Here are some of my favorite salsa dancing dance bars that I think are worth visiting in Ottawa-Gatineau region. If you are looking primarily for lessons then I recommend these Salsa Dancing places instead which do lessons followed by social events.
Address: 665 Bronson Ave, Ottawa, ON K1S 4E7
Business website: https://latinosrestobarottawaon.com/
I found Latinos Resto Bar to be the best place in Ottawa for hangouts. Not only do they have Latin events on weekends, but occasionally on weekdays as well. Sometimes they also do Spanish Karaoke really late into the night. The crowd is very friendly and you can even ask people to dance here. Though I must say that the dance floor is a bit small.
- Latin Dancing on both Fridays and Saturdays.
- No cover if you arrive early.
- This venue attracts both local as well as hispanic crowd.
- Serves both food and alcohol.
Latin Saturdays at Le Forum
Address: 815 Rue Jacques-Cartier, Gatineau, QC J8T 2W2
Business website: https://leforum.ca/
Le Forum restaurant has Latin nights on Saturdays and they have a variety of music playing – primarily merengue, salsa, and reggaeton. They also play a bit of line dancing music so you will see people going crazy. Unlike other places, people at El Forum show up really late. The dance floor only starts to get busy after midnight.
- The place is ideal for groups, not if you are seeking people to dance with.
- The place attracts more of a Hispanic crowd.
- Crowd is relatively less friendly than other places.
- Cover charge always applies.
Mill Street Brew Pub
Address: 555 Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1R 1C5
Business website: https://millstreetbrewery.com/
Mill Street Brew Pub does weekly events and is surprisingly packed on a Monday night. They also do beginner lessons if you have never done salsa or bachata before. I have heard that if you spend on food at this place then you might be able to get free entry to the event.
- This place is ideal for individuals.
- Cover charge always applies.
- Large dance floor
- Attracts primarily local Ottawa crowd.
Speakeasy Tapas Lounge
Address: 55 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 9B8
Business website: https://speakeasyottawa.com/
The Speakeasy Tapas Lounge is a Spanish restaurant; however, on Friday nights, their basement gets converted to a salsa dancing spot. Even though it has a small dance floor, you are going to have a blast as it has live musical performances.
- Latin nights on Fridays
- No cover charge (usually Free)
- Live music
- Plays salsa, merengue, bachata and reggaeton music
- Attracts a mixed demographic
- Located in Byward Market
Address: 858 Merivale Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Z 5Z4
Amigos does occasional salsa/bachata events as well. Usually they do the Latin nights on Tuesdays and sometimes the place can get quite packed. I did like that they have a huge dance floor and a sports bar section as well with pool tables.
- Salsa/Bachata socials on Tuesdays
- Pool tables and slot machines
- Large dance floor
- Dance performances
- Lessons before socials
Bar 7 @ Lake Leamy Casino
Address: 1 Bd du Casino, Gatineau, QC J8Y 6W3
Almost every Thursday, the Bar 7 at Lake Leamy Casino turns into a late night Latin dancing spot! Not only do they have a DJ for the night but also sometimes have live music! Definitely a place to check out if you love Latin Dancing. Unlike some of the other places, you won’t get any dance lessons here so make sure you are a bit prepared before heading here.
- Salsa Dancing on Thursdays
- Free entry
- Live Spanish music
- No lessons
Other places for Salsa Dancing –
Mavericks (Address: 221 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5X8) does do Latin nights often on weekends. This place might be convenient for those who are around the Byward Market area However, I found the place however too crowded to be able to dance.
Chez Putters (Address: 181 Principale St, Gatineau, Quebec J9H 6A6) occasionally hosts Latin nights where they play salsa/bachata music. It’s a really large bar that has multiple pool tables, a virtual golf simulator, and other game machines. Usually Latin Nights take place on Saturdays.
Tom Mehra, an Ottawa-based Software Engineer with a Masters in Information Systems from the University of Texas at Dallas, shares insights on local food spots and top attractions in Canada and the US. He’s also a former resident of the US, UK, and India, and in 2023, his blog was nominated for an Ottawa Award by Faces Magazine. He is also a cat sitter.
