The Lookout Bar
The Lookout Bar
3.5
2:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Monday
2:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Tuesday
2:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Wednesday
2:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Thursday
2:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Friday
2:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Saturday
2:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Sunday
2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Byward Market Area
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,309 within 3 miles
Attractions
234 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- Denis BMontreal, Canada70 contributionsQuiet gay bar in Ottawa2 pints of beer for 16$ (without tip yet) 3 other customers in bar friendly bar tender Dead in downtown Ottawa on this Thursday night. At that price no wonderVisited October 2016Traveled as a coupleWritten October 13, 2016
- 416GYPSYToronto, Canada374 contributionsDrag show was funWe liked the bar except it was 40 degrees out and this place in the second floor has no air conditioning... We stayed for one quick drag show and ran out of there to an air conditioned bar quickly after the show.. Won't be back if this hot ever again..Visited July 2019Traveled as a coupleWritten July 22, 2019
- 1000islandsdudeGananoque, Canada439 contributionsOk, But It Ain’t Key WestMaybe I’m spoiled by the great drag shows I’ve enjoyed in places like Key West, I expected this to be much more down scale but it was so down scale it fell off the chart. Lively bar after 11 pm. Dance floor is packed and the queens are somewhat entertaining, just not memorable.Visited December 2017Traveled soloWritten December 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
36 reviews
Excellent
13
Very good
11
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
6
Martin L
Ottawa, Canada1 contribution
Apr 2022
The Lookout was generally an entertaining bar and drag show venue, but customer service has declined and needs work. Also, it is very youth oriented and, sometimes, it does not seem to welcome older patrons.
Seating gets to be an issue. The bar can get really crowded on Friday and Saturday nights. The staff sometimes seem overwhelmed, picking up chairs, moving patrons to another seat, and then depriving them of that seat if a table becomes reserved, with no effort to reseat them. This tends to happen especially to people on their own. Young, attractive people are visibly favoured.
There is another problem in that staff are not always easy to identify. The Lookout has staff t-shirts, but, for example, bus boys don't necessarily wear them. This is disconcerting when it is a bus boy demanding that you leave your seat.
All the above is particularly galling when you have to pay the $12 door charge. You do not necessarily get back respect for what you pay.
I cannot recommend The Lookout, unless you are young and attactive, and preferably, with a group.
Seating gets to be an issue. The bar can get really crowded on Friday and Saturday nights. The staff sometimes seem overwhelmed, picking up chairs, moving patrons to another seat, and then depriving them of that seat if a table becomes reserved, with no effort to reseat them. This tends to happen especially to people on their own. Young, attractive people are visibly favoured.
There is another problem in that staff are not always easy to identify. The Lookout has staff t-shirts, but, for example, bus boys don't necessarily wear them. This is disconcerting when it is a bus boy demanding that you leave your seat.
All the above is particularly galling when you have to pay the $12 door charge. You do not necessarily get back respect for what you pay.
I cannot recommend The Lookout, unless you are young and attactive, and preferably, with a group.
Written April 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly
Ottawa, Canada61 contributions
Jan 2020
Severely disappointed when my one friend (in a group of 15) requested tap water and was told that she could pay for bottled water or literally "be kicked out" by the server. I'm almost positive this is illegal and just plain rude for a venue that boasts a fun and welcoming environment.
I had been incredibly excited to visit, but decided to leave due to the impolite service.I will not be returning.
I had been incredibly excited to visit, but decided to leave due to the impolite service.I will not be returning.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Voyage_familial
Ottawa, Canada509 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
The lookout is offering various drag shows of on weekends and it is a very nice ambiance and friendly place to be for everyone.
There was a small cover charge for the show but definitely worth it especially during this period. It brought cheers to everyone attended !!!
Simple and non pretentious
There was a small cover charge for the show but definitely worth it especially during this period. It brought cheers to everyone attended !!!
Simple and non pretentious
Written December 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott
2 contributions
Sep 2021
Wife and I went there on Saturday for the first time to celebrate our 16th anniversary. Staff was great and super friendly, service was great and the drag shows were awesome especially the outdoor one at 7pm she had us roaring. I strongly suggest giving the place a try.
Written September 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexa P
Australia4 contributions
Jan 2023
Solo travelling in Ottawa and spent 2 great nights here. Sunday night karaoke was a great experience with wonderful hosts and bartender. Also went on a Tuesday night for open stage drag.
Bartender Jacob made both nights a wonderful welcoming experience.
Bartender Jacob made both nights a wonderful welcoming experience.
Written February 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J P
Ottawa224 contributions
Jan 2013 • Friends
Wish we had read the other reviews first!
Recently we went with friends and had a frightening experience. Upon arriving we were told the drinks were "$5.50" for cocktails, so we ordered a few of the recommended ones. When the bill arrived suddenly all the drinks were all $9.50 instead. We asked to see the menu to confirm and were told there was none. Additionally, one of my friends ordered a double rum and coke and they charged her three times for two rums and a coke on its own (none of which were provided of course). We told them this was all fraudulent and were threatened with the bouncer, so just paid the relatively small tab and escaped. We don't understand why a business that would invite criminal charges for such petty amounts and obviously will never return.
Recently we went with friends and had a frightening experience. Upon arriving we were told the drinks were "$5.50" for cocktails, so we ordered a few of the recommended ones. When the bill arrived suddenly all the drinks were all $9.50 instead. We asked to see the menu to confirm and were told there was none. Additionally, one of my friends ordered a double rum and coke and they charged her three times for two rums and a coke on its own (none of which were provided of course). We told them this was all fraudulent and were threatened with the bouncer, so just paid the relatively small tab and escaped. We don't understand why a business that would invite criminal charges for such petty amounts and obviously will never return.
Written January 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karla C
Ribeirão Prêto, São Paulo, Brazil7 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
Hi!
Some friends, my husband and I have been at this place this weekend by mistake and we totally regretted!!!!
This is a very cheap and tiny place. Its infrastructure totally poor, but the worst part is the costumer service! The Barman and the bar woman (which according to the security were the manager and the owner respectively) are most rude persons we have ever met. We were and other costumers were treated very bad and we had to live the place. Don´t waste your money and please go to other place!
Some friends, my husband and I have been at this place this weekend by mistake and we totally regretted!!!!
This is a very cheap and tiny place. Its infrastructure totally poor, but the worst part is the costumer service! The Barman and the bar woman (which according to the security were the manager and the owner respectively) are most rude persons we have ever met. We were and other costumers were treated very bad and we had to live the place. Don´t waste your money and please go to other place!
Written September 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IceMtl
Montreal, Canada29 contributions
Feb 2011
There was a time when gay bars were located in obscure places, where the decor was minimal because resources were scarce and you didn't know if you would still be in business the next month.
Well this place remind me of this. Entrance is located at the end of a back alley. Then you walk up a commercial staircase with bright neon lighting to arrive on the top floor where the bar is located. You are then greeted by a usually 3 doorgirls. Once inside, a stale odour of beer and Javex will hit you. This goes hand in hand with the depressing sight. Old bar, old restrooms, old frail chairs ready to break down and sticky table tops.
They do offer entertainment: one of the barmaid while talking about the Lookout described it as ''being so famous and popular''. Priceless.
Really, there is not much going for it. Also, this is not a gay bar but a lesbian bar. They should start assuming their clientele and stop falsely advertising themselves for something they are not.
Well this place remind me of this. Entrance is located at the end of a back alley. Then you walk up a commercial staircase with bright neon lighting to arrive on the top floor where the bar is located. You are then greeted by a usually 3 doorgirls. Once inside, a stale odour of beer and Javex will hit you. This goes hand in hand with the depressing sight. Old bar, old restrooms, old frail chairs ready to break down and sticky table tops.
They do offer entertainment: one of the barmaid while talking about the Lookout described it as ''being so famous and popular''. Priceless.
Really, there is not much going for it. Also, this is not a gay bar but a lesbian bar. They should start assuming their clientele and stop falsely advertising themselves for something they are not.
Written February 12, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bentyler41
Ottawa, Canada1 contribution
May 2014
I've just moved to Ottawa and was looking for a great place for karaoke! I did a search online and The Lookout came up. I visited on The Tuesday karaoke and it was a great time. The bartender was hands down one of the most amazing workers I've ever seen. The bar was crowded and he was moving like a pro and upbeat! The karaoke selection is incredible and the singers are better than your average karaoke. The bartender even took time to chat with me. Updating me on the weekly going ons at the bar.
I had such a great time I decided to visit for the Saturday drag show the bartender suggested. My friends and I had such a great time. The performers were great and the staff were again very friendly. The bartender even remembered what I drank from the Tuesday. I like that a lot. I will be back. Great place! Great Entertainment variety! Great drinks!
I had such a great time I decided to visit for the Saturday drag show the bartender suggested. My friends and I had such a great time. The performers were great and the staff were again very friendly. The bartender even remembered what I drank from the Tuesday. I like that a lot. I will be back. Great place! Great Entertainment variety! Great drinks!
Written June 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Veronique S
2 contributions
May 2013
I've been going to karaoke bars for years now and recently started going to the Lookout. Not only is the song selection one of the best and numerous talented singers perform weekly, but the staff sings and encourages the rest of the bar to get involved.
Drinks were reasonably priced and the bartender ( Neil is his name but on karaoke nights I think his nickname is chipmunk) has some type of featured shot every week.
Everyone seemed to have a great time and I intend on going back for many more nights as well.
Drinks were reasonably priced and the bartender ( Neil is his name but on karaoke nights I think his nickname is chipmunk) has some type of featured shot every week.
Everyone seemed to have a great time and I intend on going back for many more nights as well.
Written May 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingThe Lookout Bar - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Lookout Bar
- The Lookout Bar is open:
- Sun - Sun 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Mon - Sat 2:00 PM - 2:00 AM
- Hotels near The Lookout Bar:
- (0.13 mi) Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa Downtown
- (0.15 mi) Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market
- (0.21 mi) Byward Blue Inn
- (0.24 mi) The Westin Ottawa
- (0.21 mi) Fairmont Chateau Laurier
- Restaurants near The Lookout Bar:
- (0.02 mi) Zaks Cantina
- (0.02 mi) Zak's Diner
- (0.02 mi) Luxe Bistro
- (0.02 mi) Kinki Lounge & Kitchen
- (0.02 mi) Chateau Lafayette the Laff
The Lookout Bar Information
Excellent Reviews | 13 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 11 |
The Lookout Bar Photos | 10 |