Mugshots Courtyard Bar: Ottawa’s Newest Patio Hangout

As soon as the snow melts in the nation’s capital, Ottawa locals and tourists flock to find a dry seat on a restaurant patio to soak up the rays and enjoy a frosty pint. With its location within the original 25 foot stone walls, and underneath the gallows that operated for the last public execution in Canadian history, The HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel’s courtyard bar is quickly becoming a trendy hangout spot for hostellers and locals alike. Mugshots, opened in 2009 – converted its courtyard space into a funky summer bar last July 2011. The space combines the urban landscape of a downtown venue with natural components including a cedar wood deck and stage, a rustic cabin bar, wooden patio furniture, a beautiful tree canopy, and an extensive network of vines running up and down the stone walls, making the space feel like an outdoor oasis (with a slightly morose background) comfortably nestled in the middle of the city’s downtown core. Since July of 2011, the bar has gained popularity for its inexpensive pints of local Beau’s All Natural Beer and weekly events.

Tuesdays: Courtyard Movie Screening

Who remembers the drive-in? Join us every Tuesday night (weather permitting) in the courtyard for an outdoor movie screening. Popcorn and beer for sale!

Wednesdays: Open Mic Night with Claude Munson

Local musician and HI-Ottawa staff Claude Munson hosts the weekly Open Mic night in the courtyard. Join us for an evening of musical talent, spoken word, and slam poetry. Sign-up starts at 9:30! Get here on time to score a spot in the lineup and in the audience.

Thursdays:

Hip-Hop Karaoke – a hit in both Montreal and Toronto, this month Mugshots will open its doors to Hosts Atherton and DJ SoNice to run this monthly event every third Thursday of the month. Be sure to check out Atherton’s YouTube channel (Freestyle Thursdays) to get an idea of what you’re in for. He’s good. Really good.

Fridays:

Lock Down Fridays with resident DJ WOLFPARTY and special guests Jon Deck and Bass Machines - Come hang out in the courtyard and set the weekend off right! Come dance the night away with WOLFPARTY and friends. Drink specials.

Saturdays:

Every first and third Saturday of the month – Hostylez with DJ SoNice and DJ Prufrock bring it back old school spinnin on the ones and twos.

Every last Saturday of the month: who says disco’s dead? Ceremony – described by Ottawa Magazine as a quirky venue and a sweaty dance party. Be sure to get here early – it tends to fill up quickly!

Sundays:

A monthly hangover event, Picnic, invites hostellers and locals to reminisce over the previous nights events over some good ol’ fashioned BBQ from Ottawa’s own Smoque Shack and Beau’s beer.  DJ’s spinning DOWNTOWN, UPTOWN, MOTOWN, FUNK, SOUL, REGGAE, and anything else that feels good on a Sunday afternoon!

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