The Prescott

Having progressed steadily through the years, and has become an established Preston Street icon ( Little Italy ). It has been home to family celebrations, weddings, baptisms, and confirmations. It has served the community well in its sponsorships of sports teams and community events. It boasts a hard-core clientele dedicated to its meatball sandwiches, sworn to its home-style pizza; it is a destination on most Friday nights for revellers young and old. It is indeed an institution, a relevant fixture not only in the Italian community, but on the city’s entertainment scene.

Today it is a purposefully retro greasy spoon; an iconic throwback to its days as a public house. The spirit of its memory lives on in the drinking habits of its fair patrons, in its classic sandwiches and pizzas, in the care reserved for its place on Preston Street. Its checkered history is a part of Village lore.

The Prescott is located in the heart of little Italy at the corner of 379 Preston st and Scott st. is one of the oldest active taverns in Ottawa dating back to 1934, where it was called the “last chance watering hole” out of Ottawa to the south. There is a long tradition of purveyors of beer and wine frequent this establishment while eating the Prescott’s meatball sandwiches. There have been many wedding receptions and patrons that have bent their elbows at the Preston.

There is even a story where the Italian owners of the formerly named Preston Hotel were put into internment camps as part of isolating people of Italian origin due to conflicts between allied forces with Germany, Japan and Italy during the second World War.

Pop in, have a jug of draft beer, a meatball sandwich or a square pizza and breathe in some history at this legendary tavern.

4.2
Based on 1874 reviews
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Daynes H
19:12 19 Dec 24
We went for lunch and the food took so long, people literally left. Once we got our food it was soggy and not good in general. Even as we tried to leave we couldn’t actually get our bills and it wasn’t just us as people from other tables just left without paying in frustration. Do not suggest this place especially if you have any special needs. To get to the bathroom you will need to cross an obstacle course. There is a tent outside and I watched guy after guy hit there head on it.
David Issakiark
12:41 18 Dec 24
The glassware at the bar was nasty dirty. Went there with a uncle and now were both super sick. Great place but the were super sick.
Akinjay Jha
02:54 18 Dec 24
Great vibes and great service. Owen was excellent at his service.
Sherry Lamarche
04:32 10 Dec 24
Hosted our grandmothers 90th birthday lunch here! Very good service and the food was delicious
Al
15:00 09 Dec 24
Honestly really disappointed with this bar. We went there for a UFC pay per view on a Saturday. They charge 19.22$ at the door, first ever time I have to pay for a pay per view. Most bars in Ottawa are free for pay per view and they simply expect you to pay via drinks and food. They would probably get more customers if it was free, thus more purchase in menu food.I was also told that the pizza was good at this location, but its far from the truth. We ordered the party pizza meat lover, probably 90% of the pizza is bread with almost no sauce nor meat.Other than that the bar looks cozy. The screens are all well positioned. But will not choose this place for future UFC meet ups.
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