Vineyards Wine Bar & Bistro, Ottawa, ON

Note: Some sources report this establishment as permanently closed. The following review reflects its operations during its active period.

Restaurant Card

• Location: 54 York Street (in cellar), Ottawa, Ontario
• Contact: (613) 241-4270
• Hours: 4 PM – 11 PM (Sun-Thu), 4 PM – 12 AM (Fri-Sat)
• Price Range: $$ – $$$ (Mid to high range)
• Type: Wine bar, bistro, jazz venue
• Features: Live jazz, wine flights, craft beer selection, food menu
• Awards: Wine Spectator Award of Excellence (since 1989)

From Vineyards Bistro to Online Casinos: Enjoying an Ottawa-Inspired Night

While Vineyards Wine Bar & Bistro offered a charming setting for wine lovers and jazz enthusiasts, an Ottawa-inspired evening can also be recreated at home by blending local wine selections with the excitement of online casinos. Just as Vineyards invited guests to explore new flavors, online casinos allow you to dive into a range of games, bringing a bit of thrill to a relaxed night in. Pairing a favorite wine with popular online casino games, like poker or blackjack, can add a social, engaging element, recreating the ambiance of this beloved Ottawa bistro in the comfort of your home.

For those looking to further enhance this experience, the next section covers Vineyards’ atmosphere and curated beverage options, perfect for pairing with a night of online gaming.

Atmosphere & Setting

Housed in Ottawa’s historic Bourbridge Building, built in 1875, Vineyards Wine Bar & Bistro occupied a charming cellar space beneath The Fish Market Restaurant. Known as one of the best restaurants in Ottawa Market, this underground venue offered a cozy yet refined atmosphere with rustic stone walls, dim lighting, and intimate seating arrangements, ideal for both casual gatherings and formal dinners. The unique ambiance combined a relaxed charm with historic character, making it an appealing choice for locals and visitors to unwind in the Byward Market.

The cellar’s warm design and welcoming interiors made Vineyards an inviting spot to enjoy a drink or explore new flavors. Regular live jazz performances on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 7 PM added to the ambiance, establishing Vineyards as a go-to destination for jazz enthusiasts and elevating it as a top choice among Ottawa jazz clubs.

Beverage Program

Beer Selection:

• Rotating Ontario Craft Beers: Eight Ontario craft beers were featured on tap, priced around $9.25-$9.75 for a 16 oz pour, showcasing local favorites that reinforced Vineyards’ commitment to regional flavors.
• Global Bottled/Canned Collection: Over 100 bottled and canned beers from around the world, including Belgian and German classics, offered a wide selection for patrons looking for unique and international brews.
• Beer Flight Program: The beer flight program, featuring six samples for $15.75, was a popular choice for patrons to explore a variety of beer styles.
• Non-Alcoholic Options: Non-alcoholic beers were also available, catering to a range of preferences for an inclusive experience.

Wine Focus

Vineyards Wine Bar & Bistro stood out as a top wine bar Ottawa Market fans could rely on, with an award-winning wine list that earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence annually since 1989. Wine Flight Tastings were available, offering three 2-ounce samples for guests to enjoy wine tasting Ottawa-style. Knowledgeable staff provided pairing suggestions to elevate each dining experience, ensuring thoughtful wine choices to complement every meal.

Food Menu

Vineyards served a full bistro menu that paired perfectly with its beverage offerings. Highlights included signature desserts like the Maple Crème Brulee and Chocolate Molten Lava Cake, priced between $9-$11. Specialty coffees, such as Vineyard’s Coffee featuring maple syrup liqueur, provided a unique finish to any meal. Known for its Buck A Shuckoyster special on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 PM to 11 PM, Vineyards attracted seafood enthusiasts and added to its reputation among good pubs in Ottawa for quality oysters and bistro fare.

Events & Special Features at Vineyards Wine Bar & Bistro

Jazz Nights

Vineyards Wine Bar & Bistro’s live jazz nights were held every Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, drawing music lovers from across the city. The intimate cellar provided excellent acoustics, allowing guests to enjoy soothing jazz tunes while savoring their food and drinks. This dedication to live jazz solidified Vineyards as a favorite within Ottawa jazz clubs, making it a notable spot for those seeking an evening filled with great music, food, and ambiance.

Buck A Shuck Oysters

The Buck A Shuck oyster events on Fridays and Saturdays were particularly popular, where fresh oysters were offered at a discounted price from 4 PM to 11 PM. This casual, social event made Vineyards a top choice for those seeking good pubs in Ottawa with a unique seafood offering. With its cozy, laid-back setting, it was an ideal spot for those in the Byward Market to experience a taste of local seafood and relax in the company of friends.