Zaphod Beeblebrox

My go-​to bar in Ottawa. Great music, great atmosphere, and good sense of humour from the staff.

I was here once, TERRIBLE experience! I was at the bar waiting to order a drink and I over heard the manager talking down to one of the bartenders. He was insulting him and swearing at him for something he must have done wrong. The manager really made the bartender feel like absolute shit, it was sad to over-​hear this. So when that ugly incident was over and the bartender went back to work, I said to the bartender «Hey man, I over-​heard that, you shouldn’t let him talk to you like that.» The bartender looks at me with anger in his face and says to me «DON’T FUCKING TELL ME WHAT TO DO!!» I was tooken shook by his response, but now that I think about it, management treats staff like shit, staff treats customers like shit. It’s a chain reaction. But seriously, if they don’t want customers to return then they’re doing a great job because I’m never going back! Nor will I let anyone I know go there.
P. S.- The men’s washroom was the most disgusting place I’ve seen in all of Ottawa.

I’ve been to Zaphod’s three times: one was with my sister in September on a Monday night, one was with a friend at, like, 9pm on a Friday night in the winter, and one was recently for a gig. The time I went with my sister, it was dead, but obviously it was Monday night, so it would have been hard for us to find a place with much more going on. There was a DJ we chatted with who was really nice and the bartender was pretty cool as well. The second time I went was only for one drink before heading somewhere slightly more busy. I guess you really have to know which nights are happening at Zaphod’s. Most recently, this past week, I went to Zaphod’s to see a band who I’d been waiting to see for a good month. It was so much fun! I appreciate the nod to the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and the friendly staff. Drink prices aren’t great, but they’re pretty standard for the Market.
I’ll be back when there’s another gig! I’m a fan.

So I came here last night and I remember just sitting at home afterwards thinking: «wow, that was disappointing, what happened to Zaphods?» Oh Zaphods… How I loved you, and how you have changed! And not for the better, either. I used to be a very frequent flyer here, and have tried to show this place to my friends over the last little while but it just isn’t the same anymore.
The biggest change for me is the music is gone downhill. Beforehand, the DJ at zaphods was blessed with the gift of coming up with catchy, dancey tunes of all genres. I think they changed DJs over the last few years and when he changed, so did the music. I am hearing more top 40 music and more things that you can’t even dance to.
The other thing I appreciated so much about Zaphods was how friendly the staff (yes even the bouncers) were. I’ve been with people who got kicked out and even when kicking people out, they were polite about it (unless things got ugly). That hospitality isn’t there anymore. I’ve seen a few people get physically thrown when they really shouldn’t have been over the last month or so. The door guy and girl that stamps your hand aren’t remarkably polite anymore, etc.
What has stayed the same is the drinks here. They make great drinks and are reasonably priced, can’t complain there.
Also, hip hop night? Where did that go?

Probably the best bar in ottawa as far as I’m concerned. The have great drink prices and play good music. The live bands are generally decent and above par in Ottawa. Lately it seems to be a little more dead but I hope this place never closes– true Ottawa Staple.
Ah-​mazing Jäger Bombs!!!

Zaphod’s is synonymous with fun.
The interior has a unique feel to it. It is not too big yet not too small. The dancefloor isn’t too big to the point where it feels overwhelming but not to small where you wouldn’t have any breathing room. It is inclusive yet trippy.
Bartenders and staff are very good at what they do and they make sure you have a good time.
Music is definitely a plus for me. From what I’ve seen, Zaphod’s is committed to having a wide variety of music from Alternative/​Indie to Hip Hop on their playlist.
Great club overall and would definitely come back again.

This place was… Super cool ! Fun, comfy? Atmosphere .
We went here yesterday to see some bands (they were decent, to me they lack variety).
I am a person who gets bored easily so I have to keep busy at all times, this places kept me going, I’d definitely come back… Maybe without a band playing ?
:)
(has an ATM, takes credit over 10 $)

Zaphod’s — how I love thee. This place feels like home — perhaps that’s because I’ve been frequenting it since I was 18 — errr, 19 I mean!
I love the variety ay Zaphod’s. Every night of the week has a different feel and something for everyone. From local indie bands, and DJ club nights to hip-​hop performers and Trailer Park Bingo.
One thing that never changes at Zaphod’s is the close-​knit, inclusive atmosphere. Also, I’ve never met a bartender at Zaphod’s who couldn’t concoct the most delicious electric kool-​aid or brokendown-​golfcart.
Amazing. You should go.

I’ll say it again, everytime i’m in Ottawa, I end up here.
We were in O-​town a few weekends ago and it happened to be the JunoFest weekend. Super bonus for my musically inclined bf. The super bonus for me was that one of my amazing shipmate girlfriends was also in town that weekend. Where should we meet?!
Zaphod.
Never disappointing. There was cover again. This time it was only $ 5 i think and my amazing friend somehow got us in and cut the line (which was down the block, even at 1am). We drank, we caught up, we drank and we danced. Oh how we danced.

Oh Zaphod’s. The many memories I’ve had at this place. Some good, some a little fuzzy, but all in all I can definitely say this is a fun place to be.
They have such a wide variety of music, from Hip hop night on Thursdays, to live entertainment and bands, to punk/​hard rock, as well as DJ’ed club nights. The variety is amazing, and that’s definitely one of the reasons Zaphod’s is so successful.
One of my favorite nights however, is their Trailer Park Bingo night (EVERY Sunday night), where you get to play Bingo for free, while having a few brews, and can win some pretty hilarious prizes all while maintaining a trailer-​park theme. If you get lucky, you may even get to throw a pie in someone’s face, or smash a tv with a bowling ball. (Then you can cross that off your bucket list!)
To sum it up – Great entertainment, cheap drinks, and great staff.

Avoid this dump. Terrible service. Violent and crude bouncers. Really difficult to get a drink. It’s gone way downhill, sadly.

Incredible.
Can’t believe last night was my first night at Zaphod’s. Picked a good night — it was hip hop night (Thursday) and all the best music was playing.
As soon as I walked into this place, I was completely surprised. And I mean this in an odd, good way. It’s interior has such an eerie feeling to it, almost like a weird time warp, mostly because of the the black lights. Everything white glows and makes the place feel trippy.
I love that there are booth seats off the ground floor (have to take a step up) so that it almost overlooks the bar and the dance floor.
It also isn’t a huge bar that makes it feel impersonal, but it’s also not small enough to make you feel claustrophobic.
The waitstaff was so nice! I went to go grab a pitcher and they were all smiles, even though the night was super busy. Most places I go to rush to get your drink and only care about getting rid of you, but these people take the time to say what’s up.
Super laid back venue, full of chill people that want to hear good music and have a good time. Security is very good at what they do at this place, so you can feel safe. That’s always a plus.
Towards the end of the night, I ended up meeting the owner, Eugene. We talked for about an hour, he was very friendly! Found out that this place once hosted the Rolling Stones, and one of their music videos were filmed inside. I think made me love this place a bit more.
Would definitely come back over and over again.

I’ve thought long and hard about how to rate Zaphod’s and honestly it’s a fantastic place, even a decade after first stepping foot in this place. Zaphod’s looks like a dive bar and honestly it’s a fantastic dive bar; wait, it’s a fantastic bar. It has a very gritty look but has so much heart and soul.
This place is not a club and not a place you need to really dress up.
I love the great selection of music throughout the week. I love the variety of people that show up to Zaphod’s. I love that it’s never so packed (thank you bouncers) that you feel like a sardine in this place. I love that it has 3 different areas to sit, hang out or stand and to dance. I love the bar staff, they’re absolutely wonderful and do a great job of getting to everyone. I love that cover isn’t so ridiculous that you have to question going. I love the reasonable price of this place.
Zaphod’s brings in live music regularly and is a big supporter of local talent. Many nights at Zaphod’s can consist of a live show followed by a night of lounging or dancing after the show is over.
My friends always love going to Barrymore’s but I’m slowly converting them as there hasn’t been a night were Zaphod’s hasn’t been at least very good and very fun. Everyone here is out to have a great night and it shows.
If there is one compliment I could leave with this place is that it’s The Fillmore of Ottawa, a very shrunk down, dirtier version of it. I’ll be back for another great night Zaphod’s and please keep doing your thing.

Any bar that has hosted the Rolling Stones gets instant respect from me. In fact, the Stones filmed one of their music videos inside this bar!
Zaphod is a legendary local bar. Before I moved to Ottawa I visited the town once and discovered (although I was too young to enter) what Zaphod was all about.
The bar is full of hipsters, music junkies and just very laid back people. The music can get quite loud but the good thing about this place is that you can crash at a table or at a booth or end up right up near the band or claim the dance floor as your own.
I was there three weeks ago for a show and was surprised that cover wasn’t more than it was ($ 5) considering other bars in the Market charge more to listen to a mediocre singer on a guitar. The night I was there we heard three bands and then they shut down the live stuff at 11pm and started with the DJ.
It seems to always get quite busy as the night rolls on.
Drinks were cheap and the bartenders were fast and friendly.
The washrooms here were quite cross but Zaphod is known to border on the label of being a «dive bar» so my expectations were low anyways.
If you need a fix of live music, I’d highly recommend Zaphod. To avoid the lines just get stamped early and go to the Brig for a beer or two or better yet just show up at Zaphod early and have a drink at their bar!

I LOVE all the awesome reviews of this place. Zaphod’s is pretty much the greatest place on earth. I went to university in Ottawa and this is where I return every time I visit every few months.
As far as unpretentious dancing goes, this is the place. It’s the only bar I’ve ever been to that I have a truly great time at every time I go. The music is great — typical Pitchfork, Stereogum-​esque stuff that’ll make you flare around in ridiculous circles and foot stomps.
Before the dance party starts, there is often a live band. I’ve seen some excellent folks play at Zaphod’s, including Small Sins and a bunch of local folks that I’ve fallen in love with and probably wouldn’t know about otherwise.
Shows usually cost around $ 10, which is amazing for who they get and the fun times you’ll have. Cover for dancing is two or three dollars. Drinks are fairly priced, especially Jäger Bombs and Florida Tracksuits (locally-​invented drop shot which is DELICIOUS — message me if you wanna know HOW delicious), which are both five dollars each.
The bar staff is so nice. I’ve been with some really sloppy friends and they’ve brought bottles of water to those desperately in need.
Maybe I’m so crazy about Zaphod’s because it’s the only bar I’ve ever picked up at, but it’s never let me down no matter what! Heh. And Zac’s Diner is just around the corner for tasty post-​bar eats.

Personally, I come to Zaphod’s on Friday or Saturday night for the Electric Ballroom. It’s always a blast!
The venue is made out of a third tables and chair, a third bar/​standing area and a third dance floor/​stage.
The music is a mix of classic 80/90’s cheesy dance songs (read Real McCoy and Michael Jackson), Alternative pop rock (Weezer, The Strokes, The Kooks, Modest Mouse) and Electropop (Justice, Dragonette, etc). The service is decent and good looking.
I’ve never had a bad experience at Zaphod’s.

Zaphod’s is one of the most popular bar/​music venues in Ottawa. If you’re new to town and looking for good music, take a look at their website to see what’s coming down the pipe. You’ll probably find something you’ll like.
Many famous people have played here, but this place is also supportive of local artists. The décor is a mix between hipster and dive bar with laid back and personable staff. The layout is one of my favourite aspects. It’s basically the shape of an old telephone receiver laid on its side. The stage is at the back with lots of room to dance. The bar juts out in the centre with a some long narrow seating along the opposite wall. Near the front, there’s plenty more places to sit for people who still want to hear the music, but also talk comfortably to their friends.
If live music isn’t your thing, come during the late night hours when Zaphod’s turns into a dance bar. The music is rarely cheesy top 40s and it’s fun to dance to.

Zaphod Beeblebrox (at least the present location) did not open in the 80s, but you would never know that from the décor. It has a real old-​school feel to it, like a place Judd Nelson would hang out in during a John Hughes movie. It is named after that character in the Douglas Adams book and even features a list of drinks named after other characters. Although the drinks are fun, the key to Zaphods is the music. It is music driven and is either blasting great tunes or featuring hot bands on stage. They have a free admission night on Mondays where new artists can strut their stuff. I am told Nickelback performed there at one time. The Byward Market is a trendy, touristy kind of place drawing upper scale crowds who play it safe. It is nice to know that the Market still has some room for places like Zaphod where you can still earn some street cred.

Ottawa’s music scene has been growing in recent years and much of that homegrown talent has come in to their own on the stage at Zaphod’s. For a city that isn’t known for musical venues, Zaphod’s is the mecca. The Rolling Stones shot part of a music video in Zaphod’s a few years ago, I think this gives you a good idea of what I mean.
Loosely based on the book A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, when you walk in to the venue you’ll get a different feeling, but one that is oddly comforting. On a chalkboard above the bar they have a list of drinks… these drinks are mostly named after characters from the book. It’s a bit dingy inside, but that gives it character. Do you really want to be at a brand new cookie-​cutter bar listening to a great rock band? Didn’t think so.
The stage accommodates everything from full band set-​ups to solo singers and it does it well. You can see the stage form almost anywhere in the venue and hear well in just as many places.