Ottawa’s Chateau Lafayette

A shadow of its former self, the Chateau Lafayette (Ottawa’s oldest hotel and bar, having opened in 1849) is old enough that it once had separate entry doors: one for men, and the other side for “ladies and escorts.” Sure, the “Laff” has improved in that it’s not as dangerous as it once was, but it’s also lost some of its original character. One of the few downtown taverns left in the city, this is this place to see Ottawa legend Lucky Ron perform originals and covers every Saturday. If you’re really down and out, you can still rent one of the furnished rooms upstairs, small enough that you can open the door, turn on the television, and open the refrigerator all from the comfort of your single bed.
42 York St., 241-4747