One of the market's stony corridors (this one is between George and York) photo: Aaron McKenzie Fraser

Wander down to the French Baker (Murray and Dalhousie) to buy the best chocolate croissant you have ever had. While enjoying that sugary death, navigate through the many courtyards in the market, admiring the cobblestone, fountains and history of the area. In particular, the alley between George and York (just across from The Bay) hides the charming Planet Coffee, which is great for a soy chai latte. There's also The Tea Party (119 York), great for an afternoon tea and scone.

For lunch, perhaps one of the best finds in the market is the Bangkok Thai Garden (370 Dalhousie). Not only is it next to the Book Market - a treasure trove for used books of all kinds - it's also delicious and affordable. Speaking of books, check out Ottawa's best little used/new bookstore, All Books, just next door to Ottawa's premiere repertoire theatre, the ByTowne Cinema (325 Rideau) - (a great place for indie and foreign big-screen films). Another great cheap lunch option is La Bottega's (64 George) $3.99 deli sandwiches. But beware the lineups!

Looking to replenish your fall wardrobe? The general scarcity of good clothing stores in the Byward Market has been changing these past few years, thanks in part to a gang of indie shops that has cropped up on Dalhousie. Heading north towards St. Patrick you'll find Amuse (246 Dalhousie), which will look after your fancy fetish, while Workshop (242), specializing in work by women designers, will hook you up with original silk-screened shirts and funky jewellery, if not a knitting course. Milk and Paper Bag Junkies are only a couple of quick steps away, as are a host of other stores that will eat up large chunks of your day (and pay). Other great clothing options are Nrml and Neon, as well as Allegro, where you can make your own T-shirts - all on William Street in the market square.

For beer there's the Irish Village (67 Clarence), a collection of Irish pubs, or for something less Gaelic try Chez Lucien on Murray (137), a great place to quaff one or five brews, play the jukebox and read the paper.

For something more danceable, check out the jazz-dance, eclectic Mercury Lounge (56 Byward Market), and the DJ-mighty Helsinki nightclub (15 George), Heaven nightclub (400 Dalhousie), or the rock-dance staple/live show venues of Zaphod Beeblebrox (27 York), Mavericks/Café Dekcuf (221 Rideau) or even the New Capital Music Hall (128 York).

There's lots more, so make a day out of it and stroll the maze.
 
 

		Write your comment on this article!

Enjoy!     Take advantage of this! Ottawa's Byward Market is unique, to the point whenever you strike up a conversation with a former Ottawa resident they'll always get a little weepy eye'd and tell you about past all-nighter's at the market's many clubs, or about wandering aimlessly with now too-distant friends on a memorable Canada Day in the market. Enjoy the buskers, the patios, the beavertails, the shopping, the scenery, the clubs, the bars, the caesers at the Highlander and the live music. I could go on and on about the many things that make the Byward Market unique, but your best bet is to experience it yourself! It is the perfect mix of traditional Ottawa with the contemporary, where it is just as easy to grab yourself some pub grub, or stop at one of the market's more swanky establishments for some wining and dining.
Jessica Rose	{8 votes}	September 20th, 2006
Nice patio, great coffee!     I agree with your comment about Planet Coffee. This coffee spot is a small cute little place great for coffee, especially if you happen to be in downtown Ottawa. This place scores high with me, for a great coffee break on a Sunday morning. Eventhough, it's quite expensive for a panini (Great panini, by the way!), I still think that the extra two bucks it's money well spent for a great indulgence!
Valerie Augier	{10 votes}	September 20th, 2006
Down To The Core.............     Downtown Ottawa has really grown. It's too bad though, that as we become more trendy and commercialized, the rent's for business owners keep going up and up. It's too bad that downtown rents could be partially subsidized or that new businesses such as the Irish Village, Allegra or La Bottega could receive some breaks on their rents so that so much of their revenues were going into Landlord's pockets. If there was a way for businesses to get some larger tax breaks or receive some financial incentives to open up downtown, the core could be even more vibrant and accessible for more businesses. I don't know what the current vacancy rate is, but there are still some empty buildings available for businesses to occupy.
Steve Landry	{6 votes}	September 19th, 2006

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