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Lookout Bar

GayOut (30) 4.2

Google (864) 4.3

Tripadvisor (39) 3.7

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GayOut Score

4.2 G4.3 🦉3.7

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Address

41 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7

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Phone

+1 613-789-1624

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Price Range

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About this place Lookout Bar

The Lookout Bar earns its name from its elevated rooftop patio position near the Byward Market — one of Ottawa's most distinctive gay bar experiences, and one that becomes genuinely spectacular during the warm months when the patio is in full operation. The rooftop format gives the Lookout a different energy from Bank Street's ground-level bars: you are above the street noise, looking out across a section of Ottawa's downtown, with the city spread out as backdrop to your evening. The bar has been a fixture of Ottawa's LGBTQ+ scene for years, attracting a mix of regulars from the gay community and a broader clientele who appreciate both the rooftop setting and the welcoming atmosphere. The Byward Market location — Ottawa's most vibrant neighbourhood of restaurants, bars, and food stalls, operating since 1826 — puts the Lookout within walking distance of Parliament Hill, the Rideau Centre, and the cluster of hotels and accommodations that serve downtown Ottawa's visitors. Inside, the bar operates as a conventional gay bar with themed nights and DJ programming; the rooftop is the feature that sets it apart. During Capital Pride week, the Lookout's patio is one of the most coveted outdoor drinking spots in the city — the combination of rooftop views and Pride energy is hard to replicate.

Upcoming events at Lookout Bar

Thu, Aug 6

Canada's Drag Race All Stars Viewing Party - Episode 5

8:00 PM

Fri, Aug 7

Backdoor Bingo with Yeti & Holli

8:00 PM

Mon, Aug 10

Celebration of the Joyful Life of René Rivard

Ottawa Pride Week at The Lookout

Fri, Aug 21

Drag Open Stage with Yeti

8:00 PM

Thu, Aug 27

Kiki Coe's Birthday Extravaganza

8:30 PM

Opening Hours

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

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Google Reviews

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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.