Picture this: You and your pals have just left the bar/party/indulgent social gathering and you're reminiscing on all the fun you've just had when your stomach starts to rumble.
You are HUNGRY, and nothing will get in the way of a late-night nibble. The question is... Where do you go to satisfy this need?
Never fear! I'm back again with another list of spots that fill another need in the lovely city I call home.
Ottawa's nightlife scene is getting better and better, which means the market for late-night bites is growing too. These are just some of the awesome spots that you'll come across with the moon high in the sky, but they're definitely some of the best.
Here are some of my favourite spots I always turn to when it comes to dining after hours in Ottawa.
G Burger
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: American
Address: 380 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
Open Until: 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights
Why You Need To Go: G Burger is the informal sister restaurant of the popular Ottawa fine dining spot Gitanes.
Despite the two restaurants' vastly different menu offerings, they share a common goal of serving a high-quality product to everyone who walks in their doors.
Let's cut to the chase though, shall we?
G Burger is a godsend for the late-night diner. A popular choice amongst industry folk, there's nothing better than walking up their Elgin Street steps, grabbing a table and indulging in a juicy smash burger with a side of spiced curly fries.
G Burger also touts a number of natural wines, specialty ciders and craft beers to help wash the food down and keep the party going, should you choose to.
I love you G Burger, thanks for all that you've done for us.
Elgin Street Diner
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Diner
Address: 374 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
Open: 24/7
Why You Need To Go: There is no late-bites list without Elgin Street Diner, or as Ottawans know it, ESD.
ESD is a 24/7 diner that is ALWAYS there for you, however you need it. You want breakfast? You've got it. A solid club sandwich? Can do, my friend. How about a milkshake? If that's your post-bar choice I may judge you a little, but ESD won't, and they'll happily oblige at any time of day or night.
For me? The ESD poutine has been a dear friend since my early university years at Carleton. The classic cheese curds and gravy are topped with a mountain of caramelized onions and bacon, creating a meal that should absolutely be eaten in two sittings (but occasionally, when I've partaken in a number of adult beverages, only lasts one).
The Brig Pub
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Fusion Pub Food
Address: 23 York St., Ottawa, ON
Open Until: 2 a.m.
Why You Need To Go: The Brig is on here for one major reason — the industry folks that I know and love won't stop talking about their crispy chicken sandwich.
In my Ottawa "Best Of" series on Instagram and TikTok, the Brig's chicken sandwich has come up on multiple occasions, notably as the favourite late-night bite of Atelier sommelier Bernard Lemoyne and Giulia's head chef, Chris Cooke.
So when you're in the Market and looking to eat late like the pros, go check out the Brig.
Sasha's Poutine Stand
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Poutine
Address: 35 York St., Ottawa, ON
Open Until: 3 a.m.
Why You Need To Go: Since we're already in the ByWard Market, why not check out another late-night legend?
Sasha's Poutine Stand is a long-time server of the late-night crowd in Ottawa. Known for their poutine, sausages and hot dogs, Sasha's is exactly what you need after a night on the town.
There's nothing fancy about this place; it's done the old-school way. It's all paper cups and tinfoil wrapping, and you'd better grab your food and get out of line because there are hungry people behind you! Find a bench or curb to sit on, and sink your teeth into something nostalgic that feeds your belly and your soul.
Shawarma Palace
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Shawarma
Address: Various locations
Open Until: Varies by location, but the one on Dalhousie in the Market is open until 4 a.m. on Thursday and Friday nights and 24 hours on weekends.
Why You Need To Go: For those of you who don't know, Ottawa is the shawarma capital of North America. We sleep, breathe and, of course, eat shawarma. The "Which spot serves the best shawarma?" debate is a hot topic amongst locals, and I'm not ready to crown a king quite yet, but what I can confidently say is that Shawarma Palace is in the running, and they have three locations open past midnight on weekends.
From the sandwiches to the platters to the potatoes with garlic sauce, it's all perfect for a post-bar bite. Shawarma Palace has been slinging wraps since 1997! 27 years of Shawarma means they're bound to be doing something right.
Shawarma Palace Menu
Thr33's Co. Snack Bar
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Globally Inspired Snacks
Address: 589 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
Open Until: 2 a.m.
Why You Need To Go: Thr33's Co. is a place all its own. Open late seven days a week, they're serving up globally inspired snacks that use local ingredients to create delicious and unique dishes you can't find anywhere else. Their vast selection of beverages to pair with their food menu makes this one of the coolest late-night hangouts in town, and that's even before we discuss the aesthetic.
The art on the walls at Thr33's is a representation of what they are. Cool, laid back and welcoming to all who seek a snack.
For my money, the peanut butter habanero chicken drumsticks are a must-try. Sweet, sticky and spicy... What more could you want in a drumstick?
And in case you don't think you've had enough peanut butter for some reason, try washing it down with their signature peanut butter old fashioned.
An allergy-stricken diner's nightmare, but for the rest of us... a dream.
Ward 14 Consignment Bar
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Hot Dogs
Address: 139 Preston St., Ottawa, ON
Open Until: 2 a.m.
Why You Need To Go: You had to know this one was coming, right?
Ward 14 is far and away the most name dropped late-night bite in my "best of" series — specifically for their aggressively loved hot dogs!
In fact, these little doggies have been name dropped so frequently that Ward 14 was able to expand to an entire BRAND NEW hot dog menu, including an Ottawa hot dog that combines a classic dog with Kraft Dinner and maple syrup.
Happy snacking, late-night crowd.
The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
