Gay Bars & Clubs ⭐ Featured Verified by GayOut

Lookout Bar

Google (864) 4.3

Tripadvisor (39) 3.7

Been here? Rate it in 3 clicks

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

Share with friend planning trip

Address

41 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7

📞

Phone

+1 613-789-1624

💰

Price Range

Find hotels nearby

Stay near Lookout Bar

Real prices · Free cancellation · Best gay-friendly stays

Find Hotels

Hotels near Lookout Bar

via Stay22

Hotels near Lookout Bar

Loading map…

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.

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 Dance Outdoor terrace

Insider Tips

Community Reviews

Write a Review

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.