I'm going to Ottawa for a long weekend in February with four old high school buddies. We are from Philadelphia; every year we go to an away hockey game (more to get away from responsibilites for a few days then to see hockey...but don't tell our wives that!). Does anybody know the fun places to go at night??? Any places known for live music??? The best bars??? Best/most fun restaurants??? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Henry,<BR><BR>Not being someone who goes to bars I cant help you with specifics, but I can give you the two areas where most happening bars are located. One is the Market area, the other is Elgin street. Both are central/downtown area. Assuming that is where you are staying. Or are you staying at the hotels out in Kanata near the Corel Centre? <BR>Pre game supper/drinks can be had at the Corel Centre, lots of activity/packed on game nights at the restaurants there. Marshy's (Brad Marsh owner), and a Hard Rock Cafe, both on site. Lots of other restaurants close to the Corel Centre, at a shopping plaza called Centrum Plaza. Jack Astors, loud fun roadhouse style, a steak place, italian and lots of fast food places. <BR><BR>Dont know how you are getting to and from the game but be warned, traffic on the 417 coming from downtown is a nightmare on game nights. You might be better off to go to a local bar that provides shuttle service to and from the game rather than cab or drive it. Lots of the bars/restaurants offer this service, I know the ones in Kanata near where the Corel Centre is located do. Many folks drive out to Kanata early, park at the shopping mall, drink, eat and grab the bus, rather than fight the traffic.<BR><BR>Hope some of this helps, sorry I cant be more specific about the downtown bars but I will ask my bar going friends <BR><BR>PS&gt; I just thought of a popular bar in the Market, Empire Grill. Supposedly a happening place. Have fun, anything else just ask. <BR>Sherry

Another fun pub is the Fox and Feather on Elgin.

To get on top of the club scene, go to the CBC radio (Ottawa) website and read Matthew Crozier's stuff on who's where. This week, for example, some great alt.country (the Sadies), Arrogant Worms, and so on. Also check out CKCU radio website and and a free entertainment newspaper called the Xpress.<BR><BR>Good live music clubs in the city include Zaphod Beeblebrox, Barrymore's and, out of town but worth checking out, the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield.

Here's the URL for Matthew Crosier's info - on real audio<BR><BR>http://ottawa.cbc.ca/ottawamorning/music.html