This joint brings a smile to my face. It's a hole in the wall music hall with good beer, uncomfortable seating and great music. To the best of my knowledge there's no food - just music and beer. Love it. We tend to head over later on Sunday afternoons, for the 4p Blues Jam. They get some great hosts in and many of the people that get up on stage to play a few songs are fantastic. (Yup, there's a few I could do without too - but that's the fun of the format.) Depending on the night, it can be a university student magnet, but every time we've been there, every age is represented in some proportion, so it's all good. Would I return: Yes Would I recommend: Like music? Like Beer? Then yes. read more

Good spot for live music - raised stage, small dance floor, second level with balcony seating. Fun place. The drinks are fair and there didn't appear to be any wine. read more

Rainbow Bistro - Grateful Dead Tribute band - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Ottawa, Ontario

I highly enjoy this bar and I wish I went more often. The Rainbow is a unique establishment that has been around for almost 25 years, although I'm surprised it isn't older than that judging by its niche popularity from its patrons and traveling musicians. This bar has at least one live band every evening of the week and free matinée shows five days of the week. They also have an open jam on Sundays. They mainly specialize in Blues music from local, national and international bands, but they also showcase some other styles too. The atmosphere is unique with high stone walls, huge windows, dark lighting and an elevated stage in front of a respectable dance floor. I think their website best describes it as looking like a chalet. I love the misfit clientèle the most because there doesn't seem to be a stereotype that frequents this bar. The people seem to come from all walks of life. So maybe you'll like it too? read more

Rainbow Bistro - photo from their website - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Ottawa, Ontario

I know I've been here plenty of times, but it must have almost always been in a drink infused haze of my youth, when the Market was the only place to be on a night out. When a friend mentioned he was playing a gig at the Rainbow, I couldn't even remember exactly what it looked like. After parking in the parking garage on Murray Street near Dalhousie, I had about a five minute walk to Murray and Parent. The Rainbow was tucked into a random spot - maybe this was the back door entrance? I never noticed a second one. That being said, it was rather inconspicuous and the only reason I even noticed it was because of the loud music blaring from inside. Up the stairs I went and was greeted by two sweet gentlemen who took my $5 cover fee (I was more than happy to pay it - local bands were preforming!). The place was very quiet (it was 10 p.m. on a Sunday night), but it picked up a bit around 11. The atmosphere is great - I found it really laid back and comfortable, with lots of different age groups represented, though definitely a late-twenties-40 crowd (Hurray! A bar without a ton of 19 year olds!). The old stone and high ceilings give it a great sound and the stage is located in the perfect place. The bar is in the back and there's plenty of seating as well as an ample dance floor. The bartender was so lovely. He came over to check on me twice to see if I needed a refill and made a great cocktail. You might not get anything super fancy here, but the guy knows how to mix his drinks. I believe there's a patio upstairs, or just another space - I didn't get the chance to venture up there, but I will next time. Because there will absolutely be a next time - this place is great! read more

No matter who is playing at the Rainbow Bistro, it's always a great night! They venue is really well designed in that the stage is raised at the back, for a great view on the dance floor and all around the first level of seating, and a second floor balcony with a bar stools all around the rail for a great view of the band. The acoustics are pretty decent too - there is generally great sound no matter where you are in the venue. The bar staff have been great when it come to helping choose drinks, or creating something new for those who are really undecided (like me). I have only had snacks at during the concerts so I can't comment much on the food, but I have not yet been disappointed by anything at the Bistro. It's a bit of a hidden gem in the market. Would make a nice location for a relaxed wedding too! Looking forward to my next visit. read more

Such a great live entertainment venue. The view from the balcony is excellent. Definitely a place to return to!

Entrance door is hard to find and slams very loudly when it shuts, it hurt my ears. No greeting from the staff upon entry, he seemed a little sad. They do not accept credit. My friend tried to use a debit card, but the debit machine didn't work. I had to take out cash from the ATM to purchase a drink. Singing sounded like karaoke, which is always a treat! Also it's called Rainbow Bistro but they don't sell food. It's a solid 2/5 stars. read more

TLDR; pros: great music, convenient location. Cons: run down, pretty empty, poor staff communication, a jem of a hole-in-the-wall with immense potential to become a thriving spot! I was really excited to come here during my visit to Ottawa. I discovered it while walking down Murray Street one afternoon, and heard some great live music coming from the second floor. I was instantly enticed to visit it another day. The next evening, I wanted to bring some friends to go check it out. Their social media & website are lacking, I wanted to see who was playing that evening, but their last post was their schedule from 2 months prior. A bit of a bummer. I ended up just calling them instead, a man named George told me that there would be no live music that evening, instead there would be a burlesque show, and cover would be around $5-10. Although my friends were kind of turned off by having to pay cover, I persuaded them to check it out, explaining that talent likely needs to be paid as well and that it could be a really fun night! We show up around 8, it was dead quiet in the place, and while walking up the stairs we questioned if the place was even open yet. The burlesque dancers seemed to be rehearsing on stage, someone was filming them, and there were zero patrons in the place. We all felt pretty awkward being there. We briefly took a peek at their performance before leaving, assuming we were too early. We walked around Byward until 8:30, then headed back to see if the show had started yet. The stage was empty, but there were about 9 patrons inside, 7 of whom left shortly after we entered. We overheard the bartender say "the show will start at 9". We noticed a calendar on the wall saying on that evening, it would be "Johnny Cash Night", but we thought it was cancelled due to George telling us there was no live music scheduled that evening. At 9, a man got up on stage, played some Johnny Cash, and he was incredibly talented. Although we were let down with the Burlesque show, we were met with great music! We were glad there was no cover, and we would definitely come back again! However, the Rainbow Bistro could absolutely use a bit of a facelift, and maybe even a social media manager to help promote their place to locals/tourists. I absolutely think the Rainbow Bistro could be thriving a lot more than it is now, and it's honestly sad to see that the talent could have a bigger audience if the establishment put more effort into the success/promotion of the venue. read more

I was in Ottawa for the weekend, and looking for some live music. I had heard this place was good so decided to check out a blues rock band playing that night. The door is inconspicuous, and on first go I walked right past it. Once up the stairs, I paid my $20 cover (bit steep if you ask me, especially as the website gave no indication of price). You can tell that this place is something of an institution. The place is dated and looks like people have been enjoying music here for decades. The music sounded great, the service was friendly and fast, and there are plenty of bar stools, although I suggest getting there an hour before the show if you want to be guaranteed a seat. It's definitely an older crowd, but a younger person wouldn't feel out of place here, it's really unpretentious and definitely not the kind of place you go to be "seen" - just a great place to see great bands. read more

I finally sought out the Rainbow after many years in Ottawa. I had heard about it, but somehow never had the incentive until a friend's band was playing on a friday. I didn't know what I was missing! This place is very original and unpretentious. Great for live music. It's a place where people can relax and be themselves. You will find all sorts of people just feeling the music. That simple! read more

I popped in here to see what it was all about on a Sunday afternoon. I heard music wafting from the open windows, so I thought I'd give it a try. This place looks likes it been around a while, and have seen their fare share of stars, based on the photographs on the wall. Not a bad thing; goes to show if you manage an establishment properly, it will last. I paid the $3 cover charge, and found a seat at the bar. Most of the clientele looked liked they were regulars...relaxed; seemed to know their way around. However, what annoyed me was the lack of food. Popcorn and chips? Really? With the word 'bistro' in the name, I would have expected at least some type of bar food. I guess I was really annoyed because I'd paid the $3 cover, but had to leave after finishing my beer because I really needed to eat something. I'm in Ottawa for a bit longer; maybe I'll give it another shot. read more