Raising The Bar: This Is The Dominion Tavern, Ottawa’s Best Punk & Rock Joint

Ottawa, Canada, is the country’s capital and home to the parliament buildings, notable schools, and some quality bars and taverns. Want to know how Canadians get down with the local live music scene? Enter “The Dom,” a.k.a., the Dominion Tavern. 

For over 25 years, the Dominion Taven has been supporting punk, garage, alternative, indie bands while helping them make a name for themselves in Ontario’s cut-throat music scene. The Dom also holds theme nights for locals to add a little meaning to their evenings and leave their stressors at the door. 

Keeping it real is what this tavern does best while putting Ottawa’s Byward Market on the map for the last two decades. If you’re in a band and looking to gain some traction, there’s no better place to do so than The Dom. This is the venue of choice for intimate concerts featuring talented local and international punk, metal, rock, and alternative acts. 

 You can always count on The Dom for an eventful evening full of great food at affordable prices, live music and DJs, quality brews, friendly staff, and the Byward Market’s only pool tables! 

Below are the current themes under the Dominion Tavern’s weekly event list; 

• Monday: Game Night – From trivia to board games and charades, game night here will keep you on the edge of your seat. 
• Tuesday: CLOSED
• Wednesday: Punk Rock – Catch Ontario’s finest punk rock acts every Wednesday evening. 
• Thursday: RNR Pizza Party – feast on some delightful ‘za and pair it with a quality brew. 
• Friday: Dominatrax – Think dominatrix meets DJ tracks, enticing your ears with the most vibrant, sensual, and exhilarating hits. 
• Saturday: DJ Night – Local DJs spin here every Saturday to get the party started. 
• Sunday: Metal Night – Do some intense headbanging on Sundays with help from head-turning metal acts. 

If you loved your experience at the Dominion Tavern, commemorate the night with unique merch courtesy of international artist Dirty Donny. Known for his pinball machines, skate decks, hot rods, and show posters, Dirty Donny has been a Dominion Tavern local for the last two decades. Don’t forget to ask about The Dom’s authentic merch during your next visit.

Unfortunately, we heard through the grapevine that Ontario is seeing skyrocketing COVID-19 case numbers than ever before, resulting in the closure of many bars and taverns like The Dom. So, it looks like you’ll have to wait to experience the province’s most supportive local music tavern.