Monday: Cue‘n Cushion (319 Bank St.):
If you’re a pool shark or just have a hankering for snooker, the Cue n’ Cushion is a great place to satisfy your pool fix. The Cue is open late every night and allows minors to stay past 9 p.m., unlike other pool bars in Ottawa.
It’s a great way to blow off steam after a night of studying. To get there, hop on route 7 and get off at the Bank and Somerset intersection. The Cue is one block south, between Barrymore’s Nightclub and Babylon Nightclub.
Tuesday, The Works Burger Bistro (580 Bank St):
If you’re a burger fanatic, look no further. The Works offers over 68 variations of freshly made burger bliss. They also have terrific milkshakes and their onion rings are second to none.
Be spontaneous and order something hot like the Kamikaze or unconventional like the Skater Boy. Hop on route 7 and get off at O’Connor Street and Patterson Avenue stop and walk west — it should be in plain view.
Wednesday: The Mayfair Theatre (1074 Bank St):
A mainstay in Ottawa since 1932, the Mayfair offers an unique way to watch original and classic flicks. It only costs $10 for a membership, which pays for itself after three visits. To get to the Mayfair, hop on the 7 and get off at the Bank Street and Sunnyside Avenue stop — it’s just one block north.
Thursday, The National Gallery of Canada (380 Sussex Dr.):
If you’re in the mood for something free and artistically stimulating, entrance to the permanent collection in the National Gallery of Canada is free from 5-8 p.m. on Thursdays. Take the 4 downtown and get off on Rideau Street. Turn left on Sussex Drive and keep walking — the gallery will be on your left.
Friday, the Hull experience:
For those under the age of 19, Gatineau, Que. lies just across the river. Le Bop, Addiction, Le Bistro, and Le Volt are popular destinations for first-year students. To get there and back, pile into a taxi cab with some friends or you can take route 8 at Rideau Centre and get off on Eddy Street in Gatineau.
Saturday, Mercury Lounge (56 Byward Market Square):
The Mercury Lounge is an Ottawa soul club that focuses on electronic, house, soul, jazz and funk. Drop in and snap your fingers for the slam poetry competitions on the first and third Saturday of every month.
Sunday, Le Moulin de Provence (55 Byward Market Square):
Le Moulin de Provence bakery has almost every pastry known to man. Hop on route 4 or 7 and get off at Rideau Centre and then head north. Le Moulin de Provence is on the corner of York Street and Byward Market Square. 3
