The Laff in Ottawa

Great old pub friendly , stop there everytime i am in ottawa Great safe place , bring your lady Food

Great beer, good poutine, and a fun atmosphere at the Laff

I attended a holiday party from 3-6. The venue was clean and bright and the service was great, especially in light of how many people were there at the same time. After 6:00, the lights were dimmed a bit Vegetarian options: They had gluten-free, vegan nachos

Best and one of the oldest bars in the market! Family owned business with excellent service, great food and local live entertainment.

Greatest bar in Ottawa!

Best bar in the city. Love the live music! Food

Always amazing!! Get yourself some food!! The deep fried cheese curds are so good The staff is super nice. Best bar in the market by far!!

Whoop!!! Whoop! The Laff is the best place to stop in for music and a pint! When you tell people youve been there they will say, THE LAFF! WE LOVE THE LAFF! Parking: Parking right downtown in the market.

Oldest and warmest ( ) hometown bar in Ottawa.

I love this place! The staff rock!, the food is delicious, their house ale makes me thirsty just thinking about it! T.F.A.P is at 4pm sharp! Thankyou Chateau Laffayette!

Château Lafayette or The Laff is a hidden gem! The vintage charm adds a unique touch.The staff is friendly and it has a welcoming and very homey atmosphere. I have a memorable experience everytime I go. Highly recommend for anyone looking to enjoy a cozy, lively night out!

I got kicked out of the bar after a few beers. Im not sure of the reason. I do not recommend for tourists.

Small bar with older crowd in the middle of Byward market in an old building and always busy on Saturday nights. Unlike neighboring dance bars this one has free admissions which is nice. I come in usually for a brief time as I usually visit several bars on Saturday nights and if I like it, I buy a drink and stay for half an hour and if dont like the atmosphere (usually if it is too crowded or if there are too many guys) I leave right away without any damage to my wallet which is great. There is a very limited space in between the tables and chairs where the patrons use that space to dance. I suggest maybe removing a few of those tables and chairs after 11 pm on Saturdays when the bar gets crowded. I love the pop music (usually top of the pops songs in the 80s and 90s) that the D.J. in this bar plays. This is one single factor which attracts me to this bar. Unlike other bars (Club 27 and City at Night) I really like the music in this dance bar. A serious issue that I am not sure the management is aware of is the very challenging task of getting a drink in this bar. With chairs so tightly spaced around the service bar and people sitting on those chairs, the path to the bar is blocked by sitting patrons. I have to wave my money on the top of their heads in order to get bartenders attention. In addition, there are only two bartenders for a crowd of likely well over a hundred people in a good night. My suggestion is to remove those chairs or at least cut them in half so that they are not so closely surrounding the bar. The bartenders are polite and but very busy and in my view not up to speed. It took me 15 minutes in waiting to get a drink last Saturday. The Saturday before I waited 10 minutes waiting next to bar waving my $20 bill, but I gave up after a while and left. Since the only income of this bar is from selling drinks (free admissions) then I recommend hiring more bartenders. I promise it pays off big time.

Loved the people and the music

The classic rock and roll in the background was amazing!

Great atmosphere, diverse group of people but the place seemed welcoming. Open mic night on Tuesday was great

Superb food drink & service. ..highly recommended Food

The best overall bar in Ottawa. Great vibes, great live music, great food and beer, and terrific staff!

Very casual and fun place. I will go back Atmosphere

Used to go as a university student for the quarts. Brought a friend from the Caribbean who never had poutine. It was cold, disgusting, and disappointing.

My favorite pub in Ottawa. I always have a good time. Staff and regulars are friendly. Once I went in by myself, before I knew it I had like 4 new friends.

Neat bar in the Byward Market, no frills, good food, fast service, sports on tv, clean, nice patio and GIANT bottles of Labatt.

Very good concert café atmosphere. Delicious burger!

Dumpy, but good

It s fine for a beer, but the kitchen closes absurdly early without warning. I guess it is Ottawa, but 8:30 is pretty extreme.

Best spot in Ottawa. Oldest bar in town. Fun times!

Didnt eat here but it had a good vibe. Bar staff were very friendly and chatted to us about where we were visiting from et cetera. Great music and great beer, what more do you need! Sat outside in the sun

Friendly service, locals and tourists sitting comfortably together.

We love coming In here for a drink! Staff are so awesome special shout out to Sarah

Unprofessional staff, no manners

Do not go to that bar! I had the worst experience in this place. The bouncer literally took the chair where I m sitting when I went out to smoke a cigarette. I asked the bouncer why did he take my chair? And he replied saying I work here .then he dares to tell me to leave and when I refused and asked to speak with the manager, he AGGRESSIVELY used force and pushed me out of the bar. UNBELIEVABLE, I never had such a bad experience in my life before. DO NOT GO THERE!!! +I ordered a poutine and it was very bad poutine.

They say it s the oldest bar in Canada, perhaps they should add they are the most disrespectful, unpleasant, aggressive, sexist, homophobic and racist towards French speakers. The Bouncer came and took my friend s chair and went to drag him around by force. As a physiotherapist, I m extremely shocked to see people have no respect to people with limited mobility. A shocker that this still happens in Canada, in what supposed to be our capital. They say they are the oldest bar in Canada, yet a new door in St Henri, Montreal is older than all of the city.

Casual dining. Some would say, bar - tavern cuisine. Good food menu. Varied beverage selection. Convenient location in Byward Market. Good service.

Fun live music for all ages.

Excellent food and very nice place. I have been lucky to be there during a live performance hence also the music was fantastic.

The desserts were great! Its busy but we were taken care of quick

Very beautiful and good Irish pub . there is music some evenings

I didnt have any food, but the service there is great!

not lenny but the other bartender should be reprimanded for his treatment towards your patrons.. i m visiting ottawa tryin to have a good visit in the city the entire night he showed inhospitable behaviour, after johns set i asked about the store hours and he viscously answered.. then later on i went to the bathroom and came out to find the bar closing and everyone gone and came out to finish my drink.. he violently leaned over the bar grabbed the drink out of my hand and spilt it all over my nice sweater i just purchased! i was violated and escorted out.. i get it end of the night let s get everyone out and close the establishment.. but his behaviour was uncalled for and to treat a woman in this way or anyone is appalling! i used to live here and started my music career by coming to your open mic s with John Carrol.. and i m thankful for your bar for providing those opportunities.. but this was a terrible experience and i don t think i ll go back because i wouldn t feel safe..

Cozy pub with around 10 beers on tap and live music that changes daily. Good advice, your own name is remembered and used again and again throughout the evening. We didnt eat here, but the beer was delicious.

Good atmosphere. Especially if youre over 30

Staff was extremely rude with me when they were closing, I really needed to use the washroom quick since I have bladder incontinence. The guy at the bar blondish guy with glasses wouldnt even open the door to tell me they couldnt let me in he just ignored and shook his head as I was literally peeing myself... thats honestly so messed up. And a complete disrespect towards me. I am a woman and we do tend to have more bladder issues than men. Restaurants should allow in these emergency situations. I left downtown my clothes all wet from literally peeing myself. Big joke this place. Never stepping foot in that bar for anything youll never see me spending money there.

Great drinks

Food was fantastic :) Great Atmosphere and the servers were amazing. were from Hamilton on a small vacation

Favorite spot to go. Good price on beer. A live band every single night. Best staff. Also adults of all ages in here as well

The bouncers will assault you with no repercussions. I was already allowed in, yet when I tried to leave for a cigarette I was told I was not allowed back in. When I questioned the bouncer he threw me to the pavement.

Dont forget that this is the oldest tavern in Ottawa!

Reasonable prices with great live music and a vibrant atmosphere

Good fun with great live music and a fun crowd. A happy and relaxed atmosphere !

Delicious Muskoka beer

You like rock, this is probably your place

I had the poutine and it was okay for me. The gravy flavour is unique and I think people either love it or dont and I wasnt a fan. The atmosphere is good, theres outdoor and indoor seating.

music drinks super recommended

The best, their Budweiser is a must try

Nothing much say anything

Ottawa s oldest and best bar! Best live music Wednesday night featuring John Carroll; get transported back in time. Best bartenders, and great menu.

Since 1849, the social centre of Ottawa. Great staff, music, and classic atmosphere. A must weekly visit to preserve your sanity.

The oldest tavern in Ottawa, its really good there Everything is perfect, the staff takes great care. Quality and fresh products Excellent maple syrup sausage

Great prices on beer, friendly service and excellent atmosphere...it is an Ottawa must after all. More options for vegetarians would be nice.

July 20th , I was trying to go for a beer with my husband , and the bouncer didn t let us in as it was full , but other people was passing us going in , I don t know what was that about but it didn t feel friendly for a gay couple !!! Bouncer with a moustache zero friendly .

I heard it was one of the oldest places in the city, for me it was the worst. I really dont recommend that place, there are much nicer places to spend your time and money.

Visited this pub during marathon weekend Can t say enough great things about the staff Messed up a couple of things then went out of their way to make things right It s a must do in Ottawa These people know and understand the service industry Well Done and Thankyou

They allow homeless people in, stinking and could potentially be a security hazard, and unless someone complain about it, they will allow him to stay.

A place for locals, tourists and transients. A variety a live music throughout the week and surprisingly delicious food to enjoy solo or with friends. Love this place!

Stopped by for a drinks after visiting the market. Good draught beers and alcohol free drinks selection.

Lunch was delicious. We had Montreal sandwich. Nice portion size. Oldest pub in Ottawa! Historical pub with the real ambiance of an old pub. There is seating along the windows to enjoy people watching, theres a patio too! Its right in the heart of byward market! We loved learning that it is family owned operated and 3 generations. The owners are there working hands on!

While in Ottawa, we had to check out the oldest bar here. Open mic night.

Best pub in Ottawa, live music. Order at the bar. Max amazing. Jimmy amazing. Sarah brilliant. Julie ;). Every time I come to Ottawa I come.

live music started around 9pm, great jazz performers! food was good but pricey for the serving size. have to go up to the bar to place your order which wasnt a problem

Historical place, great for beers, great service.

It was the only animated place during the week, i had a very good burger and some drinks, i have been served by two waiters, both of them have been very nice and asked me many times if im satisfied and need anything...i recommand.

Fun and nostalgic

Definitely okay for 1.2 beers but the price/performance ratio is extremely expensive! For $25 a mid-range burger is just too much with just a few fries... 3 out of 5 stars from me.

We just went for a couple of beers on a beautiful spring day. The service was great!

Had a cold beer, it was good. Friendly bartender was nice to talk with briefly.

Loved visiting with the live music and darts.

Classic, and has been over the 30 years Ive been going.

10/10

My kind of place! We were visiting Ottawa and looking for a good place to get some drinks and live music and was recommended the Laff by from some other locals. Place was absolutely jam packed and theres nobody to help you whatsoever so we felt very uncomfortable and out of place for the first 15 mins until we finally found someone who gave up their seat. Overall though still had fun and enjoyed the local Ottawa Yummy! IPA. I would recommend this place to anyone seeking the dive bar vibe, just isnt super friendly service

Jon Deck on sundays is wasssup Super nostalgic!!!!!! Food : 5/5

A great place. Friendly staff, good food to have with a drink and live music every night. A lovely variety of beers and cocktails. Sunday afternoon had a great duo playing and the atmosphere was vibrant. Highly recommend visiting this old pub.

Vintage pub.

2 lovely experiences at this historic bar. Lively with great service.

Old school bar. WYSIWYG

This is Its the best!

Great food, great service and helpful waitress who gave us a note with recommended places to visit whilst we were in town.

Great place for live music and a pint.. gets very busy, seating.not always available.

Old style bar/tavern with friendly patrons, great DJ every Friday, Lucky Ron on Saturdays and live music too Wheelchair accessibility: Accessibility ramp available

Looking for great live music and super cold beer? This is your spot! #livemusic #coldbeer #goodtimes

A special place for me.

We have been going to the Lucky Ron show at the Laff on Saturday afternoons since he started playing there. He always packs the place. We bring friends and family all the time, and everyone has a great time. Its an Ottawa tradition. Lucky Ron never disappoints. The crowd loves the show and always sings along. You have to arrive early to get a seat. Enjoy the video of Lucky Rons classic songs made famous by Johnny Cash. We will be back soon.

There s an incredible atmosphere all Saturday, western music etc. It s a really good atmosphere!

Great place! Len and Lawrence are the best...friendly and made you feel welcome. Tomato soup was like it came from a 5 star restaurant. Chicken wings were great...and not like the scrawny ones at some places with no meat. Will definitely be back...

You go for the atmosphere!! And it never disappoints.

Best bar in Ottawa! Parking: Extremely close. Food : 5/5 |

1st time here. Was a great place, staff were awesome and great atmosphere. Definately going back.

I hear its one of the oldest bars in Ottawa

Amazing service and great staff!

Bar frequented largely by local customers. Band and music. The evening I was there happened to be Tuesday, OPEN MIC night. Anyone can perform. Lots of atmosphere, and good beers!

The oldest tavern in Ottawa. Straight up old school tavern w/ a decent selection of craft beers on tap.

friendly place, bilingual staff, very good service and good food

Nice place with a nice terrace, very friendly waitress and the food, snacks, was very delicious. A very good smoked meat sandwich, and the beer too.

Friday night DJ Dadbod is AMAZING... Talented and handsome

Very good food and service

A local icon.

Very nice atmosphere

Great poutine! Bartender was very nice.

Lucky Ron

Live music every night

We had a fantastic night. Great band.

I visit every time Im in town. The Tuesday open mic night is awesome. Ive never been disappointed.

Great pub, great beer, great people and live music every day. What more could you ask for?

A must stop for the dive bar / people watching enthusiasts

I have been to the laff a few times now.I love the informal, friendly atmosphere here. Grab a drink, find a table and if you get lucky you may get to hear some good tunes. The bar has a good selection of local beers, generous helping of snacks all at great prices. Such a central location; a definite stop on my next Byward market visit.

Awesome burgers, amazing service, very friendly staff. Would recommend stopping in!

If you want a real traditional Canadian pub youve found it. Hope that Angel serves you. Tax included in prices. Great vibe, just go.

Great spot to visit and spend some time.

no table service after 6pm.. but bartenders are quick..

A very traditional place in OTTAWA with very good music and beers. I loved the honey garlic sauce (but the chicken wings a little bit raw on the inside)

Drive bar, fun crowd

The service was very slow, we were there around 3 pm in the afternoon, the pub was not crowded despite this, we waited more than 20 minutes and when nobody came to ask for our order we had to go and order individually from the cashier! Very poor service especially when you are more than 5 people. Vegetarian options: Humus

I wandered in on a quiet afternoon in the market area, randomly picking a pub to vanquish an evil beer. The oldest tavern in the city was as good a reason as any. The decor is true to its legacy, the service was friendly and knowledgeable, and the Roadhouse burger was ridiculously delicious. Or ridiculicious. Write that down. If youre ever nearby, grab a beer n burger n soak up some Ottawa history at The Laff.

Authentic and with honest prices for beer

Fun bar for dancing to oldies.

Arrives on a Friday evening, after supper. We sit at a table and wait. No one comes to see us... We start to look at the customers around us. It wasnt long before we put our coats back on and left without even speaking to anyone.

Lucky Ron is da bomb!!

Good atmosphere, good music.

I used to go often and liked this place until they stole my stuff a week ago. Although the staff and security tried to cooperate by providing the phone number of the people who run the place, I called the manager to see if they would be able to help in any way by providing the security footage so I could raise a report to the police. They first questioned why I had their phone and denied to help me with the worst attitude ever and even I was told to disregard the issue by saying that my stuff was not valuable and that the police will not do anything. I also messaged them in Instagram about the situation and the reply was the same, awful, unfriendly and very defensive and just mentioned they will check the cameras last Monday without any feedback so far and that I should not leave my stuff unattended. So, if you are planning to go to this place neither the people that go there neither the management (who do not care about your safety as a customer or the safety of their own place) represent what it is supposed to be the nice local people from Ottawa. My friends and I will not go there anymore and we will spread the worth amongst others to let them know this situation in order this does not happen to them. Good luck to the oldest pub in Ottawa and btw I indeed reported the incident to the police.

Stopped in with an out of town visitor just to experience the atmosphere in the oldest bar in Ottawa. Loved it! Beer is the most popular drink here, and there is always live music with a band or DJ. Service