Winterlude in Ottawa is famous for its ice sculptures, Beavertails, and—let’s be honest—massive crowds. However, Harry and I recently discovered that the best way to experience the capital’s winter magic is by leaning into the “slow nights”, even if it was by mistake.
If you’re looking for a romantic, low-stress evening downtown, here is how we spent our recent date night .
The Secret to a Stress-Free Winterlude
We accidentally headed downtown on one of the festival’s slowest nights. While some might miss the buzz, there was a glorious peace in the crisp Ottawa air. For someone like me who isn’t a fan of crowds, being able to walk without tripping over tourists was a huge plus.
Travel Tip: We started the night by parking at Ottawa City Hall. It is consistently one of the most inexpensive and accessible parking spots in the downtown core—a total win for a stress-free start. AND in Winterlude has a Beavertail hut right beside it! I allow myself two Beavertails per year and this was the perfect night for one!
Discovering “The Rabbit Hole” on Sparks Street
I keep a running list on my phone of restaurants to try, cross-referenced with critic reviews. At the top of that list was Rabbit Hole, located on historic Sparks Street.
Despite being tucked away in a 122-year-old brick building, this spot was vibrant. Even on a quiet night, there was a steady flow of couples, friends, and groups. The building features three distinct levels:
Main Level: Great energy and classic brick aesthetics.
The Rooftop: Currently closed for winter (but we’ve already marked it for a summer return!).
The “Rabbit Hole” (Lower Level): This is where the magic happens. The ambiance downstairs is incredible—intimate, moody, and perfect for a date.
The Main Event: Wood-Fired Pizza & Cocktails
While Rabbit Hole is primarily known as a specialty cocktail bar, their kitchen is totally top notch with a fine menu! I watched each dish that came out AND the response from the tables and each earned an A+
We ordered the #3 Red Pizza, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was one of the best pizzas we have ever had. Here’s why it stood out:
Quality Ingredients: It featured premium, high-quality meats and just the right amount of spice.
The Crust: Perfectly wood-fired with that signature char.
Value: At $23, one pizza was plenty for two people (two large slices each). In an era where food expenses are rising, finding this level of quality at a fair price felt like a steal.
A Quick Note on the Drinks Menu
If you are a cocktail lover, you are in paradise. However, if you’re looking for beer, the craft selection is a bit more curated (limited) and for those looking for alcohol-free options, they currently offer only one non-alcoholic beer choice.
Final Verdict
The ambiance got an A+, the food was divine (also A+) , and the prices were surprisingly affordable (a third A+). If you’re navigating the Ottawa food scene in downtown Ottawa make sure to “fall” into the Rabbit Hole.
Let us know in the comments if you visit The Rabbit Hole! And let us know what restaurant we should visit for our next date night.