I will be in Ottawa for a few days on business. I've never been and am looking forward to it.

Can anyone suggest a nice pedestrian friendly area to go out in? I am staying downtown at Courtyard if that makes a difference, but I dont mind grabbing a cab if I can land in an area where maybe I can bar hop a bit.

I am more interested in real, non-touristy spots. I dont go in for trendy martini bar stuff....not looking to "club," just a good bar....cold beer, friendly locals...maybe some tunes...no pretention. Grungy/bohemian/student dives are ok by me. I like well worn/well loved local watering holes, Irish pubs...that type of scene.

Again.....I'd like to find an area/neighborood thats got a few good places to check out, is safe, lively/youthful, and walkable.

Any ideas are appreciated. Cheers,

At the Courtyard, you'll be right in the Byward Market area, where there is a great concentration of bars and restaurants. I'm sue you'll find several you like, but if you want an Irish pub, the Heart and Crown is not bad. I also like the Earl of Sussex. If you want a seedy bar, try the Chateau Lafayette, known to all as the Laff.

The Laff even made the New York Times' piece on Ottawa:

http://events.nytimes.com/2007/08/26...l/26hours.html

Sounds like you're in or near the Market .... http://www.byward-market.com/

I find Ottawa very walkable.

http://ottawafoodies.com/vendor/567

There is a little pub on Elgin street called the Manx if you are looking for something off the beaten path. It is very popular with the local crowd, their lamb and chicken curry wraps are the best and they have great beers on tap, Smithwicks, Guiness I think we were introduced to it by our son when he lived in the area, easy to walk to from downtown

thanks folks!