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Lookout Bar

Google (864) 4.3

Tripadvisor (39) 3.7

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What reviewers say

Visitors frequently praise Lookout Bar for its lively atmosphere, friendly and welcoming staff, and entertaining drag shows and karaoke nights. However, some patrons feel the venue can be youth-oriented and may not always welcome older patrons, and seating can become an issue when the bar is crowded.

/ 100

GayOut Score

G4.3 🦉3.7

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Address

41 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7

📞

Phone

+1 613-789-1624

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Price Range

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About this place Lookout Bar

The Lookout, a long‑standing gay bar on York Street in ByWard Market, offers a laid‑back patio in summer and a low‑key neighborhood vibe in winter. At 41 York Street, the bar sits a short walk from Parliament Hill and the Rideau Centre. It’s one of Ottawa’s longest‑running LGBTQ+ spots, drawing gay men, lesbians and their friends in equal measure. When the weather warms, the street‑facing patio becomes the main draw. The doors open at 16:00 Tuesday through Friday and at 14:00 on Saturday and Sunday, closing at 2:00. It stays shut on Mondays. Drinks are priced in the moderate range—nothing pretentious, nothing cheap. Summer weekends fill the patio; you’ll hear the clink of glasses and see groups spilling onto the sidewalk. In the colder months the space shrinks to a typical neighborhood bar, and it works well as a first stop before heading to the Bank Street scene in Centretown.

Opening Hours

Open Now · closes 02:00

Monday Closed

Tuesday 16:00-02:00

Wednesday 16:00-02:00

Thursday 16:00-02:00

Friday 16:00-02:00

Saturday 14:00-02:00

Sunday 14:00-02:00

Features

Gay LGBTQ+ Drag Queens Karaoke Drag shows Dancing Area Outdoor Patio Safe space Mixed LGBTQ+ Drag scene Mixed ethnicities Dance Touristy Local favorite DJ sets Outdoor terrace Evening venue Late night (after midnight) Seasonal (summer only) Drag shows

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Google Reviews

Verified by Google

4.3

★★★★★

864 reviews

Based on 864 Google reviews.

Brian Roussel Jun 2026

★★★★★

Tomi Fleck Jun 2026

★★★★★

Michelle Menard Jun 2026

★★★★★

Adam Hooper Jun 2026

★★★★★

As a part of my Sperm Donation World Tour of Canada, as part of a pub crawl with the Saintlo hostel this was the 3rd of the 3 stops. Was a Wednesday and karaoke was happening, we all gave it a shot and did bohemian rhapsody. Gotta say the staff who performed Olivia Rodrigo Drivers Licence was sensational.