Makerhouse. A store in Hintonburg with several items from local and Canadian companies and they donate 2% of all profits to a local charity each quarter. A great place to buy presents instead of going to Amazon and they deliver.
The Kanata location of Hospice Care Ottawa. I don't think the people there (or at any hospice get enough admiration.) My grandfather wasn't the first person I watched die, he wasn't even the first person I loved who needed hospice care, but the people at Ruddy-Shenkman were kind and attentive. Every week they'd have someone come in and just play music for each patient, and when he died, the staff and volunteers that could be spared stood at attention when the funeral home came to collect his body. Life has not been kind to me, but they were very kind to him when he needed it most
I'm very sorry for your loss and I am so sorry that life has not been kind to you. That said, despite whatever you have going on in your life whatever you have had to bear, your compassion comes through your words clearly. You have a good heart. ❤️
Along similar lines: The Perley Veterans Hospital does right by former service members - everyone receiving end of life care gets a lovely display case at the entrance to their room to display medals, service photos, family memories, etc.
The facilities are great, it’s well staffed, and is just all around the kind of place that you’d want to see your tax dollars support.
The Veteran cemetery at Beechwood is also lovely, and does a really nice job accommodating the wishes of service members and their families.
You're the only one who actually named a place instead of a business. I wish I knew more parks and spots to walk, but it looks like Ottawa is increasingly unfriendly to walking/cycling.
Have you ever spent time in the Arboretum? It's a great place for a picnic, particularly in May/June when a lot of the trees are in bloom. It's a beautiful, large green space by Dow's Lake.
Thanks. One perspective to note as a kid from the 80s and got hit twice by a car while cycling on Centepointe dr I think it’s gotten way better over time.
Ottawa/Gatineau is a great place for cycling or walking. In the summer the bike paths are pretty nice and Gatineau park is a great place to bike. As well as Gatineau’s cycling network is even better than Ottawa’s.
The escape room there is great (if they still do it???).
None of the “artefacts” there are original - DND stripped it when they left, so the museum had to buy it all off eBay etc. That means you get to touch/use most of the stuff in the rooms as part of the “escape”.
I can’t comment on the escape room, never did it, but I have heard it’s amazing!
As for what what’s in the Bunker (equipment, furniture, etc), a lot of that IS original or was sourced from the two other EGHQ’s, REGHQ’s, and donations. I volunteered there as an archivist a few years back, so got to hear about/see a lot of the background logistics. 😊
I am always looking for a good Pho Tai soup - would you say they do a good one here? I'm not in that area often but I would go out of my way to get a good bowl of Pho soup!
Their pho is my favourite in the city and they have a lot of varieties, including the full rare beef with tendon and everything. Definitely recommended!
The Witches Cauldron
In stittsville. Many years ago they had a super awesome food truck with the same name ...shit went south and they stopped for like a decade.
Now they back, and their food is amazing. The people are amazing.
The restaurant Jericho is an absolute gem of Ottawa. It’s a small middle eastern/ Mediterranean restaurant on bank street but it is an absolutely gorgeous experience. Every inch of the interior is covered in beautiful artworks most of which I believe is created by the owner. His name is Raouf Omar, such a lovely person just brimming with pride and love for his customers and establishment. Not to mention it was truly inspiring to hear him talk of his passion for art and food and his life story. Also yea the food is great.
Mooshu Ice Cream! Great variety of flavours, locally sourced ingredients, living wage for employees and they even have Korean skincare now, win win for me!
Andrew Hayden park on the river. It's not huge, but it's one of the rare public natural sitting areas where you can feel at peace. Many friendly dogs visit the park, and you can be lucky enough to be greeted with some tail wags and learn a bit about them from their human. There's a tiny little waterfall, and what looks like a summer stage where they might have bands playing or kids' plays.
There's also something sad about the park - I've noticed more than one memorial for a small child with birth and death dates. I think the park was partly made with donations in the names of small children who passed away too early. I don't know the full story, if anybody here knows, it would be nice to find out.
I also really really really love the National Gallery. I would go once a week if I lived nearer to it. The classical statues look so vibrantly alive. It really shocks you with the force of the artistic expression. It sometimes makes me sad that a blind person can't experience the art in the NG. They should have a sculpture tour where blind visitors get to touch the statues.
I love Andrew Hayden Park. Some of my favourite summer nights have been biking there to enjoy the sunset by the water. It’s much more spread out and less congested than the beaches
Some of my favourites:
Suzy Q
Bread and Sons
Indian Affair
Quelque Chose
No Forks Given
Great Canadian Poutinerie
I love the idea of the Ottawa Tool Library, but its location isn't particularly accessible for me.
Also the community centres and libraries in this city are really good from my experience, even if underfunded.
We just became Ottawa Tool Library members a month ago and have been absolutely loving it so far! Agree that the location isn't super accessible for everyone (particularly transit users, I imagine) but hopefully if they're successful they can open a second location.
I can see this place from mine…. It’s a dangerous place to live so close to. Every single time walking my dog.
Stomach: poutine, fried rice
Brain: NO GOD DAMN IT
Critter Jungle (Both Orleans and Carling locations)!!!
They are incredible stores for your pets! My dogs love going there and the staff are so friendly and knowledgeable
I'd add most of the stores around there, like Life of Pie, Black Squirrel... it's a nice little stretch of commerce. I've never been to the Mud Oven but it looks interesting too.
As a former employee of Town. I can certifiably guarantee that the owners, Marc and Lori, are 2 of the best frigging people on the planet. Some of the greatest memories of my life stem from that place. By association, Corner Peach owned by a coworker of mine at the time from Town. is equally as awesome an establishment owned by the best of the best on this planet.
The Speedy Auto Service on St Laurent. Hands down. They follow good customer service practices down to the letter. They make me hope my car broke down more because of how good I feel every time I deal with them.
DO NOT go to the Speedy on Carling though. They like to take people to cleaners by saying your car needs very expensive repairs that are unnecessary and don't even fix the problem you brought the car in for.
Petrie Island. It's right near me and it's WAY better than. I could have expected. Parking is $2 and the kids and I can romp through the woods looking for turtles, swim, build sandcastles, play volleyball, have a picnic in a well shaded area. Place is dope.
Loam pottery is pretty awesome, very much pay to play however. If you got the dollars they’ll teach you to not suck at pottery. Expect to pay thousands until you’re kinda decent. Or maybe you’re a clay savant, either way good luck
Union 613. They are incredible to their employees, and respectful neighbours. They honour their community and are big on food bank support and supporting non-profits. They have never been afraid to speak up for what’s right. And their menu is fun, creative and delicious.
Little Jo Berry’s: amazing advocates for high risk/people with disabilities. Still host mask-mandatory events. Yummy vegan and gf treats. Hosts of an amazing podcast on small business, community champions (and hosts of the vegans who snack/vegan night market), great politics, cute doggies, just all around beautiful people doing great things.
One place I love is the ornamental gardens by the experimental farm I live visiting weekly from spring to fall. Always something new and joyous to look at.
Split Tree Cocktail Company on Richmond Road. They’re tucked away on the ground floor of a newish condo, but they’ve been around for a year and they’re such a cool place to buy drink supplies and even some spices for cooking.
We did a private cocktail workshop for a friend’s birthday and the owner and our instructor were so cool and great hosts.
Interesting. That's not my thing, but they're super close to my home. I thought they'd have a tough time making a go of it.
Hopefully they are doing well.
They're so successful they bought the storefront next to them and reno'd the whole shop into a much larger space. Got their start on sports cards etc and I think it still makes more of their bank, but great selection of board games, tabletop and hobby stuff. Owner is an awesome guy.
Gabriel Drugs in Centrepointe. Family run, pharmacists will actually call you to check up on how a new med is working. Have had the owners bring me meds to my house when I was infirmed. The pharmacist owners, not hired delivery persons. Was so surprised and touched.
Have seen all staff there be so kind and patient with older people. The women who run this place are exceptional. And it's super rare, like finding a good doctor, to find a good pharmacist.
The people really make the place. I will say, the care given at the Ottawa hospital has been great. The wait times are not the fault of the workers. I've only had experience with the civic campus for care.
Niche hobby, but Tailgators is booming if you’re a (regular or aspiring) league or tournament *pool player. Lots of events, great tables and a super friendly, diverse group of people that are really welcoming.
Other local city favourites:
Cheshire Cat Pub
Shawarma Heaven in Barrhaven
Cosmos Souvlaki
Franks Deli
*edit
Technically Gatineau, but Astoria Bistro -- the best vegan/veg food in Ottawa. Yet a lot of plant-based friends seem to not yet know it/default to the classics (Green Door, Wild Oat...)
In 2017 I was one of the volunteers for picnic on a bridge which was on Alexandre bridge. It was amazing. I thought it should become an annual thing because of the view.
‘Level One’ has been my friend group’s favourite restaurant/get-together spot for a while. It’s nice having it be downtown, there’s good food and entertainment that we enjoy and I’d say the environment is friendly to all ages. Older folk can enjoy the board games, younger crowd the video games (and board games!). It’s a perfect spot for what we like. The nachos are our favourite.
Motif/Flamingo Boutique in Hintonburg. I’m not sure what they go by now… at one point they were sharing a space. Anyway - all artisan-made stuff, really original, I’m cheered up every time I go in.
All the local markets we have - 613flea, Cheerfully Made, lots of farmer’s markets - just great places to find well made local stuff and meet some really cool folks.
Hunter’s Public House will forever have my heart. Great food, great service, community events, just a great time all around.
My favs that i go back to all the time are Pho Tuan but only for the Bun Cha, Tahini for the messy fries, gyubee is great for some Korean BBQ, Tamis Cafe has great filipin food, Khao Thai amazing for their thai salmon, KungFu Bistro is my go to for chinese takeout, Ikea is underated for a nice quick cheap meal.
3 Sisters bakery. My kid really loves their hot chocolates and I think their sandwiches are awesome!
The Greenboro library is great. I like the programming at this location and the staff are all very good.
I’m a fan of Bluesfest, CityFolk and Jazzfest. The per day cost of buying a full pass makes it a pretty attractive to see some really great live musicians. Most of the acts I’ve ever seen (even if not my particular musical taste) are pretty awesome.
Bloomfield's (Wellington location). The staff there have offered me so much compassion. My post history is littered with details of my life - a life not particularly easy - and they have brought me flowers, have just held space for me to express/emote and have welcomed me into their store just to chat.
They also sell beautiful flowers.
Additionally, Kindred Shop & Studio. COVID conscious store (owner is immune compromised I believe) and they constantly give back to different Ottawa area charities.
The owner is also a jewelry designer and she's told me once that if I have anything broken (clasp for example) bring it in, even if it's not from her store. She would prefer people keep their jewelry and fix it rather than toss it aside where it essentially becomes garbage.
Like, she is so helpful:.
https://www.shopkindred.ca/caring-for-jewellery
Oh, and The Extraordinary Baby Shoppe/Hintonburg Kids.
Susie is a gem. That's is all.
Di Rienzo sandwiches and ready made near Little Italy
Wholesale Club Cyrville Road (open to Public)
Parma Ravioli Wellington West ready made
Yardley’s Antiques Bank Street
Taco Lot Wellington West
Little Macs Burgers
Louis’s Pizza Vanier
Landsdown Farmers Market
CHEO! I couldn't have gone through all my 3 kid's surgeries without the staff support. It angers me to see what the current provincial govt is doing. The staff were the best support and made everything okay. They are under appreciated and over worked yet make the children smile.
Tommy's Lounge in Kanata. I can honestly say, I personally find they have the best pizza. It's a personal opinion, and others are free to disagree. I haven't had a bad meal from there ever.
Bread By Us - Amazing staff and great baked goods!
The Good - The only cannabis dispensary that has a cool vibe.
Perch - Unique tasting menu restaurant likely one of the most sustainable restaurants in the country.
As a drummer, with not much time spent in Ottawa, for me it’s Dave’s Drum Shop. Nicest store owner in the world, brings in fantastic talent for drum clinics.
Out & About Cannabis in Riverside South. I've never been big on legal weed but I walked in there for the first time the other day and it felt like walking into someone's home. It was clearly a space that was loved, it was clean and clear but still cozy (not sterile like other dispensaries I've been in). The guitar sesh space was a great touch. The owner Marc was so knowledgeable and just full of smiles, and you can tell how carefully he's selected his staff because they're all friendly and patient. Great vibes.
ideal coffee is a great spot. the owners are so sweet and always give me bakery freebies when i’m there a little before close :) great staff & wonderful coffee
R&R auto on carp road. Best mechanics in town. Honest and they go above and beyond. I'll never take my car anywhere else and I live a good 30 minutes from them (plenty of mechanics between me and then).
Since no one has mentioned it yet, Indian Punjabi Clay Oven. It doesnt look like much from the outside, but it is HANDS DOWN the best Indian food in ottawa
Ottawa Krav Maga Academy, a small self-defence class with a passionate instructor who takes good care of us students. If you want to learn Krav Maga check out this class.
Makerhouse. A store in Hintonburg with several items from local and Canadian companies and they donate 2% of all profits to a local charity each quarter. A great place to buy presents instead of going to Amazon and they deliver.
Piggybacking off this to say Bread By Us (just up the road from makerhouse) is amazing. Great people, great ethics, great food and coffee.
100%. Their "suspended food" initiative is very cool.
Their focaccia is delish!
In an Amazon world, Maker House is a beacon of hope.
Love that place. Cool Canadiana items.
Yes, should be everyone's first stop for unique gifts!
The Kanata location of Hospice Care Ottawa. I don't think the people there (or at any hospice get enough admiration.) My grandfather wasn't the first person I watched die, he wasn't even the first person I loved who needed hospice care, but the people at Ruddy-Shenkman were kind and attentive. Every week they'd have someone come in and just play music for each patient, and when he died, the staff and volunteers that could be spared stood at attention when the funeral home came to collect his body. Life has not been kind to me, but they were very kind to him when he needed it most
I love this story. Thanks for sharing.
You're very welcome c:
I second this. Wonderful people.
I'm very sorry for your loss and I am so sorry that life has not been kind to you. That said, despite whatever you have going on in your life whatever you have had to bear, your compassion comes through your words clearly. You have a good heart. ❤️
Along similar lines: The Perley Veterans Hospital does right by former service members - everyone receiving end of life care gets a lovely display case at the entrance to their room to display medals, service photos, family memories, etc. The facilities are great, it’s well staffed, and is just all around the kind of place that you’d want to see your tax dollars support. The Veteran cemetery at Beechwood is also lovely, and does a really nice job accommodating the wishes of service members and their families.
Sunday bike days along the canal.
You're the only one who actually named a place instead of a business. I wish I knew more parks and spots to walk, but it looks like Ottawa is increasingly unfriendly to walking/cycling.
Have you ever spent time in the Arboretum? It's a great place for a picnic, particularly in May/June when a lot of the trees are in bloom. It's a beautiful, large green space by Dow's Lake.
Thanks. One perspective to note as a kid from the 80s and got hit twice by a car while cycling on Centepointe dr I think it’s gotten way better over time.
Ottawa/Gatineau is a great place for cycling or walking. In the summer the bike paths are pretty nice and Gatineau park is a great place to bike. As well as Gatineau’s cycling network is even better than Ottawa’s.
Some dirt bag cut my lock and I no longer have my Swinn
Plant and curio i treat that place like a church
That's my happy place c:
Me too
Irene's and Quinn's just might be the perfect neighbourhood pubs.
Patty’s pub too - same owners
Met my wife there 31yrs ago
Diefenbunker. Even if you’re not a history-nerd (🙋♂️), it’s an amazing museum and unique piece of Canadian history!
I've been three times. It ages like fine wine 😊
The escape room there is great (if they still do it???). None of the “artefacts” there are original - DND stripped it when they left, so the museum had to buy it all off eBay etc. That means you get to touch/use most of the stuff in the rooms as part of the “escape”.
I can’t comment on the escape room, never did it, but I have heard it’s amazing! As for what what’s in the Bunker (equipment, furniture, etc), a lot of that IS original or was sourced from the two other EGHQ’s, REGHQ’s, and donations. I volunteered there as an archivist a few years back, so got to hear about/see a lot of the background logistics. 😊
Sherwood Deli
Do Rienzo’s sandwiches and ready made meals
House of Targ
The Third. Amazing people, good food, and very reasonable prices.
I second the third
Does this mean I get to third the third!? 🥹
Ottawa Fastener Supply.
Other then their prices I would have to agree. It’s fun to just walk around in there.
Agreed. Great if you need a few of something but bulk pricing gets insane fast.
It’s like a grownup version of Sugar Mountain.
No. That's princess auto 😅😅😅😅
My mom refers to it as Boys R’ Us
Run2patty? Love that place and the vibe is great
Green Door because nobody else has said it yet. A quaint vegetarian neighborhood restaurant in Old Ottawa East.
i LOVE the green door and i only found it like a year ago (i’ve lived here for 3 years now)
This place is an institution at this point. It's been open since 1988.
Cosmoz souvlaki on Greenbank. Old school Montreal style family run business. Best price big portions, Awesome people
The best Greek food in Ottawa!
Obsessed with Saigon Boy on Somerset. In a city with a lot of incredible Vietnamese cuisine, it's still my favourite after a decade.
I live super close, so I need to try this out
I am always looking for a good Pho Tai soup - would you say they do a good one here? I'm not in that area often but I would go out of my way to get a good bowl of Pho soup!
Their pho is my favourite in the city and they have a lot of varieties, including the full rare beef with tendon and everything. Definitely recommended!
Saigon boy is my #1 also!♡
Bytown Cinema!
My heart
Capital Funeral Homes - they’ll be the last ones to let you down.
You've been plotting to say that.
I drove by their location once, people were just dying to get in. /s
r/angryupvote
I’ll be dead before I call those guys
Wallack’s! Great art supplies and helpful staff
They're moving a few blocks south in February!
what is even going to remain in that stretch of street? two weed shops?
The Witches Cauldron In stittsville. Many years ago they had a super awesome food truck with the same name ...shit went south and they stopped for like a decade. Now they back, and their food is amazing. The people are amazing.
Agreed - I'm there every Wednesday when I'm in the area! Best soup, sandwiches and desserts.. hands down. Cheshire Cat also is wonderful!
Love love love the cauldron. On my wfh day, I drive out from downtown for a soup and sandwich. Totally worth it
The restaurant Jericho is an absolute gem of Ottawa. It’s a small middle eastern/ Mediterranean restaurant on bank street but it is an absolutely gorgeous experience. Every inch of the interior is covered in beautiful artworks most of which I believe is created by the owner. His name is Raouf Omar, such a lovely person just brimming with pride and love for his customers and establishment. Not to mention it was truly inspiring to hear him talk of his passion for art and food and his life story. Also yea the food is great.
Yes! Wonderful atmosphere and food.
Mooshu Ice Cream! Great variety of flavours, locally sourced ingredients, living wage for employees and they even have Korean skincare now, win win for me!
High jinx!
Love Hi Jinx. They feed their neighbours! Also the YMCA. They provide for homes.
Andrew Hayden park on the river. It's not huge, but it's one of the rare public natural sitting areas where you can feel at peace. Many friendly dogs visit the park, and you can be lucky enough to be greeted with some tail wags and learn a bit about them from their human. There's a tiny little waterfall, and what looks like a summer stage where they might have bands playing or kids' plays. There's also something sad about the park - I've noticed more than one memorial for a small child with birth and death dates. I think the park was partly made with donations in the names of small children who passed away too early. I don't know the full story, if anybody here knows, it would be nice to find out. I also really really really love the National Gallery. I would go once a week if I lived nearer to it. The classical statues look so vibrantly alive. It really shocks you with the force of the artistic expression. It sometimes makes me sad that a blind person can't experience the art in the NG. They should have a sculpture tour where blind visitors get to touch the statues.
I love Andrew Hayden Park. Some of my favourite summer nights have been biking there to enjoy the sunset by the water. It’s much more spread out and less congested than the beaches
Kobolds Corner in Kanata, great little hobby shop chill vibes room to play lots of games.
Is the candle joke banned there?
Some of my favourites: Suzy Q Bread and Sons Indian Affair Quelque Chose No Forks Given Great Canadian Poutinerie I love the idea of the Ottawa Tool Library, but its location isn't particularly accessible for me. Also the community centres and libraries in this city are really good from my experience, even if underfunded.
Quelque chose is awesome. Incredible macarons and the coffee is great
We just became Ottawa Tool Library members a month ago and have been absolutely loving it so far! Agree that the location isn't super accessible for everyone (particularly transit users, I imagine) but hopefully if they're successful they can open a second location.
Chips and Dairy
Followed by la la noodle :)
I can see this place from mine…. It’s a dangerous place to live so close to. Every single time walking my dog. Stomach: poutine, fried rice Brain: NO GOD DAMN IT
I haven’t had them in maybe 5 years but I used to love their milkshakes
The BEST
Dave’s Drum Shop - arguably the best drum store in the country. Incredible selection of new and vintage gear, and Dave is great to deal with.
Sula Wok on Main St.
And it's a family business!!!!
Big Bone BBQ in Kanata.
Top shelf BBQ I could go for an Elvis combo right now!
I’ve taken so many people here and now they’re all regulars. Truly a hidden gem.
Critter Jungle (Both Orleans and Carling locations)!!! They are incredible stores for your pets! My dogs love going there and the staff are so friendly and knowledgeable
Showing Orleans some love. Chili Thai and Lunchbox for some eats. Ace art studio for some amazing art classes or even kids birthdays.
Cedars grocery on Bank Mayfair Theatre That’s two, sorry
I'd add most of the stores around there, like Life of Pie, Black Squirrel... it's a nice little stretch of commerce. I've never been to the Mud Oven but it looks interesting too.
Alta Vista flowers in that stretch are also amazing. Great, personalized customer service and always beautiful flower arrangements.
And the Belmont and Paper Tiger. OOS has some great spots
Merry Dairy!! Best ice cream in all the land.
I found their ice cream to lack flavour. Moosho on Bank is the truth.
As a former employee of Town. I can certifiably guarantee that the owners, Marc and Lori, are 2 of the best frigging people on the planet. Some of the greatest memories of my life stem from that place. By association, Corner Peach owned by a coworker of mine at the time from Town. is equally as awesome an establishment owned by the best of the best on this planet.
The Speedy Auto Service on St Laurent. Hands down. They follow good customer service practices down to the letter. They make me hope my car broke down more because of how good I feel every time I deal with them.
DO NOT go to the Speedy on Carling though. They like to take people to cleaners by saying your car needs very expensive repairs that are unnecessary and don't even fix the problem you brought the car in for.
I only got a couple of lights replaced here, but on that basis I would agree. Fast and fairly priced.
Petrie Island. It's right near me and it's WAY better than. I could have expected. Parking is $2 and the kids and I can romp through the woods looking for turtles, swim, build sandcastles, play volleyball, have a picnic in a well shaded area. Place is dope.
Loam pottery is pretty awesome, very much pay to play however. If you got the dollars they’ll teach you to not suck at pottery. Expect to pay thousands until you’re kinda decent. Or maybe you’re a clay savant, either way good luck
Talay Thai! They make the BEST curry and the staff are all so sweet.
Agreed! They don't get enough love.
Union 613. They are incredible to their employees, and respectful neighbours. They honour their community and are big on food bank support and supporting non-profits. They have never been afraid to speak up for what’s right. And their menu is fun, creative and delicious.
Little Jo Berry’s: amazing advocates for high risk/people with disabilities. Still host mask-mandatory events. Yummy vegan and gf treats. Hosts of an amazing podcast on small business, community champions (and hosts of the vegans who snack/vegan night market), great politics, cute doggies, just all around beautiful people doing great things.
One place I love is the ornamental gardens by the experimental farm I live visiting weekly from spring to fall. Always something new and joyous to look at.
Robert Plante Greenhouses on Navan Road.
Full Cycle.
Split Tree Cocktail Company on Richmond Road. They’re tucked away on the ground floor of a newish condo, but they’ve been around for a year and they’re such a cool place to buy drink supplies and even some spices for cooking. We did a private cocktail workshop for a friend’s birthday and the owner and our instructor were so cool and great hosts.
Arlo on Somerset! Seriously amazing food and staff
Love Out of the Box Games in Bells Corners
Interesting. That's not my thing, but they're super close to my home. I thought they'd have a tough time making a go of it. Hopefully they are doing well.
They're so successful they bought the storefront next to them and reno'd the whole shop into a much larger space. Got their start on sports cards etc and I think it still makes more of their bank, but great selection of board games, tabletop and hobby stuff. Owner is an awesome guy.
Great to hear of their success. I must wander in some time.
Gabriel Drugs in Centrepointe. Family run, pharmacists will actually call you to check up on how a new med is working. Have had the owners bring me meds to my house when I was infirmed. The pharmacist owners, not hired delivery persons. Was so surprised and touched. Have seen all staff there be so kind and patient with older people. The women who run this place are exceptional. And it's super rare, like finding a good doctor, to find a good pharmacist.
The people really make the place. I will say, the care given at the Ottawa hospital has been great. The wait times are not the fault of the workers. I've only had experience with the civic campus for care.
Niche hobby, but Tailgators is booming if you’re a (regular or aspiring) league or tournament *pool player. Lots of events, great tables and a super friendly, diverse group of people that are really welcoming. Other local city favourites: Cheshire Cat Pub Shawarma Heaven in Barrhaven Cosmos Souvlaki Franks Deli *edit
Fabrications - niche, but great!
Yes!!! I love that store so much. Mimifabrics is also amazing.
Union Street Cafe. A hidden gem and a great cycling destination
The Art House Cafe
Pubwells
Yes. It's so cozy in there and the Tap selection was great when I frequented there often.
Junique sushi, it just tastes so good??
The Black Walnut bakery. They're doing lemon meringue pies this week. The lemon is so tart, and the meringue is so sweet, it's fantastic.
Business: Bibi’s on Wellington, Ritual cafe in stittsville, CC’s corner in Richmond, Louis Pizza Mcarthur. Place: Shirley’s bay!
Technically Gatineau, but Astoria Bistro -- the best vegan/veg food in Ottawa. Yet a lot of plant-based friends seem to not yet know it/default to the classics (Green Door, Wild Oat...)
Kiddy kobbler- st laurent! Best ppl work there and they can get adult sizes too
Sconewitch
Black Squirrel
I honestly love the dollar store inside westgate shopping center. The most eclectic smorgasbord of goods. Not many dollar stores like this in Ottawa
Hungry Ninja on Merivale. Japanese snack HQ the owner is the nicest guy, we support them any chance we can
I think the pour house is a solid example of the kind of place that’s needed for a lot folks, and they do it well
I love the Christmas store Tinseltown Emporium and it’s sister store Marie Antoinette.
Nothing beats the Parliament view from the Alexandra bridge for me. I think no one in this world loves it more than me.
In 2017 I was one of the volunteers for picnic on a bridge which was on Alexandre bridge. It was amazing. I thought it should become an annual thing because of the view.
‘Level One’ has been my friend group’s favourite restaurant/get-together spot for a while. It’s nice having it be downtown, there’s good food and entertainment that we enjoy and I’d say the environment is friendly to all ages. Older folk can enjoy the board games, younger crowd the video games (and board games!). It’s a perfect spot for what we like. The nachos are our favourite.
Motif/Flamingo Boutique in Hintonburg. I’m not sure what they go by now… at one point they were sharing a space. Anyway - all artisan-made stuff, really original, I’m cheered up every time I go in.
Weird one, but Great Canadian Oil Change in Orleans. Always super impressed with the service.
That place rocks. Super fast service, no nonsense and they have a solid crew that seem like they’ve been there awhile.
Cedars grocery on Bank Mayfair Theatre That’s two, sorry
Two, twice!
All the local markets we have - 613flea, Cheerfully Made, lots of farmer’s markets - just great places to find well made local stuff and meet some really cool folks. Hunter’s Public House will forever have my heart. Great food, great service, community events, just a great time all around.
Dominion City Brewing Co. Nice little tap room, great beer, and the folks running it do some great stuff for the community.
Chesterfield Gastro Dinner. Absolutely amazing breakfast. Long wait time, but worth it a million times.
My favs that i go back to all the time are Pho Tuan but only for the Bun Cha, Tahini for the messy fries, gyubee is great for some Korean BBQ, Tamis Cafe has great filipin food, Khao Thai amazing for their thai salmon, KungFu Bistro is my go to for chinese takeout, Ikea is underated for a nice quick cheap meal.
Frankie's deli
Phat Moose Cycles. What a gem of a bike shop.
3 Sisters bakery. My kid really loves their hot chocolates and I think their sandwiches are awesome! The Greenboro library is great. I like the programming at this location and the staff are all very good.
The Artery community roasters for good coffee, and they also employ people with disabilities
Lexington Smokehouse
Wise Town Café
Beaverbrook Service Centre - excellent garage. They specialize in keeping vehicles on the road at non-dealership pricing.
Lorenzo’s Pizza in Kanata
The Arboretum. Hog's Back falls in winter. Black Squirrel. Beachconers. Appletree clinics. This is a lie.
Wabi Sabi! Great selection of yarns and awesome staff :)
I’m a fan of Bluesfest, CityFolk and Jazzfest. The per day cost of buying a full pass makes it a pretty attractive to see some really great live musicians. Most of the acts I’ve ever seen (even if not my particular musical taste) are pretty awesome.
Bloomfield's (Wellington location). The staff there have offered me so much compassion. My post history is littered with details of my life - a life not particularly easy - and they have brought me flowers, have just held space for me to express/emote and have welcomed me into their store just to chat. They also sell beautiful flowers. Additionally, Kindred Shop & Studio. COVID conscious store (owner is immune compromised I believe) and they constantly give back to different Ottawa area charities. The owner is also a jewelry designer and she's told me once that if I have anything broken (clasp for example) bring it in, even if it's not from her store. She would prefer people keep their jewelry and fix it rather than toss it aside where it essentially becomes garbage. Like, she is so helpful:. https://www.shopkindred.ca/caring-for-jewellery Oh, and The Extraordinary Baby Shoppe/Hintonburg Kids. Susie is a gem. That's is all.
Perfect Books on Elgin
Di Rienzo sandwiches and ready made near Little Italy Wholesale Club Cyrville Road (open to Public) Parma Ravioli Wellington West ready made Yardley’s Antiques Bank Street Taco Lot Wellington West Little Macs Burgers Louis’s Pizza Vanier Landsdown Farmers Market
Joe mamma
Third Son Tailor Shop!
Cycos
A quart of 50 at The Gilmour is special
Gatineau Parc.
N1 Thai Boxing on Preston street is a great martial arts gym
My bed.
CHEO! I couldn't have gone through all my 3 kid's surgeries without the staff support. It angers me to see what the current provincial govt is doing. The staff were the best support and made everything okay. They are under appreciated and over worked yet make the children smile.
I could name you at least 15 shawarma slingers that I think are amazing!
The Third and Supply & Demand, Beachconers, Alice’s Cafe, Wellington Diner, Miss Moly’s Diner, Summerhaze. shawarma palace.
The Record Centre -great friendly group at that store
There's this Pakistani restaurant in Nepean called Baa Desi Dine which looks cursed from the outside but it's actually excellent.
Pharmasave at 423 Rideau is the loveliest pharmacy ever.
'Centertown Donair & Pizza' really do sell the best donairs in Ottawa.
ahoras, my thai village and juice dudez . solid ottawa places
Tommy's Lounge in Kanata. I can honestly say, I personally find they have the best pizza. It's a personal opinion, and others are free to disagree. I haven't had a bad meal from there ever.
Bread By Us - Amazing staff and great baked goods! The Good - The only cannabis dispensary that has a cool vibe. Perch - Unique tasting menu restaurant likely one of the most sustainable restaurants in the country.
Pocco Pazzo in stittsville. Food is amazing.
Witch Chest
The Gilmour. Damn-near perfect neighbourhood pub.
As a drummer, with not much time spent in Ottawa, for me it’s Dave’s Drum Shop. Nicest store owner in the world, brings in fantastic talent for drum clinics.
Out & About Cannabis in Riverside South. I've never been big on legal weed but I walked in there for the first time the other day and it felt like walking into someone's home. It was clearly a space that was loved, it was clean and clear but still cozy (not sterile like other dispensaries I've been in). The guitar sesh space was a great touch. The owner Marc was so knowledgeable and just full of smiles, and you can tell how carefully he's selected his staff because they're all friendly and patient. Great vibes.
ideal coffee is a great spot. the owners are so sweet and always give me bakery freebies when i’m there a little before close :) great staff & wonderful coffee
Fandom II I'm fairly certain that display window hasn't changed since the 80's
R&R auto on carp road. Best mechanics in town. Honest and they go above and beyond. I'll never take my car anywhere else and I live a good 30 minutes from them (plenty of mechanics between me and then).
Since no one has mentioned it yet, Indian Punjabi Clay Oven. It doesnt look like much from the outside, but it is HANDS DOWN the best Indian food in ottawa
Ottawa tool library
Portuguese Bakery -- mostly because it's so close to my house but also because I like the buns. They also have great falafel and other treats.
North Station Provisions, in Manotick. Absolutely fantastic. A butcher, a bakery, ready made meals all very local if not made on site Fan. Tastic.
Ottawa Krav Maga Academy, a small self-defence class with a passionate instructor who takes good care of us students. If you want to learn Krav Maga check out this class.