tap turns out premium-cut steaks, slow-cooked ribs, and crispy wings that hit the spot. Straight-ahead American grill cooking, quality ingredients, and no fuss... the kind of neighborhood place you put on weekly rotation.

From the Peru newsletter, September 27, 2026

Housed in the historic Westclox factory, Star Union Spirits channels Peru’s reinvention energy into small-batch bottles, from light whiskey and American brandy to absinthe, agave, rum, and a sneaky good coffee liqueur. Go for the creativity, stay for the community vibes and conversation worthy pours.

From the Peru newsletter, October 19, 2026

Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

Shakers Sports Bar & Grill is the go-to to catch the game, with 35 rotating beers on tap, easygoing beer flights, and bar food that actually hits, from handmade-patty burgers and Italian Beef to wings and pizza. Dueling pianos, karaoke, and sand volleyball, pool, darts, and bags leagues keep the place buzzing.

From the Ottawa newsletter, October 16, 2026

Misfits Ottawa brings a neon-infused, retro soundtrack to downtown Ottawa with a fast-casual lineup of eclectic bites and genuinely fun, creative cocktails. Easy stop for a quick lunch, better for lingering with friends... and if you're a brunch person, Sunday's special menu makes sticking around feel like a plan.

From the Ottawa newsletter, October 11, 2026

When you need a last-minute six-pack for game night or a bottle that makes you look like you know things about tannins, Liquor ‘n’ Wine has a deep lineup across beer, wine, and spirits, plus staff picks, new arrivals, tastings, and an easy app to browse before you swing by.

From the Ottawa newsletter, October 5, 2026

If your weeknight needs a lift, Tangled Roots Brewing Company pairs award-winning, locally grown-and-brewed beers with chef-created dishes in a relaxed, small-town-friendly setting. It’s the spot when you want a pint that actually tastes like here, plus a menu beyond pub basics, right here in Ottawa.

From the Ottawa newsletter, September 27, 2026

Court Street Pub is that downtown hangout where two patty smash burgers, saucy wings, and a full bar meet live bands and karaoke on weekends, plus NFL Sunday Ticket when it counts. Easy spot to post up with friends, cheer, and lean into some very solid pub comfort.

From the Ottawa newsletter, October 3, 2026

With 30+ handcrafted wines and meads, flights that let you explore, and a patio where leashed pups are welcome, Small Memories Winery and Meadery is an easy Ottawa go-to. Grab a glass, split a flatbread, catch some live music, and see how a quick stop somehow becomes the whole afternoon.

From the Ottawa newsletter, October 12, 2026

Come for the food, stay for the fun… Berta's Tap nails the friendly, lively vibe with hearty comfort meals, classic bar favorites, and a full bar pouring drafts, cocktails, and rotating drink specials. Keep an eye on their live music and events when you need an easy, local night out.

From the Ottawa newsletter, September 30, 2026

Craving a low-key spot to watch the game and crush some solid tacos? Muffy's Tap has the neighborhood vibe nailed, with loaded nachos, quesadillas, cold beer, and that Good Food, Good Booze, Good Friends energy locals love since 2005.

From the Ottawa newsletter, October 22, 2026

Bailey's Place Gaming Cafe is the clean, comfortable, welcoming spot Ottawa folks hit when they want quick, no-fuss fun. Powered by Gold Rush Gaming, their video poker and slots make it easy to drop in, enjoy yourself, and keep the good vibes going.

From the Ottawa newsletter, September 29, 2026

When the craving hits, Cat’s Q brings smoky, stick-to-your-ribs BBQ that tastes like someone’s backyard obsession finally went pro. Then, on Fridays, they switch it up with Mexican specials like tacos, enchiladas, tamales, and burritos, plus a little "PEW PEW" attitude the regulars love.

From the Ottawa newsletter, October 19, 2026

Whether you’re into a crisp pour or a big, cozy red, CatsEye keeps things eclectic with seasonally rotated wines, handcrafted cocktails, and a few craft beers for good measure. Easygoing, urban vintage vibes in downtown Ottawa, and yes, you’ll find it by the mural.

From the Ottawa newsletter, October 2, 2026

Craving a low-key afternoon close to home. Waterman Winery & Vineyards, Inc. pours handcrafted regional wines made from grapes grown right on their fourth-generation Tuntland Farms, with relaxed tastings, vineyard walks, and a sustainable, country setting that makes DeKalb feel deliciously rural for an hour or two.

From the DeKalb newsletter, August 7, 2026

Family owned since 2019, Gilted Edge Winery brings boutique, small-batch wines to the Kendall County area, plus a charming spot for weddings and events. If your week needs a local pour and a reason to toast, keep an eye on their blog for happenings.

From the Joliet newsletter, August 12, 2026