Dim underground lounge with a New York City vibe—metal seating, stone walls and Art Deco lighting. This space was a nightclub on the weekends and the owner decided to open it up on weekdays. The menu is cocktails and snacks. They hire their own DJs. Come here to impress or surprise someone.

I’m so happy there’s a place to go on weekday evenings to enjoy really good music and delicious cocktails in Ottawa! This place has a really awesome vibe perfect for date nights or an evening out with friends. They have different specials throughout the week like $5 bar rails on Tuesdays and never any cover. I’ve gone for date nights with my husband and with groups of friends, each time the DJs were amazing and we loved it! Definitely recommend checking this place out!

Unique experience to say the least. They have a constant rotation of DJs who are chosen specifically to develop a intimate atmosphere. Their cocktail menu is constantly updated and their staff is always willing to accommodate you when it comes to how you like your drinks. Definitely an Ottawa gem.

Great ambiance, music, fantastic service and drinks. I went there for post work catch up with a friend and the bartenders were so nice. Mikayla made delicious signature cocktails on request which is rare in Ottawa. The venue could use a better wine list and snacks but outside of that, I highly recommend it.

Well-crafted cocktails, extremely friendly staff, and fun lounge vibes. I tried the Painkiller and Gin-Gin Mule which were both delicious. I also had a very tasty bowl of chili-lime popcorn freshly-made.

Attentive hostess located chairs for our table, and was the highlight of our visit. The cocktails were not very good at all - we were told that they had run out of Angostura bitters, which was surprising on a Thursday night, but even more surprising, they asked if we’d like one anyway with no bitters! We ordered three different drinks that tasted almost identical: watered down, very faintly sweet, and only the barest hint of alcohol. Interior is very dark and minimalist. There was an in-house dj playing faintly annoying music at seemingly random volumes which contributed to our desire to leave after one drink. Would not recommend in its current state.

Ambiance, music, drinks were amazing! Great local talent (DJs AND bartenders). Perfect spot for a sexy speakeasy weekday vibe. Is great for a date night or get together with friends. Will 100% be going back whenever I visit Ottawa!

I've had multiple fantastic experiences here. I love the atmosphere, comfortable seating, and dim, warm lighting. The cocktails, music, and friendly staff never disappoint! It's my favourite place to enjoy both local DJs and visiting talent. Keep up the great work, Afterlight crew.

As you walk down the stairs of an old Heritage building, you are greeted with a smile. The dim candle lighting reflecting on the refinished natural stone, makes you feel like you're in another part of the world. Along with, great underground house music and delicious cocktails and snacks. A great place to come chill or dance on a weekday.

Afterlight is such a great hidden gem in Ottawa! With a low lit, classy and cozy vibe, this basement bar not only has tasty snacks, great cocktails, delicious wines and craft beer, but also an amazing selection of music. There is real talent in Ottawa - the DJ's and music selection is always on point. I've really enjoyed getting to hear different styles from different DJ's each night. And I appreciate the music is always at a nice volume, not a club volume ... enough to talk but still feel the vibe. Would highly recommend!

The entrance is on Bank Street right at the corner. Inside you'll find a recently renovated space under an older building (if you're into these things, check out the odd mix of rubble stone, brick, and organized stone foundation). The staff is knowledgeable and skilled at mixology; frankly they could get more innovative with the menu if they chose. You'll find a great example of mixology with craft cocktails done well. It's a wonderful place to spend an evening.

This is a hidden gem. The corner entrance on Bank street down the stairs takes you to the basement and you have to fall in love with the setting. It has a classy vibe with stone walls, dim lights and a bar with lovely staff. Great selection of cocktails, a little on the pricier side. The place to be in Ottawa for mid-week nightlife

Stumbled on this place by accident and we were so pleasantly surprised. Ottawa seriously lacks any night life on week days, Concept Thursdays is a great was to fill in the gaps. Affordable cocktails and natural wines, chill music and amazing ambiance, this is the only place to be in ottawa on a Thursday. Will definitely be coming back!

Snacks were great, the popcorn was fresh and delicious. I went on a Thursday and they had this cool weekly cocktail. Will definitely be going again!