So it’s probably your first time living away from home. You might be new to Carleton University and maybe even Ottawa. You obviously want to know what’s good (and affordable) around campus as well as where to get those bomb Instagram pics that’ll make your friends jealous. This is your ultimate guide to eating, drinking and basically just making it in O-Town if you’re a student at Carleton University. You can thank us later.
1. When you’re looking for course textbooks and crying over your bank account: Black Squirrel Books
Black Squirrel combines two wonderful things: coffee and books. Get a quality cuppa while you look for reading material. It provides a wide variety of used and second-hand books that are anything from literary to theoretical, the majority of which are sold at under $10.
What to Order: Go for a classic cold or hot brew with almond milk. They serve a mean mocha too.
Where: 1073 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W9 (Just off Sunnyside on Bank St, 10 minute walk from Bronson)
2. When you’re rushing between classes and you need a quick stop-and-go lunch: Sunnyside Soup & Subs
Just up the street from Carleton’s campus is this hidden gem. Sunnyside’s has some of the most affordable meal options, including specialty soups and sandwiches each day. It’s definitely a go-to for Carleton students.
What to Order: “The Hangover” seems pretty self-explanatory and necessary. Try their pulled pork or pizza sub and meatball soup, too.
Where: 435 Sunnyside Av, Ottawa, ON K1S 0S6
3. When you’re cramming for that test and get the late night munchies: Kettleman’s Bagel Co.
Kettleman’s fresh supply of Montreal style bagels won’t disappoint your late night hunger pangs. Best part? It’s open 24/7 and only a 5-minute bus ride away from campus.
What to Order: Their breakfast bagel is a hit, but then again, just a plain bagel with any one of their signature cream cheeses will hit the spot.
Where: 912 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W4 (opposite Lansdowne Place)
4. When you’re stressed out, done adulting, and just want to have chocolate for dinner: Cacao 70
Cacao 70 is legendary in the Ontario and Quebec area for its decadent menu that revolves around quality chocolate.
What to Order: Their brunch menu is good, but their ‘Cacao 70 Worldwide’ menu is a must: glasses of pure melted drinking chocolate that are sourced from all over the world and presented to you by percentage. Add a shot of alcohol in it for an extra charge. Their chocolate fondues and dessert pizzas are great too.
Where: Lansdowne Park Location: 225 Marché Way #109, Ottawa, ON K1S5J3 (closest to campus)
Byward Market Location: 53 William St #51, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z9 (downtown)
5. When you want to get the best eggs Benedict in town: Stoneface Dolly’s
If ‘Stoneface’ hasn’t already sold this spot in the heart of Ottawa’s Little Italy, you should know that they serve some of the best variations of eggs Benedict.
What to Order: Eggs Benny of any kind. Some of their varieties include Tex-Mex and South African influenced flavours. If you’re more into the basics, they also have the good ‘ol original stuff.
Where: 416 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4M9
6. When you want to listen to live music, have some of the country’s finest gelato and just appreciate Italy: Stella Luna Gelato Cafe
Stella Luna is home to the ‘4th Best Gelato in North America’, one of the ‘Top 5 Desserts in Ontario’ and one of ‘Canada’s Best 100 Places to Eat’. Sold yet? It’s pure yum. What makes it even better? It’s a 10-minute walk from Carleton’s campus and 40% off on Sundays after 9pm.
What to Order: Anything. Gelato. Get a simple cup of gelato (you’re given a max of 3 flavours no matter the size), buttermilk waffles, crepes or specialty caffeine, Some of the best Chocolate Praline and Ferrero Roche gelato for committed chocolate lovers out there.
Where: 1103 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3X4
7. When you or your friends are all about locally sourced and quality food for justice: Wild Oat Bakery & Cafe
If you’re trying to be socially and health conscious or you just flat out love food, Wild Oat is a must try. They specifically and intentionally source their ingredients locally and ethically. They also serve gluten-free and vegan pastries/dishes.
What to Order: They have an organic juice bar and a really good breakfast/brunch menu. Try their breakfast cookies. They’re huge and packed with nutrition. If you’re just stopping by for a snack, their pastries and cakes are delish too.
Where: 817 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3V7 (slightly past Lansdowne Place)
8. When you wake up hungover and are desperately in need of a hearty + nutritious brunch: Cora
The perfect breakfast/brunch spot in town is Cora. It’s not the cheapest, but you won’t mind paying just a little extra if you’re gonna be kept full for half the day.
What to Order: You’ll be in for a treat if you get their banana and chocolate French toast, any of their egg skillets, or pancakes. They serve a great variety of savoury crepes as well.
Where: 2629 Alta Vista Dr, Ottawa, ON K1V 7T5
9. When you’re sick of caf food (the day will come) and craving donuts:SuzyQ Doughnuts
Let’s be real. We rarely trust people who don’t like doughnuts. SuzyQ’s takes it to another level with a nice big chunk of dough and a ridiculous amount of options to choose from.
What to Order: SuzyQ Doughnuts is known for their doughnut ice cream sandwiches, and what’s better than soft serve ice cream between your doughnuts? Treat yourself, amirite?
Where: 969 Wellington St W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2X7
10. When the Fall/Winter Terms roll in and you realize you’re freezing because we’re in Canada: BeaverTails
The school year kind of dwindles down after September, when the temperature drops pretty drastically. BeaverTails has been making (very cold) Canadians and many others happy in the fall and winter seasons since 1978. Canada’s pretty good at making the most out of the coldest months of the year.
What to Order: In the fall/winter, go for the classic Cinnamon and Sugar. If you want something more intense, The Triple Trip (chocolate hazelnut spread topped with Reese’s Pieces and peanut butter) and a hot chocolate should warm you right up.
Where: 69 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 1K1
11. When your bank account isn’t in your favour and you’ve pretty much got $5 left: El Furniture Warehouse
Warehouse is known amongst the demographic of students in Ottawa for cheap food and good drinks. What’s a better deal than a $4.95 menu?
What to Order: If you plan to have alcohol as part of your meal, this deal will work for you perfectly. The cheap food pricing makes it much easier to fork out some extra cash for drinks. Basically, cheap food + retail priced drinks = a good night.
Where: 77 Clarence St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5P5
12. When you need a break from your almost empty wallet: Tequila Jack’s
Tequila Jack’s is the perfect spot to hit up for cheap drinks. That’s about all you need to know. Enjoy.
What to Order: Drink up! They’re constantly having events during the week, including #HeyWeHaveFunSaturday so don’t miss out.
Where: 104 Clarence St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5P5
13. When you’re tired of studying and want to get your Bey/Drake/RiRi on: Babylon Nightclub
You know how the one thing you can’t control when you go out clubbing is the music choice? And you’re awkwardly pulling out mediocre dance moves to pass the time till your favourites come on? Babylon has themed nights for artists, especially for Queen Bey, Drizzy Drake and RiRi. It’s a guaranteed good time because you know exactly what the genre and vibe is going to be.
What to Order: Some Rihanna with a side of Beyonce to spice up your night. First Saturday of every month is an all-night Beyonce Dance Party by the way. You’re welcome.
Where: 317 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1X7
14. When you need to fix that sweet tooth craving with some quality ice cream: Sweet Jesus
Sweet Jesus is a combination of good brewed caffeine and premium quality ice cream. It’s rich, quirky, and colourful flavour concepts make it stand out.
What to Order: You can choose from a variety of six soft serve flavours whether you’re having it plain, dipped or in a pimped out cone. Their crazy and intricately designed cones have made it one of the hottest spots to get ice cream and a nice Insta photo.
Where: 97 Clarence St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5P5
15. When your friends are part of the plant-based cult – I mean diet (sorry, not sorry): Pure Kitchen
Going green doesn’t have to be gross. Pure Kitchen has combined great culinary experience with a healthy diet. No more of this “if it tastes bad it’s probably good for you” nonsense.
The scratch kitchen serves up natural ingredients using whole, natural ingredients.
What to Order: Their cauliflower wings are a hit, and so is their ‘bowls’ menu. The Mystical Bowl is a go-to, which contains: lime-jalapeno tofu steaks, black beans, sweet potato, pico de gallo, avocado and brown rice with chipotle avocado sauce. Drooling yet?
Where: 340 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M5
16. When you’re out late and need a place to crash or just want breakfast at 2am: Zak’s Diner
Zak’s is the perfect place to be when you just need a big milkshake with your breakfast for dinner. You can get pretty much anything from breakfast smoothies and Bridgehead Coffee to comfort food like poutine, burgers, and even alcohol. Oh, and did we mention it’s open 24/7?
What to Order: Definitely get yourself one of Zak’s Famous Milkshakes, you can even get them spiked with either Bailey’s, rum, or vodka. They’re breakfast menu also rivals with some of the best.
Where: 14 Byward Market Square, Ottawa, ON ON K1N 7A1