Ottawa’s New Speakeasy Is Hidden In A Basement & Has A Secret Door

Ottawa has been keeping some pretty special secrets. If you’ve been looking for a place to escape from the city and taste some out-of-this-world cocktails, look no further than this brand-new speakeasy in Ottawa. Hidden in a 123-year-old basement and furnished with only the finest vintage-inspired decor, this concealed bar is totally hush-hush. 

Jackalope, which is located somewhere on Sparks Street, serves only handcrafted cocktails and there’s no dedicated menu for you to choose from. 

Instead, they aim to deliver a “bespoke cocktail experience,” which means their mixologists will chat with you before designing a unique beverage based on your favourite tastes and flavours. 

The speakeasy is hidden in the basement of a building that’s more than 120 years old, and it’s specifically located so that only those in-the-know can find it.

The entrance to this top secret location can be found on Sparks Street. While you’re not going to see Jackalope written outside (it is a speakeasy, after all!) look out for the Rabbit Hole restaurant, instead.

If you manage to find the confidential staircase, follow it down and look for the secret basement entrance. A special button will need to be pressed, and a bartender will arrive to invite you in.

Nothing worth searching for ever came easy, so keep that in mind when you're trying to find this undercover location!

Once you’ve found your way inside, the intimate space is fully decorated with vintage-inspired decor and furniture. There’s low lighting and velvet seating, making it an awesome replica of a genuine 1920s venue.

The bar is fully-equipped with a huge selection of wines and spirits, so the talented team of bartenders will have no trouble creating the drink of your dreams.

The venue promises to, “...bring you to a world of intimacy, vintage decor and hidden nooks that will provide each guest with the ultimate experience.”

Bookings aren’t possible, and it’s first-come, first-served at the door.

The bar opens at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and at 6 p.m. on Saturday. The speakeasy is closed Sunday to Tuesday.

Jackalope Speakeasy

Price: 💸💸

Cuisine: Speciality cocktails & handcrafted drinks

Address: From Sparks Street, follow the secret instructions!

Why You Need To Go: This hidden bar is one of Ottawa's best kept secrets. There's a reason nobody wants to share it!