Love the old character and the great ambiance of this place. The little pictures and paintings here and there are wonderful. The bartender was professional and friendly. The burger and smoked meat sandwich were both amazing! And we tried some new beer that we loved as well. Highly recommended.
You go for the atmosphere!! And it never disappoints.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Jim Crawford
Great place! Len and Lawrence are the best...friendly and made you feel welcome. Tomato soup was like it came from a 5 star restaurant. Chicken wings were great...and not like the scrawny ones at some places with no meat. Will definitely be back...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Small Fries, Chicken Wings Dipping Sauce
Mohammed Ali Nmyes
There’s an incredible atmosphere all Saturday, western music etc. It’s a really good atmosphere!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Thomas winterton
Jon Deck on sundays is
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Brian Henry
We have been going to the Lucky Ron show at the Laff on Saturday afternoons since he started playing there. He always packs the place. We bring friends and family all the time, and everyone has a great time. It's an Ottawa tradition. Lucky Ron never disappoints. The crowd loves the show and always sings along. You have to arrive early to get a seat. Enjoy the video of Lucky Ron's classic songs made famous by Johnny Cash. We will be back soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Mayra Barbosa
A special place for me.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sweet Potato Fries, Nachos
Ivan Huesca
I used to go often and liked this place until they stole my stuff a week ago. Although the staff and security tried to cooperate by providing the phone number of the people who run the place, I called the manager to see if they would be able to help in any way by providing the security footage so I could raise a report to the police. They first questioned why I had their phone and denied to help me with the worst attitude ever and even I was told to disregard the issue by saying that my stuff was not valuable and that the police will not do anything. I also messaged them in Instagram about the situation and the reply was the same, awful, unfriendly and very defensive and just mentioned they will check the cameras last Monday without any feedback so far and that I should not leave my stuff unattended. So, if you are planning to go to this place neither the people that go there neither the management (who do not care about your safety as a customer or the safety of their own place) represent what it is supposed to be the nice local people from Ottawa. My friends and I will not go there anymore and we will spread the worth amongst others to let them know this situation in order this does not happen to them. Good luck to the oldest pub in Ottawa and btw I indeed reported the incident to the police.
On Saturday November 11, Remembrance Day I went to this bar first time ever (and will be my last time too) and I was physically ejected by the bouncer at the door.Not knowing that it was not allowed to show any signs in this bar, I showed a sign praising Veterans for their sacrifices on this Remembrance Day, but the bouncer at the door, instead of asking me to stop showing signs or asking me to leave the bar, he physically and without any warning ejected me. He also said something rude that I won't repeat here.I reported this rude behavior privately to their website and they confirmed that display of any sign is not allowed in their bar and they said that the bouncer was following their protocols which likely include rude behavior too because they refused to take any action! They claimed that the bouncer did not even read my sign and acted according to their rules!. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone in the crowd who witnessed this improper behavior that night to act as my witnesses.This is a cheap small dump in my view and no wonder they don't charge cover as it has to be free for people to enter (in my case I won't go there even if they pay me). But if you want to have a safe place where you will be respected, I recommend you AVOID this bar. Pay a few dollars cover change and go somewhere else. There are plenty of places nearby with safe, fun, and respectful environment.Edit: - Response to their response.I NEVER bypassed the lineup. It was 1:15 am. There was not a single person waiting to get in that late at night when I entered. I was never asked at the door not to enter by the bouncer. I NEVER behaved erratically. I was dancing like others but never erratically. I did not consume alcohol that night and never have used illicit drugs in my entire life. Not a single word came out of my mouth, never mind shouting. I did wave a sign not knowing it was not allowed but if I had been told it was not allowed, I would have stopped and left the bar. They claimed the bouncer never read the sign but outside I told him it was a sign remembering our veterans for their sacrifices. His reaction was the same.Either the bouncer lied to them about all these, or they are making up false stories in order to excuse or even try to justify this very rude behavior. I have no interest or reason to suddenly come here and make stories about this bar. Most of my reviews here are positive or very positive. Only the waving of the sign is true. We do agree to disagree, and that part is true too.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Keyvan S
I second that on rude bouncer. On Saturday November 11, Remembrance Day I went to this bar first time ever (and will be my last time too) and I was physically ejected by the bouncer at the door. Not knowingly that it was not allowed to display signs in this bar, I displayed a sign praising Veterans for their sacrifices on this Remembrance Day, but the bouncer at the door, instead of asking me to stop displaying signs or asking me to leave the bar, he physically ejected me. He also said something rude that I won't repeat here. I reported this rude behavior privately to their website and they confirmed that display of any sign is not allowed in this bar and the bouncer was following their protocols which likely includes rude behavior! They claimed that the bouncer did not even read my sign. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone in the crowd who witnessed this improper behavior that night to act as my witnesses. This is a cheap small dump in my view and no wonder they don't charge cover as it has to be free for people to enter (in my case I won't go there even if they pay me). But if you want to have a safe place where you will be respected, I recommend you AVOID this bar. Pay a few dollars cover change and go somewhere else. There are plenty of places nearby with safe, fun, and respectful environment.
JasonC870
Good guys serving at the Bar but do not leave if you think the bouncers will let you back in! I forgot my phone in my car and when I returned there was a line to get in so the bouncer wouldn’t let me in to return with my friends. It was obvious they wanted their friends and headcount in with fresh drinkers in line. Won’t return and there are many other better options down the road.
Spencer B
Amazing atmosphere, super friendly staff. Got the bobo balls (which are a must), the fired cheese curd which was amazing paired with the gravy, and also the fried Périgord which we’re soft and pillowy with a strong cheddar cheese flavour. Would definitely recommend coming with friend and family for a bite and a labbat 50 on tap.
Adam Fawns
I wandered in on a quiet afternoon in the market area, randomly picking a pub to vanquish an evil beer. The 'oldest tavern in the city' was as good a reason as any.The decor is true to its legacy, the service was friendly and knowledgeable, and the Roadhouse burger was ridiculously delicious. Or ridiculicious. Write that down.If you're ever nearby, grab a beer 'n' burger 'n' soak up some Ottawa history at The Laff.
Loved visiting with the live music and darts.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Great food, great service and helpful waitress who gave us a note with recommended places to visit whilst we were in town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Smoked Meat Sandwich, Smoke Meat Sandwich and Fries, Fries
Love the old character and the great ambiance of this place. The little pictures and paintings here and there are wonderful. The bartender was professional and friendly. The burger and smoked meat sandwich were both amazing! And we tried some new beer that we loved as well. Highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Smoked Meat Sandwich, Cheeseburger, Fries
You go for the atmosphere!! And it never disappoints.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Great place! Len and Lawrence are the best...friendly and made you feel welcome. Tomato soup was like it came from a 5 star restaurant. Chicken wings were great...and not like the scrawny ones at some places with no meat. Will definitely be back...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Small Fries, Chicken Wings Dipping Sauce
There’s an incredible atmosphere all Saturday, western music etc. It’s a really good atmosphere!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Jon Deck on sundays is
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
We have been going to the Lucky Ron show at the Laff on Saturday afternoons since he started playing there. He always packs the place. We bring friends and family all the time, and everyone has a great time. It's an Ottawa tradition. Lucky Ron never disappoints. The crowd loves the show and always sings along. You have to arrive early to get a seat. Enjoy the video of Lucky Ron's classic songs made famous by Johnny Cash. We will be back soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
A special place for me.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sweet Potato Fries, Nachos
I used to go often and liked this place until they stole my stuff a week ago. Although the staff and security tried to cooperate by providing the phone number of the people who run the place, I called the manager to see if they would be able to help in any way by providing the security footage so I could raise a report to the police. They first questioned why I had their phone and denied to help me with the worst attitude ever and even I was told to disregard the issue by saying that my stuff was not valuable and that the police will not do anything. I also messaged them in Instagram about the situation and the reply was the same, awful, unfriendly and very defensive and just mentioned they will check the cameras last Monday without any feedback so far and that I should not leave my stuff unattended. So, if you are planning to go to this place neither the people that go there neither the management (who do not care about your safety as a customer or the safety of their own place) represent what it is supposed to be the nice local people from Ottawa. My friends and I will not go there anymore and we will spread the worth amongst others to let them know this situation in order this does not happen to them. Good luck to the oldest pub in Ottawa and btw I indeed reported the incident to the police.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
On Saturday November 11, Remembrance Day I went to this bar first time ever (and will be my last time too) and I was physically ejected by the bouncer at the door.Not knowing that it was not allowed to show any signs in this bar, I showed a sign praising Veterans for their sacrifices on this Remembrance Day, but the bouncer at the door, instead of asking me to stop showing signs or asking me to leave the bar, he physically and without any warning ejected me. He also said something rude that I won't repeat here.I reported this rude behavior privately to their website and they confirmed that display of any sign is not allowed in their bar and they said that the bouncer was following their protocols which likely include rude behavior too because they refused to take any action! They claimed that the bouncer did not even read my sign and acted according to their rules!. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone in the crowd who witnessed this improper behavior that night to act as my witnesses.This is a cheap small dump in my view and no wonder they don't charge cover as it has to be free for people to enter (in my case I won't go there even if they pay me). But if you want to have a safe place where you will be respected, I recommend you AVOID this bar. Pay a few dollars cover change and go somewhere else. There are plenty of places nearby with safe, fun, and respectful environment.Edit: - Response to their response.I NEVER bypassed the lineup. It was 1:15 am. There was not a single person waiting to get in that late at night when I entered. I was never asked at the door not to enter by the bouncer. I NEVER behaved erratically. I was dancing like others but never erratically. I did not consume alcohol that night and never have used illicit drugs in my entire life. Not a single word came out of my mouth, never mind shouting. I did wave a sign not knowing it was not allowed but if I had been told it was not allowed, I would have stopped and left the bar. They claimed the bouncer never read the sign but outside I told him it was a sign remembering our veterans for their sacrifices. His reaction was the same.Either the bouncer lied to them about all these, or they are making up false stories in order to excuse or even try to justify this very rude behavior. I have no interest or reason to suddenly come here and make stories about this bar. Most of my reviews here are positive or very positive. Only the waving of the sign is true. We do agree to disagree, and that part is true too.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
I second that on rude bouncer. On Saturday November 11, Remembrance Day I went to this bar first time ever (and will be my last time too) and I was physically ejected by the bouncer at the door. Not knowingly that it was not allowed to display signs in this bar, I displayed a sign praising Veterans for their sacrifices on this Remembrance Day, but the bouncer at the door, instead of asking me to stop displaying signs or asking me to leave the bar, he physically ejected me. He also said something rude that I won't repeat here. I reported this rude behavior privately to their website and they confirmed that display of any sign is not allowed in this bar and the bouncer was following their protocols which likely includes rude behavior! They claimed that the bouncer did not even read my sign. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone in the crowd who witnessed this improper behavior that night to act as my witnesses. This is a cheap small dump in my view and no wonder they don't charge cover as it has to be free for people to enter (in my case I won't go there even if they pay me). But if you want to have a safe place where you will be respected, I recommend you AVOID this bar. Pay a few dollars cover change and go somewhere else. There are plenty of places nearby with safe, fun, and respectful environment.
Good guys serving at the Bar but do not leave if you think the bouncers will let you back in! I forgot my phone in my car and when I returned there was a line to get in so the bouncer wouldn’t let me in to return with my friends. It was obvious they wanted their friends and headcount in with fresh drinkers in line. Won’t return and there are many other better options down the road.
Amazing atmosphere, super friendly staff. Got the bobo balls (which are a must), the fired cheese curd which was amazing paired with the gravy, and also the fried Périgord which we’re soft and pillowy with a strong cheddar cheese flavour. Would definitely recommend coming with friend and family for a bite and a labbat 50 on tap.
I wandered in on a quiet afternoon in the market area, randomly picking a pub to vanquish an evil beer. The 'oldest tavern in the city' was as good a reason as any.The decor is true to its legacy, the service was friendly and knowledgeable, and the Roadhouse burger was ridiculously delicious. Or ridiculicious. Write that down.If you're ever nearby, grab a beer 'n' burger 'n' soak up some Ottawa history at The Laff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5