Rainbow Bistro

I finally sought out the Rainbow after many years in Ottawa. I had heard about it, but somehow never had the incentive until a friend’s band was playing on a friday. I didn’t know what I was missing! This place is very original and unpretentious. Great for live music. It’s a place where people can relax and be themselves. You will find all sorts of people just feeling the music. That simple!

This joint brings a smile to my face. It’s a hole in the wall music hall with good beer, uncomfortable seating and great music. To the best of my knowledge there’s no food — just music and beer. Love it.
We tend to head over later on Sunday afternoons, for the 4p Blues Jam. They get some great hosts in and many of the people that get up on stage to play a few songs are fantastic. (Yup, there’s a few I could do without too — but that’s the fun of the format.)
Depending on the night, it can be a university student magnet, but every time we’ve been there, every age is represented in some proportion, so it’s all good.
Would I return: Yes
Would I recommend: Like music? Like Beer? Then yes.

I know I’ve been here plenty of times, but it must have almost always been in a drink infused haze of my youth, when the Market was the only place to be on a night out. When a friend mentioned he was playing a gig at the Rainbow, I couldn’t even remember exactly what it looked like.
After parking in the parking garage on Murray Street near Dalhousie, I had about a five minute walk to Murray and Parent. The Rainbow was tucked into a random spot — maybe this was the back door entrance? I never noticed a second one. That being said, it was rather inconspicuous and the only reason I even noticed it was because of the loud music blaring from inside.
Up the stairs I went and was greeted by two sweet gentlemen who took my $ 5 cover fee (I was more than happy to pay it — local bands were preforming!). The place was very quiet (it was 10 p.m. on a Sunday night), but it picked up a bit around 11. The atmosphere is great — I found it really laid back and comfortable, with lots of different age groups represented, though definitely a late-​twenties-​40 crowd (Hurray! A bar without a ton of 19 year olds!). The old stone and high ceilings give it a great sound and the stage is located in the perfect place. The bar is in the back and there’s plenty of seating as well as an ample dance floor.
The bartender was so lovely. He came over to check on me twice to see if I needed a refill and made a great cocktail. You might not get anything super fancy here, but the guy knows how to mix his drinks. I believe there’s a patio upstairs, or just another space — I didn’t get the chance to venture up there, but I will next time. Because there will absolutely be a next time — this place is great!

The Rainbow is an oddly designed bar with a lot of character.
The first thing you notice when you walk up the staircase and into the bar is the large dance floor with the high ceiling, then you’ll find a balcony second level (with a pool table) and below that is where the main bar is located which wraps around to another staircase to the second level.
I had a blast at this place for a private function and also really enjoyed myself on another night when myself and friends stumbled across live music.
It’s a bit different from neighbouring bars which cater to the younger crowd but I didn’t feel as if I was out of place with my friends that night. The bar staff were very quick and the drinks were quite cheap.
I’d highly recommend this place if you’re looking for a bar in the Market to rent out or use for a function or event — it’s perfectly setup for just that occasion. Otherwise, enjoy the live music they have pretty much any night of the week!

I highly enjoy this bar and I wish I went more often. The Rainbow is a unique establishment that has been around for almost 25 years, although I’m surprised it isn’t older than that judging by its niche popularity from its patrons and traveling musicians. This bar has at least one live band every evening of the week and free matinée shows five days of the week. They also have an open jam on Sundays. They mainly specialize in Blues music from local, national and international bands, but they also showcase some other styles too.
The atmosphere is unique with high stone walls, huge windows, dark lighting and an elevated stage in front of a respectable dance floor. I think their website best describes it as looking like a chalet.
I love the misfit clientèle the most because there doesn’t seem to be a stereotype that frequents this bar. The people seem to come from all walks of life. So maybe you’ll like it too?