The capital city will look pretty different post COVID-19. While the city's reopening plan is now well underway, many of Ottawa's most iconic bars and restaurants won’t be making a comeback. While some locations reopened their patios last week, others have been forced to close their doors for good.
There was some good news for Ottawa’s bars and restaurants last week, as the provincial government revealed that patios could reopen in time for the summer.
While this was an exciting update for patio-lovers, the announcement came too late for some of the city’s most iconic restaurants and bars.
Last week, The Highlander Pub in Byward Market confirmed that they would be closing their doors for good, due to the economic impact of the pandemic.
Tweeting the “difficult decision,” the pub thanked locals for their support over the last 18 years. “We have truly enjoyed every meeting, scotch tasting and story that you have shared with us,” the owners wrote.
This follows similar news from locations like Bank Street's The Morning Owl cafe and two Stoneface Dolly's restaurants.
Sharing their own announcement, The Fish Market Restaurant also confirmed that they’d be closing down several Ottawa locations for good, including Coasters Seafood Grill and Vineyards Wine Bar Bistro.
Their statement explained, “Like so many others, the COVID-19 virus closure has devastated our business.”
“We will be unable to recover and will not reopen our beloved three restaurants. With a broken heart we are closing our doors of more than four decades and as one of the very first restaurants in the ByWard Market."
Faced with losing some of Ottawa's most popular eateries and pubs, locals have been expressing their heartbreak on social media.
Responding to The Highlander Pub, one Twitter user wrote, "No. This is not happening. If I pretend I never saw this post, then it won't come true..."
Upon hearing the news from The Fish Market Restaurant, another local responded, "I’m heartbroken!!! I’m so sorry ..." while others shared their fond memories of the city spot.
"So long, and thanks for the fish," wrote another.
.jpg){kind=link}
Sadly, similar announcements have been made by some of Toronto’s most beloved restaurants, bars and cafes.
Vesuvio Pizzeria and Spaghetti House had been a staple in the city for 63 years, before announcing its permanent closure due to COVID-19.