There is nothing like a trivia night to get the blood pumping to the brain. The thought of getting a group of friends together, thinking of some silly name, and enjoying a couple cold bevs (adult or otherwise) while being humbled by a list of questions you inevitably will second guess your answers to is among some of the sweeter experiences in life.
Well, in Centretown, we have some of the coolest spots in the city for some of the best trivia nights that Ottawans could ask for. Here’s a few we think you should check out.
Known as an “average Canadian bar”, The Gilmour is the preferred local watering hole of many Ottawans for any night of the week. This dive inspired pub has everything you need from classic pub fare, to an old wooden bar, to the coldest of cold bevs.
Like any good Canadian bar, The Gilmour of course, does trivia.
Every other Monday evening you and your pals can make your way down Bank street for one of the most unique, and perhaps eclectic trivia nights in the city. The variety of questions is good, the prices are better, and the infamous “rock em sock em robots” round is something that is best not explained, but rather experienced for one’s self.
There are Royal Oak Pubs scattered throughout Ottawa, but of course our favourite is the beloved 188 Bank St location right here in Centretown. Every Tuesday and Sunday night is another reason to party intelligently at this English Pub, as that is their time to show Centretown what trivia is all about.
The Royal Oak trivia nights is run by the Trivia Hall of Fame, a group who runs trivia all around the city of Ottawa. Their format is a little more unique than other trivia nights, providing a variety of rounds and game styles to keep things interesting.
It works as follows:
If you’re the type of trivia go-er that likes variety, this is the game for you.
Now, here’s the thing – Trivia Hall of Fame is sort of competing with itself on this one, as Pour Boy also runs their trivia through them on Tuesday nights.
But
The Pour Boy Trivia night has a completely different vibe. Pour Boy is your quintessential dive bar. It’s artistic, a little loud, inexpensive, and social. This is a spot to do trivia if you love socializing and being smarter than everyone else.
We LOVE Pour Boy. They do two seatings for trivia, at 6:30 & 8:30, so it’s great for the early to bed, and those who like to go out a little later. We also can’t emphasize enough how affordable Pour Boy is… Check it out for yourself.
Let’s get specific – both in time and topic.
Art House is one of Centretown’s premier coffee shops. Living up to its name – they put a heavy emphasis on artistry and culture. The Art House has a commitment to highlighting local artists and providing a safe space for everyone to enjoy a great cup of coffee. On top of all of this, the art house is big on events. Open mic nights, art exhibitions, and of course – Trivia. However Art House only hosts their trivia one Wednesday night per month, and it is specifically a music trivia night!
So, check their calendars, and mark yours – the next one is April 15th at 7pm!
Ottawa’s only bar designed after a natural history museum has taken over the famous Ward 14 trivia night, and it is thriving. This is the trivia night for you if you’re looking for variety and opportunity! The red-lit bar hosts its trivia like this:
Three rounds of 10 questions plus 1 tie breaker.
Each round’s questions are completely random and unthemed.
After the 11 questions – the top 3 performing teams send up one representative for the lightning round.
The lightning round is given a theme, and the last person standing wins a prize basket for their team!
Three opportunities to make the lightning round, three opportunities to win!
On top of its cool format, Natural History offers a variety of delicious cocktails and snacks to help enhance your brain power. Check this trivia night out every Monday!
With love, from Centretown.
Author: Jordan Pizzuti
Date: March 23, 2026