Having a great night out is the perfect way to to let loose after a grueling school week.
There are tons of options available depending on your style and whether you want to grab a pint with friends or get dressed and hit the dance floor.
Babylon Club (317 Bank St.) is a unique and lively bar with an indie/hip hop vibe, famous for its mod parties every Sunday night, which means no cover and a night full of retro ‘60s, ‘80s and ‘90s mixed beats.
Babylon feels like you’re in a friend’s basement that’s been turned into an awesome nightclub.
There’s a large wrap-around bar (which means hardly waiting for your drink), big retro leather couches, a huge dance floor around the DJ booth and scattered posters and flyers plastered on the wall to complete the underground feel.
The crowd matches the vibe, which is laid back, comfortable and always energetic, filled with hipsters, punks, skaters, rockers and everything in between.
If you’re in the mood for something dressier, Lobby nightclub is extremely sophisticated, with a classy, Hollywood vibe from the front door to the bathrooms.
The bartenders are charming and talented, the dance floor is huge, the decor is posh, and the bathrooms are chic and modern.
The house and techno music along with decor and dress code brings in a more mature crowd, which means no underage teens running wild.
Everyone at Lobby is dressed to impress, drink in their hand, having a fabulous time.
Another place that guarantees a fantastic time is Edge nightclub, downtown’s most popular gay bar.
You can expect upbeat music, a diverse and energetic crowd and always-entertaining drag queen performances.
With drink specials as low as $2, some nights it’s the perfect spot for any student to feel comfortable, unwind and dance the night away.
In between an upscale and relaxing bar is The Brig (23 York St.).
This compact lounge mixes the best of both worlds and is the place to be, whether you want to sit, stand or dance all night.
The main floor is filled with seating and a small bar and the upstairs transforms into Armada lounge, a beautifully decorated and intimate dance floor filled with great dancers and the best live hip hop from across the city.
The crowd here is always smiling, meeting each other and taking advantage of some of the best hip hop DJs in the city that grace this place Thursday through Sunday nights.
Each of these places is fantastic in their own identity, but what about when you just want to chill at a big table with a bunch of friends? This definition describes The Heart and Crown, otherwise known as the perfect place to have one too many drinks on their spacious patio.
It feels like your neighbourhood pub in the heart of the market complete with super-friendly waitresses, bartenders and a diverse mixture of classic rock tunes and live entertainment every night of the week.
Bonus: their tasty menu is available until 1 a.m. to satisfy you and your group’s late night cravings.
Whatever mood you’re in, these or one of Ottawa’s many other diverse bars, pubs, clubs and lounges is guaranteed to catch your eye and provide you with countless nights of entertainment.
It’s the perfect way to spend time with your friends, meet new people, and let loose after a school week.
Not 19? Click here for the underage student's guide to having fun in Ottawa.