History

Over the years we’ve been known as Grant’s Hotel, The Exchange Hotel, The Bodega, The Salmon Arms, The Johnson House, and The Dominion House. In 1936, we became the Chateau Lafayette, and erected the iconic sign — now believed to be the oldest neon sign in the city. 

We’ve lived many highs and lows in history — from a reputation as a brothel to rumours of John A. MacDonald frequenting the pub when visiting from Charlottetown. It’s also rumoured that a young Queen Victoria once walked through the halls. Many famed persons have graced us with their presence over the years, including Dan Aykroyd and the ever-elusive William Hawkins.

"A [DIVE BAR] IS A CHURCH FOR DOWN-AND-OUTERS, AND THOSE THAT ROMANTICIZE THEM, A RARE PLACE WHERE HIGH AND LOW RUB ELBOWS – BUMS AND POETS, THIEVES AND SLUMMING CELEBRITIES. IT’S A PLACE THAT WEARS IT’S HISTORY PROUDLY."
​~ PLAYBOY MAGAZINE (2010)

 

WE’RE A SIMPLE BAR THAT PEOPLE HAVE BEEN COMING TO FOR YEARS.  

WE’RE CASUAL AND UNPRETENTIOUS; A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN BE THEMSELVES.  
​SO, IF YOU’RE MUCH THE SAME, DROP BY FOR A PINT AND A SNACK!

Location & Hours

42 York Street Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5S6

Phone: 613-241-4747    |     Fax: 613-241-4082

Email: deek@thelaff.ca

Hours of Operation:
Open Daily, Monday to Sunday: 11:00am to 2:00am 

*Please note: Our live entertainment is fully booked for the foreseeable future and we are not accepting any new bands applications at this time.  Please do not email about band bookings. 

​Check out our Events page for the most up to date information.