Natural History
Bars & Pubs

Natural History

4.7 (94 reviews)
← Dow's Lake
Dine-inTakeout

ABOUT

This casual bar and pub on Somerset Street West in the Dow’s Lake area offers an approachable selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. With a 4.7-star rating from 82 reviews, it has built a solid reputation among local regulars. The venue provides a comfortable washroom and serves as a neighbourhood gathering spot for drinks.

HOURS

Sunday 6:00 pm - 2:00 am
Monday 6:00 pm - 2:00 am
Tuesday 6:00 pm - 2:00 am
Wednesday 6:00 pm - 2:00 am
Thursday 6:00 pm - 2:00 am
Friday 6:00 pm - 2:00 am
Saturday (today) 6:00 pm - 2:00 am

RESTAURANT DETAILS

🍽️ Service Options
✓ Dine-in ✓ Takeout
⭐ Popular For
✓ Groups
🥗 Offerings
✓ Beer ✓ Wine ✓ Cocktails
🏠 Amenities
✓ Washroom
👥 Crowd
✓ Groups
💳 Payments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments
🅿️ Parking
✓ Free street parking

REVIEWS

"
Ashton Mathias
December 14, 2025
★★★★★

Finally was able to get into Natural History after many months.

FOOD: While the Beyond Meat Smash Burger (2 for $15) isn’t as good as beef smash burgers (e.g., at Smash Daddy), it comes pretty close. Though this is way more affordable (they also have beef smash burgers here to be clear).

DRINKS: The anticuado ($15) was good but a bit strong for my taste. The cocktails are very well priced.

SERVICE: Great and friendly

VIBE: Great atmosphere. Laid-back, unpretentious place with great music choices and decor.

OTHER: They accept amex / American Express

"
T R
September 30, 2025
★★★★☆

Absolutely one of the coolest new bars in town! From the moment you walk in you feel like you’re in a museum of some sorts, the decor is sooo cool and such a vibe! The Nat Geo inspired menus are a nice touch! While the food was good I recommend to serve it in actual plates instead of little cardboard boxes, if you are sitting in you shouldn’t be served like that, also in the crispy potato salad the potatoes weren’t crispy at all but turned soggy!

"
Shireen Bhullar
September 16, 2025
★★★★☆

Stopped by for a drink before dinner! The place has a unique vibe. Was worth a visit! The cocktails were innovative and reasonably priced.

"
Brandon L
July 20, 2025
★★★★★

A fantastic cocktail bar with an eclectic mix of decor and a moody sitting room. We went with a group of ten or so, and there was plenty of seating for all of us when they opened right at 1800. The beer, cocktail, wine, and no alcohol selection was excellent, and the food choices varied from snack size to full size entrees.

Thank you for making my wife’s 30th birthday bash such a blast, and we will most certainly be back again!

"
Sabrina V
July 16, 2025
★★★★★

Natural History is an absolute gem in Chinatown. From the moment you walk in, the vibe is just so fun and welcoming—cute, interesting, and stylish without being the least bit pretentious. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy high-quality cocktails but still feel completely relaxed.

The drinks were outstanding. We had the White Lotus and the La Piccola, and both were perfectly balanced—delicious, complex, and beautifully crafted. You can tell a lot of care goes into every cocktail. The prices are very reasonable for the quality you’re getting, which makes it even better. We didn’t get to try the snacks this time, but the menu looked great and we’ll definitely be back for that.

The staff deserve a special mention—they were so friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely added to the experience. Every detail of the space feels thoughtful and well-executed, from the decor to the ambiance.

Highly recommend this spot for a casual night out or a special occasion. Natural History has easily become one of my favourite bars in Ottawa.

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📍
835 Somerset Street West
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📍
835 Somerset Street WestOttawa, ON K1R 6R4
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🔄 Data last verified Apr 2026 ✏️ Suggest a correction
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🥗 Dietary
☪️
Halal
Serves halal meat - even if they don't advertise it
🌱
Vegan-friendly
Has solid vegan options even if it's not a vegan restaurant
🥦
Vegetarian-friendly
Good vegetarian options on the menu
🌾
Gluten-free options
Has gluten-free dishes or can accommodate
✡️
Kosher
Serves kosher food or has certified kosher options
✨ Features
🌙
Open past 10pm
Kitchen or bar stays open late - good for night owls
🍺
Happy Hour
Has a regular happy hour with drink or food deals
🍷
BYOB
You can bring your own bottle - call ahead to confirm
Wheelchair accessible
Accessible entrance, seating, or washroom
🚪
Private dining room
Has a private space for events or groups
🤫
Quiet / low noise
Good for conversation - not a loud scene
🍽️ Amenities
🌿
Patio
Has outdoor seating - patio, terrace, or sidewalk
🎵
Live music
Hosts live music or performances regularly
🐾
Dog-friendly
Welcomes dogs on the patio or inside
🧒
Kids menu
Has a dedicated kids menu or child-friendly options
🍸
Confirmed Full Bar
🥡
Takeout
You can order food to go - call or walk in
🛵
Delivery
Delivers directly or through a third-party app
💵
Cash only
Doesn't accept cards - bring cash
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