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Avant-Garde's Russian owners have created an unusual (and popular!) spot, where part of the fun is taking in the décor – bold colors, curved mirrors, Soviet propaganda posters, Kandinsky and Lissitzky prints, and Russian knickknacks. The menu includes a variety of interesting Russian vodkas, salads, sandwiches and pastries, plus blini prepared several ways. Entertainment runs the gamut, from poetry readings and live bands to DJs and films.
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Located on the corner of Bank and Gilmour Streets, this fun live music venue is one of Ottawa's top nightlife draws. Built during the WWII era, the charming old theatre now hosts everything from Celtic Rock to Alternative to Punk. As eclectic as the musical repertoire may be, the clientele is even more so. Indeed, the local rockers and casual tourists may be found toasting a Molson and moving to the groove. Barrymore's does not serve food.
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Café Dekcuf
221 Rideau, Ottawa, ON K1N 5X8 · 613-244-5000
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| Cover Charge: |
$$1 - $15
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| Music: |
Alternative Rock Metal Punk Reggae Rock Varies |
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CC: Casual
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Loud, raucous and fun, Café Dekcuf books young, energetic local bands that play everything from ska to punk. The crowd and atmosphere vary depending on who's playing, but it's usually a good cross section of the population. The owners promote local visual artists too – a huge variety of recent works are displayed throughout.
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Cafe Nostalgica
603 Cumberland St, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 · 613-562-5800
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| Music: |
Jazz Soul Varies World |
| Dress: |
CC: Casual
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Operated by grad students from the University of Ottawa, Café Nostalgica is a student-friendly hangout but it's a great place for anyone to catch some up-and-coming local talent or a fantastic performance from a "world music" band. From guy-with-a-guitar shows to spoken word to open mic to jazz and funk combos – this place has it all. Plus good, inexpensive food.
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Club Caliente
110 York St, ByWard Market, Ottawa, ON K1N 5T5 · 613-562-0698
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Widely regarded as THE place in Ottawa to do the salsa, Club Caliente is a flashy, hip Latin-style dance club that tends to keep the party going well into the night. Expect to find a youthful, energized crowd of 20-somethings here, shaking their moneymakers to the likes of disco, reggae, techno, and, of course, tropical rhythms. Free salsa and merengue lessons are available on Thursday nights, and Club Caliente frequently features live Latino bands.
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Rainbow Bistro
76 Murray St, ByWard Market, Ottawa, ON K1N 5M6 · 613-241-5123
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| Music: |
Acoustic Alternative Rock Bluegrass Blues Folk Rock |
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CC: Casual
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The 'Bow is the place for live blues. Not only is the second floor space relaxed and comfortable, but it features great sightlines and acoustics. And there are performances, from local blues and rock bands to international touring acts, every night. Past big-name performers include the Tragically Hip, Blues Rodeo, k.d. lang and Blues Brother Dan Ackroyd.
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Rasputin's
696 Bronson Ave, Ottawa, ON K1S 4G2 · 613-230-5102
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| Cover Charge: |
No Cover
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| Music: |
Acoustic Bluegrass Folk Irish Jazz Varies World |
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CC: Casual
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After a couple of decades, Rasputin's has built a fine reputation for itself as a jumping off point for numerous singer-songwriters who have gone on to national and international acclaim. The space is small but airy-feeling, with about 40 seats and ceilings 14 feet high. Along with jazz, folk, bluegrass and Celtic music performances, Rasputin's features storytelling and open mic nights.
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Need a laugh? Give Yuk Yuk's a try. "Canada's National Stand-Up Chain" has about 15 locations from Vancouver to Niagara Falls. Wednesdays are devoted to new talent; Thursday through Saturday sees well-known comedians from around the country take the stage for some uproarious entertainment. Dinner seating starts about two hours prior to showtime; appetizers are also available if you don't want a full meal.
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| Music: |
Alternative Rock Metal Rock World |
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CC: Casual
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Fans will instantly recognize the name. For the rest of us: Zaphod Beeblebrox is a character in Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series, a dude so cool (and popular) that he now has a bar named after him. The place is great for live music – mostly indie / alternative bands, local and international – but it's a fun place to hang out for an evening, too. They have a good selection of draught beer, plus cocktails like the "Pan Galactic Gargleblaster" (another book reference). Performers who have appeared here include Superchunk, Bettie Seveert, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Our Lady Peace, Jewel, Southern Culture on the Skids, Nickelback and Fishbone.
These nightlife options provide readers with the best places in Ottawa to unwind, kick back, and leave the day behind. Our editors and local contacts have searched Ottawa's neighborhoods for quiet venues, uncovered hip bars, and experienced the Ottawa club scene. We've hit the best Bars, Live Entertainment, and Pubs in Ottawa, Ontario ... Choose your diversion, and then let us direct your energies.
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