Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Ottawa West, ON

AIRPORT - YOW. An artsy bistro serving up fab French-inspired fare and the infamous "Green Fairy." If you've...

AIRPORT - YOW. An artsy bistro serving up fab French-inspired fare and the infamous "Green Fairy." If you've never tried absinthe, here's your chance. You can have it the traditional way, with cold water poured over a sugar cube to dilute the liquor and remove the bitterness, or you can try a cocktail of absinthe mixed with brandy, gin, orange juice or even blue curacao. There are plenty of other drink options, too; the food menu includes dishes like steak frites and bacon-wrapped, spinach-stuffed breast of quail.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm, 5:30pm-10pm; Sat-Sun 5:30pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

AIRPORT - YOW. Part of an Ottawa area chain, Local Heroes Bar & Grill still retains the feeling of "the locals...

AIRPORT - YOW. Part of an Ottawa area chain, Local Heroes Bar & Grill still retains the feeling of "the locals spot" to relax with the guys and have a few cold ones. Opened by former CFL great Mark Kosmos, this popular Ottawa sports bar offers good times and great food with over 25 televisions and one large projection screen to watch all the big games at once. For hockey fans, they run a shuttle service to and from Scotiabank Place where the Senators play.

Hours: Mon 7am-Midnight; Tue-Fri 7am-2am; Sat 8am-2am; Sun 8am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express

AIRPORT - YOW. The trendy ARC Hotel's lounge is a stylish stop for a meal or a drink with friends. Nosh on upscale...

AIRPORT - YOW. The trendy ARC Hotel's lounge is a stylish stop for a meal or a drink with friends. Nosh on upscale appetizers (duck confit quesadilla) while you sip a fine wine or a fashionable cocktail, or splash out on a full meal (venison chop au poivre). The atmosphere is sleek and modern, with deep red walls, warm woods and creative lighting.

Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-10:30pm; Sat-Sun 7am-10:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

CENTRETOWN. This subterranean pub has a huge fan base, thanks to its exceptional food, wide-ranging list of beers and...

CENTRETOWN. This subterranean pub has a huge fan base, thanks to its exceptional food, wide-ranging list of beers and scotches, and lively, artistic atmosphere. The curried mutton wrap earns raves, but vegetarians will be quite pleased with their options as well. Sunday brunch is stellar, and changing local art adorns the walls. Be prepared for a crowd and a wait if you want a table!

Hours: Mon-Wed 11:30am-1am; Thu-Fri 11:30am-2am; Sat 10am-2am; Sun 10am-1am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Fans will instantly recognize the name. For the rest of us: Zaphod Beeblebrox is a character in Douglas Adams'...

DOWNTOWN. Fans will instantly recognize the name. For the rest of us: Zaphod Beeblebrox is a character in Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series, a dude so cool (and popular) that he now has a bar named after him. The place is great for live music ­ mostly indie / alternative bands, local and international ­ but it's a fun place to hang out for an evening, too. They have a good selection of draught beer, plus cocktails like the "Pan Galactic Gargleblaster" (another book reference). Performers who have appeared here include Superchunk, Bettie Seveert, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Our Lady Peace, Jewel, Southern Culture on the Skids, Nickelback and Fishbone.

Hours: Daily 4pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

AIRPORT - YOW. Avant-Garde's Russian owners have created an unusual (and popular!) spot, where part of the fun is taking...

AIRPORT - YOW. Avant-Garde's Russian owners have created an unusual (and popular!) spot, where part of the fun is taking in the décor ­ bold colors, curved mirrors, Soviet propaganda posters, Kandinsky and Lissitzky prints, and Russian knickknacks. The menu includes a variety of interesting Russian vodkas, salads, sandwiches and pastries, plus blini prepared several ways. Entertainment runs the gamut, from poetry readings and live bands to DJs and films.

Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

BYWARD MARKET. An extremely popular spot in the ByWard Market, Chez Lucien is a pub with a difference. The atmosphere is...

BYWARD MARKET. An extremely popular spot in the ByWard Market, Chez Lucien is a pub with a difference. The atmosphere is fantastically welcoming, the staff is friendly, and the food takes "pub grub" to the next level. The menu is short but sweet and specialty burgers are the highlight; and everything is wonderfully fresh and well-prepared. There's a good selection of microbrews and wines, and the jukebox (free!) has probably the most eclectic array of tunes in town. A gem!

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club