Having a party in Ottawa? If you’re looking to book a venue in Ottawa for an evening party, celebration or kick-off event here are five of my best bets:
National Arts Centre: When you need to make money for the Arts in Ottawa, only the largest and grandest Ottawa venue will do. Ottawa’s “ultimate venue” is the NAC (National Arts Centre). They can cater to any size group; small board meetings can be made magical, and large balls are always grander than expected.
Pros: It’s a well-known location that has ample parking, and is highly flexible with very creative staff.
Cons: It must be booked well in advance, is costly and comes with its own set of bureaucrats and unions.
Mercury Lounge: This sexy and sophisticated martini lounge has been a mainstay in the Byward Market for over ten years. The vibe is always laid back and relaxed and has been host to poetry readings, book launches, DJ contests, and bartender Olympics.
Pros: It’s a great space. The fantastic martinis and solid staff make this bar very reliable.
Cons: The Merc is getting on in age; it doesn’t have the same buzz as when DJ Trevor Walkers world-beats were still new and fresh to Ottawa’s ears.
Urban Element: One of the most unique venues in Ottawa Urban Elements is a former fire station now cooking school and event space. The well-designed space is home to its own in-house classes and special events.
Pros: It’s a fun space, allows interaction with the chefs, and would be ideal for food/drink or wine related products/events.
Cons: Bright, and has limited flexibility for non-food related events.
Empire Grill (event space): This long-time Byward Market restaurants highly flexible backroom can be set up for dinner or a cocktail reception with little notice and always stellar service; the event area features its own coat racks and bar.
Pros: It’s available on short notice and with little money down, great staff and a very flexible space.
Cons: The Empire front room could use an update and the food is never quite as good as it looks.
Museum of Civilization: Technically in Gatineau the Douglas Cardinal design building is home to some of the most unique spaces in the National Capital Region. The Firsts People’s Hall that dominates the buildings entrance has been host to countless banquets and balls; but perhaps a less well-known fact is you can rent just about any space in the museum including the down-to-the-detail recreations of New France.
Pros: Like the NAC, the Museum is blessed with a dedicated and creative staff.
Cons: It’s a museum and there are limitations to what you can and can’t do. Cost can be a factor as well; catering can be difficult to arrange.
