Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: music (34) great (21) Great (21) live (17) venue (17) Rainbow (13) Ottawa (12) local (12) good (10) stage (9)
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  • 5/5 Petre E. 6 years ago on Google
    Lovely place with live music. I was not expecting to attack concert as I walk into the bar. My friends and I decided to go to a bar and by random chance we entered this location. It was worthy and if I go back to Ottawa I will go back here
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cathy C. 4 years ago on Google
    The Rainbow Bistro is a family run business which is devoted to great music and great service ! The dance floor is perfect for enjoying the often brilliant musical performances ! The Rainbow Bistro is and has always been the best musical venue in Ottawa, if not in Canada !
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nammi N. 1 year ago on Google • 170 reviews
    Really nice venue with lots of space and seating in the back and up on the balcony. The stage is really nice and elevated too. Atmosphere was really great. Definitely want to return and also try out drinks and whatnot

  • 5/5 M H. 1 year ago on Google • 110 reviews
    Fun local bar for live music and such. Super friendly staff, very lovely location. Clean and well lit. Enjoyed a performance by Sam Aleums, local synth artist.

  • 5/5 Eliza S. 5 years ago on Google • 64 reviews
    My mum and I had sooo much fun at Rainbow Bistro! The atmosphere/stage/band/drinks/service/prices/acoustics - everything was amazing! We are definitely coming back next time we are in Ottawa! The crowd is quite diverse, this night it was a bit older but young reggae lovers would feel very comfortable as well! Loved it!

  • 5/5 Megan M. 2 months ago on Google • 55 reviews New
    Great venue and bar! Drinks were yummy, affordable and strong! Sound was decent for a small venue. Staff was extremely friendly.

  • 4/5 Ryan S. 3 months ago on Google • 54 reviews New
    Small venue that plays great local shows. Staff are great, place is cleaner than you'd think.

  • 5/5 Melanie B. 7 months ago on Google • 40 reviews
    The Rainbow Bistro is a part of Ottawa’s history, its been around so long that its roots are intertwined with so many locals and celebrities a like. Amazing local talent play here regularly and the staff are friendly and happy to help you. Everyone is welcome here.

  • 4/5 Antonieta Z. 1 year ago on Google • 12 reviews
    Nice environment and chill music! Great location. They don’t have the best selection of beers but overall really good!

  • 4/5 Margaret C. 2 months ago on Google • 8 reviews New
    Great beer recommendations and excellent live shows featuring Ottawa's local talent.

  • 5/5 Axel O. 10 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    Great place for live shows, plus there's a pool table so that's a bonus too. Split level interior, the upper area overlooks the stage so you can get a gr8 view from there. Lotta stairs tho so keep that in mind for accessibility reasons. Also there's no A/C so it can get hot af in there. Those are the main two cons to the place imo (Pic is a local band, Motherland, playing at the Rainbow. Go check out their music!)

  • 5/5 Jason “J-man” P. 1 year ago on Google
    always fantastic. they opened up the doors on a Sunday night so a friend of mine could have a celebrationof life for hid mother that passed away (who loved the rainbow) grade A individuals and a beloved music venue by many.

  • 4/5 Ron G. 1 year ago on Google
    Super fun atmosphere. A waiter had Cleared off my drink before it was completely empty and the bar tender had no problems making me another.

  • 5/5 Scott C. 1 year ago on Google
    A classic blues watering hole of many years standing. Can't even begin to list the excellent bands I've seen here over the decades.

  • 5/5 Bengt N. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best live venues I have been to. Revamped with new audio and lighting, a few changes inside, same amazing vibe. You really feel like you're seeing a showcase, not a stage added as an afterthought. This is a true music destination. And they still have quarts. Great staff, in the Market but not in the difficult streets to park. Eat in the Market, get a great show at the Rainbow and make stories.

  • 4/5 Marc P. 1 year ago on Google
    A classic spot for amazing music. Need more local craft beer options.

  • 5/5 Claude G. 1 year ago on Google
    The Rainbow is open for business again! Stopped in on a Sunday afternoon, to hear a local band playing. Will definitely go back again! Great venue for listening to music!

  • 3/5 Neil H. 1 year ago on Google
    Not a bad little "hole in the wall" place to go when all the good places are full. They don't seem to believe in advertising the performers, who are booked to play there. No food, drinks seemed a little weak.

  • 4/5 Lynne L. 1 year ago on Google
    Really nice live music venue in the centre of Byward Market, walking distance to everything. They host regular live music shows from jazz, bleus to rock. All genres. $10-$30 / ticket mostly. Cheap drinks and large open venue with second floor mezzanine which give you more viewing and access to the show. While it’s location is great, I do find the resurrected Rainbow does little to advertise their shows/bands. Most of their events I found them off musicians web site as Rainbow does not seem to believe in social media. Second, the small black door on the street with a white rainbow print is easily missed when you walk on Murray street. ( unless you walk with you eye looking up all the time). Hâte to see this place gone when resurrection funds are used up. But if they do not create more awareness and actively promote, I don’t see how they will manage.

  • 5/5 Kathleen Grady-Thompson (Miss K. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the coziest venues for live music in Ottawa!

  • 5/5 ynottony105 2 years ago on Google
    Incredible place for live music or a bottle of 50! This place is an Ottawa legend!

  • 4/5 Stefan P. 2 years ago on Google
    With a second floor open to view live bands, the place has great atmosphere. Ottawa has to few places like this!

  • 5/5 Keegan B. 5 years ago on Google
    Love this place. There's a big stage and there is always great music happening. With two floors offering views of the stage there is plenty of space to walk around, yet the whole place feels very lively and not barren.

  • 5/5 Tom K. 2 years ago on Google
    So many great memories.

  • 5/5 Colin S. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the best venues I've ever booked/promoted a show at (back in 2013). Great staff and soundperson!

  • 2/5 Melbosia 4 years ago on Google
    Dirty.

  • 4/5 John M. 4 years ago on Google
    I love this place. Its the ideal location to hear your favorite local band.

  • 4/5 Marivic C. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to hang out great bands abd great service

  • 3/5 Jennifer D. 4 years ago on Google
    Amateur singers, not so bad

  • 5/5 Ian k. 1 year ago on Google
    A rockin' good time, as always. On this night there was a fantastic lineup of local talent. Just awesome!

  • 4/5 Amanda C. 1 year ago on Google
    Great music venue in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Two floors for better viewing of the band, live music, and beer on tap.

  • 4/5 Bruce M. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a fun "old school" type bar to stop by and have a cold one and listen to good music. We came to Ottawa to see Josh Turner and Carlson McKee (The Other Favorites) play at the Rainbow Bistro, so it was our first to time here. Next time we are in the area we will stop by again 😊.

  • 4/5 margaret t. 4 years ago on Google
    Have enjoyed the shows there over the years. Good intimate space and pretty good sound overall. As I've had hips and knee surgeries over the years the steep stairs are a bit of a challenge.

  • 5/5 Janice K. 1 year ago on Google
    Always great music and talented local bands. Great atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Dan H. 11 months ago on Google
    One of my favorite places in town to catch a show. Could use an upgrade on the beer selection tho.

  • 5/5 Tom C. 11 months ago on Google
    Ottawas marquee downtown venue for Blues & Live music. The Rainbow has something on pretty much every day/night of the year. Good service and friendly staff with a great stage and sound setup.

  • 5/5 Joanne B. 4 years ago on Google
    MARIA HAWKINS YOU ARE A WOMAN ON FIRE ! YOU ARE FANTASTIC SINGER AND AMAZING WOMAN. WE GOT YOUR BACK LADY 🤩

  • 5/5 Maddy R. 9 months ago on Google
    Great music venue. Love the second floor for the added space and fresh view of the acts

  • 5/5 Ann L. 8 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    Was an amazing night with a really unique atmosphere. Their drinks were strong and for a low price. Music was good, you can get amazing seats anywhere in the building since it's smaller. Would definitely recommend getting ear plugs either at the event (they sell them) or beforehand since the music is VERY loud. The venue I went to lasted from 8pm to 12am, with three bands, but I don't know how long single bands go for.

  • 5/5 Alex M. 5 years ago on Google
    Amazing place... great staff... Energy... Outstanding music!!!! My wife and I were just amazed. A Blast with Barry & The Blasters

  • 5/5 андрик �. 3 years ago on Google
    This is where Justin Trudeau stretches his leg when the wife ain't looking.

  • 5/5 Declan R. 3 years ago on Google
    A great little place to stop in to in the Byward Market, but make sure to go there when there is music! That's when it's at its best! Also, if you are an aspiring musician here in the Ottawa area, make sure to go there Sunday afternoons for the Blues open mic/jam!

  • 5/5 rile9611 r. 3 years ago on Google
    thank you for nameing it that and i as it for my school work and my band went thaer is that ok????

  • 5/5 René D. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome venue for live music.

  • 4/5 Alex L. 4 years ago on Google
    Just passed by but looks great

  • 5/5 judy b. 4 years ago on Google
    Great Bunch of People and Fantastic Artist Doing What They Do Best - Jamming +

  • 5/5 Jeanette G. 4 years ago on Google
    Super cute place, fantastic live music!

  • 4/5 Ian M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great afternoon with a private show

  • 5/5 Chance H. 4 years ago on Google
    Good music, good people , great service

  • 5/5 Derek W. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing live music!!

  • 5/5 Javier M. 5 years ago on Google
    Great place to watch interesting musical performances.

  • 5/5 Kiarash F. 4 years ago on Google
    The bartender that was there yesterday (Sunday January 5th) was he nicest guy ever. If this was my business I would to anything to keep this employee happy! Me and my gf decided to stay in Ottawa a few nights, and this was definitely one of our favourite bars. Local musicians jamming, super friendly atmosphere, and a pool table... what else do u need to have fun?

  • 4/5 Yannick G. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Rather hard rock rock than jazz the time I went there. Underground atmosphere. (Original) Plutôt rock hard rock que jazz la fois ou j’y suis allé. Ambiance underground.

  • 5/5 Brent H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for live local music go there on January 2nd for a big surprise

  • 4/5 Wayne R. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome venue for live music one of the last great music venues in Ottawa

  • 5/5 lii W. 4 years ago on Google
    Really cool ambiance great live music

  • 5/5 heidi M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great atmosphere and friendly staff

  • 5/5 Linda L. 4 years ago on Google
    Great bands! Tonight Steeve Hill was great!!

  • 5/5 Nodeeni 4 years ago on Google
    Really good music. You won't be disappointed if you go there for a night!

  • 5/5 Déménagements S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Friendly....!! (Original) Sympa....!!

  • 5/5 Lynn B. 4 years ago on Google
    Fabulous entertainment

  • 5/5 Lone E. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food. Great service. Awesome music! Definitely check this place out when you can.

  • 4/5 Auguste B. 4 years ago on Google
    Pretty cool place

  • 5/5 Mark D. 4 years ago on Google
    Love the Rainbow

  • 1/5 Tony C. 4 years ago on Google
    Livin on it's old reputation! Rainbow book more class acts!? Customer suposed to know untill you pay cover and are let down and surprised. Ripped off.

  • 5/5 SHANON'S C. 4 years ago on Google
    Always love this place!!

  • 5/5 Ben K. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing reggae night

  • 5/5 Mick W. 4 years ago on Google
    Genuine, unpretentious blues venue

  • 4/5 Richard G. 4 years ago on Google
    Great venue for Indie & blues music!

  • 4/5 Kheg V. 4 years ago on Google
    Good people excellent sound

  • 3/5 Sherril N. 4 years ago on Google
    The layout of the bar wasn't to good it was hard to see the stage, the sound wasn't good either there was to much feedback from the equipment

  • 5/5 LEO S. 4 years ago on Google
    NO AC but the staff is amazing

  • 5/5 April 4 years ago on Google
    Nice quaint spot for a coffee and treat.

  • 5/5 Dan T. 4 years ago on Google
    Great vibe at the Sunday open stage.

  • 3/5 Jan B. 4 years ago on Google
    Always fun


Call +1 613-859-5123 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Dancing
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✗ Takeaway

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