Happy Fish Elgin image

Happy Fish Elgin

Restaurant Bar Pub Event venue Night club

😠 Dear Happy Fish, My girlfriends and I were walking down Elgin street and thought of having drinks and snacks at Happy Fish because it looks nice. It was Saturday night (Oct 30) around 8.30-9pm. The usher who was not wearing a mask stopped us and said that the bar is for younger crowds. We were surp... People often mention security, night, happy, friend, fish, patio, people,


Address

330 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M6, Canada

Website

happyfishelgin.ca

Contact

+1 613-656-6689

Rating on Google Maps

3.70 (165 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 8 pm to 2 am
  • Friday: 8 pm to 2 am
  • Saturday: 8 pm to 2 am
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: security (10) night (8) happy (8) friend (7) fish (7) patio (6) people (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Veronika N. 2 years ago on Google
    Dear Happy Fish, My girlfriends and I were walking down Elgin street and thought of having drinks and snacks at Happy Fish because it looks nice. It was Saturday night (Oct 30) around 8.30-9pm. The usher who was not wearing a mask stopped us and said that the bar is for younger crowds. We were surprised by what he said and told him, we just wanted to get drinks and he emphasized that it is a bar for 19-20 yo crowds. We are very disappointed by the usher’s attitude. We found it very offensive and uncalled for. I am wondering if there is an age limit at your bar? Veronika
    15 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Thaina F. 1 year ago on Google
    I was never more disrespected in my whole life. Me and my friend tried to go in and we were not able to do so because he is not white. I was perfectly able to go in, no questions asked, (there was not even a line) but security (who were extremely violent) questioned his intentions in the place. The worst experience of my life.
    13 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Elizabeth T. 1 year ago on Google
    Racism at the door. Last night, security singled out our friend, who is black, and told him that in order to come in, he’d have to take off and “roll up” his jacket. They had no problem letting in the white guys in ratty hoodies though. I know management will be seeing this review plus the tens of others detailing other racist encounters with the bouncers. Responding to reviews with an email address to contact isn’t a sufficient response. The onus is on you. It’s obvious where the problem is - do your own investigation and fire the bouncers. Until that happens, avoid this place. Cover was overpriced and the vibes seemed off anyway. There are better places on Elgin for a night out.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Hugo A. 1 year ago on Google
    Racist security. Me and my friends were trying to go inside when the security for no reason just said that our friend was “cursed with his language”. First of all, the security didn't know my friend to take this as a conclusion. Then, there was no reason to forbid and TOUCH my friend by saying “BACK OFF” with violence. This was my worst experience ever as a human being. It gets worst, the security just told us that he didn't matter about being racist. Please, consider hiring good security that is not involved with the racist cases as was described in previous evaluations as well.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Emma K. 1 year ago on Google
    Security wouldn’t let ANY FEMALES on the patio use the washroom unless they agreed to lose their access to the patio, but men could use the washroom and go back out onto the patio no questions asked. Clear cut sexism. We left and won’t be coming back ever. What is wrong w y’all?
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Roberto F. 4 years ago on Google
    I just left Happy Fish on Elgin, the food was better then I expected! From the tower of fish, to the lobster Mac and cheese and the kale Caesar salad everything was fresh and delicious! I would highly recommend visiting this place for fish! The staff was very friendly! I’ll be back!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jeremy D. 1 year ago on Google
    Was first in for literally 30 min. Didn't move once. Bouncers are a bunch of meat heads who lack a fundamental understanding of the concept of a queue. Seemed to be plenty happy to let their boys/fwb in without waiting in line though.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Maddie P. 1 year ago on Google
    I was assaulted at this nightclub on Thursday night after blues fest. The owner decided my safety wasn’t worth kicking out the person because they were with Karl Wolf ( barely a celebrity ). Unprofessional and disgusting behaviour from a man claiming to be the owner.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 C M. 1 year ago on Google
    The security person who looks like Vizzini from The Princess Bride kept trying to touch me after he convinced me to enter the bar as I was taking a stroll down Elgin. As I was exiting he insisted on taking my hand and if I had let him hold it a second longer he probably would have tried to kiss it. Also the DJ refused to play my song request of Jay Z because they "aren't allowed to play hip hop". As if hip hop isn't currently dominating the music scene...I won't say the word that came to mind but it rhymes with "bassist".
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa “Ottawa Local E. 2 years ago on Google
    Great value for so much food!! Really loved the cauliflower bites - they were crunchy and had the perfect batter. The tacos were also very delicious and really enjoyed the fully loaded salad!! Lots of great toppings with the salad made it fulfilling and delicious.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Edward F. 2 years ago on Google
    This movie was so good the penguins were so cute. I would definitely recommend happy feet to my friends and loved ones.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica M. 2 years ago on Google
    My husband and I had a reservation here on Saturday evening and had a lovely time! The food was delicious, and the drinks were even better! Staff was friendly and prompt. Thanks so much for a fantastic night out!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Mikaela 1 year ago on Google
    Overall we had a fun time, but I need to highlight the issue with the hallway leading to the back patio as I haven’t seen any reviews talking about this. It’s an incredibly narrow hallway with people trying to get to outside, trying to get back IN from the patio, and people trying to get to the men’s bathroom which is beside the exit. Plus, you have the same arguments happening every 5 minutes where some people are trying to bypass the line because they have the red stamp while others are confused because they’re waiting their turn and you get a mass of people just pushing forward, or being pushed. This is definitely a fire hazard and I understand it has to do with how the building is structured, but something needs to change. Smaller/shorter girls being crushed against the walls by three or four people across is just insane. I had a few moments of panic where we couldn’t move in either direction. Even the taller guy beside me was struggling and being pressed against the wall. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 S E. 1 year ago on Google
    Always a packed place at night. One of the go to spots on Elgin st. Booze is booze but the atmosphere makes it 10 times better. Staff are respectful and I’ve enjoyed myself every time I’ve been
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 L W. 2 years ago on Google
    WE LOVE KALI- She is the best and happy fish isn’t the same without her. If you go to happy fish definitely look out for her and get her a shot because she is the BEST.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Austen C. 2 years ago on Google
    This past weekend security staff assaulted my female friend, shoving her to the ground and grabbing and throwing her phone after she took a video of them yelling at our other friend. Disgusted by our experience and hope this place gets shut down as it is unsafe for women. Now the manager has asked all his friends to leave 5 star reviews
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Omar Ramos M. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a fantastic place to bring someone on a date. Food was really good and the price was very accessible. Staff was also very attentive.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Paul K. 2 years ago on Google
    Love the music. The times I go are quiet and probably I'll never meet anyone in a place like this. Still, I like the atmosphere. It couldn't hurt if the waitresses were more friendly. They seem somewhat miserable, being pleasant would earn more patrons I'm certain.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Broghan P. 2 years ago on Google
    Happy fish is a great atmosphere, little pricey for drinks but it is a restaurant so its understandable. Love when Dj Paqs is in the house! So fun!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 ahmad a. 2 years ago on Google
    I had a reservation with my friends and the owner was condescending at the door, this place seems overrated and there are far better places to go. I understand it was the first day of stage 3 opening but I'll take my money somewhere it is appreciated next time..
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Maurice F. 1 year ago on Google
    They really should call this place happy sardines because of how many people are packed into this bar. That being said, I always have fun here. It’s probably because I’m so inebriated thanks to the wonderfully attentive bar staff. The music is always good if you enjoy edm remixes of sweet Caroline (which I do). My only qualm with this class act establishment is that the women’s bathroom its a soggy cardboard box that smells like a hamsters cage. There is always a line and I would literally rather go in a littler box outside but they don’t let you on to the patio unless you know one of the happy fish overlords. Speaking of the happy fish overlords ily you Alex.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amm f. 5 months ago on Google
    It is great place for fun, I have been there today, it was amazing, all the staff very friendly even security employee Mohammed is friendly and from Wednesday until thursday you can join free.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Haneen S. 1 year ago on Google
    Was Very dissapointed with the food, it was untasteful burger with average side garden salad. Bad idea for a sunday dinner.

  • 5/5 Beth H. 3 years ago on Google
    The food is unbelievable for the price, i recommend the gnocchi or the nachos. Hige portions! Also, so nice to find a place making proper cocktails! No cheap mixes here, the bartenders are amazing! Best margarita I have had in a while.

  • 5/5 Selin C. 2 years ago on Google
    Luv Phil and the crew! Nice environment 🤙🏼

  • 5/5 Shannon L. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing new years experience! Great music and such a good vibe. Staff was attentive and handled everyone well! Recommend if you're looking for a great night out at a bar vibe type of place

  • 4/5 Matthew F. 2 years ago on Google
    Great Vibes, Great Staff, Beautiful People, Energetic Environment!! You Should Stop By And Shake Your Tailfeather!!

  • 5/5 Christopher I. 10 months ago on Google
    Who ever didn’t give these guys 5 stars in miserable. If I could give them more than 5 I would amazing customer service.

  • 5/5 Deedee H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great staff, I lost my coat on new years and they were happy to return it that same night! :)

  • 4/5 Pascal T. 4 years ago on Google
    Used to be Kat & Kraken, still has that classy turn of the century feel to the decore. Had the oysters and few drinks, loved the atmosphere.


Call +1 613-656-6689 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Dancing
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Assistive hearing loop
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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