Still one of the cooler, more laid back hangouts in Ottawa. Truly deserves the "lounge" part of…read moreits name. Note that this isn't a go early and have beers type of place, most nights it's not even open for business before 10pm and even then, people don't really start coming in until 11 - midnight. Go early (10pm) and you're guaranteed a spot on one of its few loungy sofas (very comfy), but you'll also probably be alone with your companions. Great music as advertised, they always have good DJs.

This is one of my favourite spots I've been to for live music. It's a pity I haven't returned…read more Don't read anything into that though! It's a really awesome lounge. The Mercury Lounge mainly specializes in variations of jazz music, but it also includes some of the other stuff as well. The atmosphere is very relaxing with warm reds and yellows. The stage is a perfect focal point as it's framed by two twelve foot high (at least) windows that look out into the market from this heritage building. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of space, especially if you arrive with a large group and want to stick together. You may have to resolve yourselves to separate a bit for the night if you want to sit down to enjoy the music. Unlike many bars in Ottawa, this place is open until 3AM.

Great arcade, bar, music and perogies. Service is great. The perogies are always delicious. The…read morestaff is friendly. I enjoy the live music and the people who come, the regulars.

I think there was a Yelp event here years ago that I couldn't make it out to because I ended up…read moreworking late, but House of Targ has been on my list to try ever since! I'm not in this area often, especially during the pandemic, so when I saw that they were offering frozen pierogis through Burrow Shop's online grocery delivery service, I had to buy them. I got the traditional pierogis made with flour, sour cream, eggs, potato, cheddar cheese, and salt. It was a 12-pack of frozen pierogis sealed in plastic in a little cardboard box with the instructions at the bottom, which included boiling and panfrying. I was lazy and starving at that point and looking for something fast, so I decided to brush six of them with olive oil and stick them in the air fryer. I should've taken them out sooner because the potato started leaking out the ends, but they were still great. Of course, if I had followed the instructions, I'm sure they'd be even better (I saved the other half to try it making it the way they said). Simple and comforting, not lacking flavour, but not too tame, and not too salty. The six were a great snack for just myself - I can see how people could easily take down plates of these!

Was a nice, casual night out. Comfort food and enthusiastic, friendly service made for a nice…read moreenvironment to chat. Does what it says on the tin!

We come here a few times a year for music and fund raising events. It's always fun…read more Staff are great. No matter how busy it gets they are on top of things. The kitchen can get a bit slow when it's super busy, but I think it's a size limitation, not a process problem. Luckily they have a good beer and other beverage selection, all of which get delivered quickly, so, hey, my beer is my appetizer. It's a fun music venue. Check the website for what's coming up. The room is rustic and cozy with a well worn floor and carved signatures in the wood tables. Lots of character and charm. In nicer weather there's a pleasant patio off the side. Food is pub fare.

Came here to see Badflower. I liked the layout because there were chairs and tables, which you…read moredon't often get at pit concerts, but I get lazy between sets and like to sit down. It was really hot. The floor was wet with sweat and the band said it was the hottest venue they played at. The drinks were a good price. The tall cans(beer, white claw, hard lemonade etc) were 4$ cheaper than at Bronson centre. It has some parking.

My partner and I had the best night out at Brass Monkey!!! I can't remember the last time I was…read moretreated as well as I was at this bar! We we're so comfortable, Crystal, our server made it feel like home :) Thanks so much for the love and care and great tunes!!!

Problem with this place was the tables. I miss a good scotch lounge but it doubles as brunch during…read morethe day.

Visited with my husband on June 27 for a Miguel de Armas show. We are friends of Miguel and follow…read moreall his performance. We arrived at the venue at 8:20pm for the 9pm show. I got the tickets for the show, but did not call for reservation. We were seated at the bar. There were two tables close to the stage that were reserved, but nobody was seated there. The place is very small and cozy, this was our third time here. In the past we loved it. The show started at 9pm, the place was full for the exception of those two table seating empty and at the front near the stage. We asked the server if the tables are not filled, if we can move. He explained that they will give it another 15 minutes of grace time. The place was getting full, still nobody was seated there. We asked again and were told that they will wait until 9:30pm and then we can move. At 9:30pm we were planning to move, and we got scolded by the waitress. She was extremely rude, she told my husband "that we were lucky to have a seat, and that those tables are reserved ". I worked in a hospitality industry for 25 years and never heard anyone being so rude to a paying customer. We arrived early, we order drinks (not cheap), and we just wanted to get a better seat towards the end of the show. At the end, a couple showed up at 9:45pm to claim that table, keep in mind that the show ended at 10pm. The other table of four was never claimed by the original reservation and some people just came in and sat there. This place and nice and cozy, but not ready for a full house - one server who asked as a host, and one rude waitress/ bartender. The service we received this time was SUPER RUDE AND DISRESPECTFUL. What kind of venue holds a reservation forever when they are turning people away. Not very good business decision. When a show starts at 9pm, as a respect to the performers, no late entry should be allowed and especially at the front. No respect was given to the clients that got there early, no respect was given to the artists that had to perform with empty tables at the front, while other guess being sent away. We will not be going back.

Maverick's is a stripped down bar with lots of empty space, dirty vibes and no panache. But it's…read morestill a good place to see a show. When I've gone, it wasn't too cramped: I actually had lots of room to dance. However, this bar can attract some popular indie bands, so lots of space isn't always the case. If you're into punk, this is one of the better places to go. I have no interest in the music, but I often see hefty line-ups for their punk shows. I don't recall the bar's selection being that fantastic, but generally all I want is a beer when I go to a show anyway. Some of the clientèle can be a bit sketchy at times, but that just adds to the flavour.

I love to hate Mav's. It has pretty much nothing going for it, but that's also its charm. It is…read moreliterally a hole in the wall, yet it is packed if the band is right. Great atmosphere, good booze prices and the occasional amazing band lineup. Take it or leave it, its doing fine with or without you, and I think that pretty much is their stance on it.

This joint brings a smile to my face. It's a hole in the wall music hall with good beer,…read moreuncomfortable 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.

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

We were here last evening for a live show, and i enjoyed myself. There's a variety of seating, the…read moredrinks are actually reasonably priced for being in the market. The staff were friendly and made very good drinks. The bands were good and loud. Definitely a chill place to hang out, with some cool artwork strewn about. They also have pool tables on non live show nights :). I'll definitely add this to my bar crawl list. Definitely a dingy metal head kind of place and that's said with love! If you want upscale and snobby, Definitely not for you lol.

Stopped by to get off my feet as this place had good reviews and I couldn't have asked for more…read more Lots of character, cheap beer seems like a great place to chat with whoever. Would recommend

First time I went in 2022 it was amazing show, good food, staff are awesome and polite. I have been…read moregoing back every now and then since then. The show is never the same. The food is so good. Home made soup not to salty. There are times the staff also change.

Well worth seeing for insights into Canadian culture and the meal was pretty good too.read more