Reviews of Happy Fish Elgin (Fish Shop)

Karen Quesnel (K)

Fun times on the weekends!

Alana L

I've only been once so far but we all had tons of fun. Really awesome decor, atmosphere, staff, and music. Such a step up from what it was before and a great addition to Elgin. Will definitely be back!

Simon Sez

When making a reservation you might have half the seats requested and may not even be where you requested... great prices, and amazing DJ Ilon in the house!!

Trixie Peach

Music is nice

Dave “Retro Forward” Mcgill

Great service, the staff are very friendly, highly recommended going out on Wednesday night if you're into karaoke, first drink free after 10pm. And excellent fish!

Conojomo

Loved the lighting and the copper plated tables. Great vibe, great friends, great times.

Dominique Renfrew

Good food, great vibe, lively spot on Elgin at night

Raymond H

Great back patio, drinks were good.

Paul Kornienko

Love the music. The times I go are quiet and probably I'll never meet anyone in a place like this. Still, I like the atmosphere. It couldn't hurt if the waitresses were more friendly. They seem somewhat miserable, being pleasant would earn more patrons I'm certain.

Ilon T

The vibe is excellent and the new food menu is incredible; EVERYTHING is under $10..! Perfect for quick dinner or late night celebrations and their massive back patio is Ottawa’s best kept secret.

Ken and Josee D

Had the fish and chips; very good! Batter was crispy. Great atmosphere, friendly staff. We called ahead and let them know we were a large group. Highly recommend???? We will be back!!

Russ Salo

Saw them on CTV Ottawa and it was a good choice....had the Pad Thai ...cheese burger spring rolls..cauliflower bites ...pesto rigatoni..and Gnocchi...in these darn pandemic times we will help out and support local restaurants...Amanda was super nice as well !!

Lisa

Great value for so much food!! Really loved the cauliflower bites - they were crunchy and had the perfect batter. The tacos were also very delicious and really enjoyed the fully loaded salad!! Lots of great toppings with the salad made it fulfilling and delicious.

Jeremy Paradis

Super great vibe and atmosphere, staff was really friendly, would definitely come back here for a drink.

Mark Whitton

The decor is nice, the servers are pleasant and efficient, but the food is so-so. The menu is quite limited, more of a bar menu than a restaurant menu, with just 4 main courses, and about a dozen appetizers, cold plates, and salads. My fish and chips were satisfactory, but our companion's lobster mac and cheese was rated awful by him and it certainly did not look good. I recommend dropping this from the menu and adding some simple fresh grilled fish and shrimps to the menu.

Alexandra MacLeod

Very unprofessional staff. Covid protocols were not followed.

Austen Condie

This past weekend security staff assaulted my female friend, shoving her to the ground and grabbing and throwing her phone after she took a video of them yelling at our other friend. Disgusted by our experience and hope this place gets shut down as it is unsafe for women. Now the manager has asked all his friends to leave 5 star reviews

Peter Trevisan

10/10! Food, atmosphere and service were all top notch. Went for dinner there on my birthday, the owner caught wind of it, came over and introduced himself, and even sent over celebratory shots! This will definitely be my go-to spot from now on. Thanks Happy Fish for an amazing experience, I can’t wait for your patio to open up this summer!!

Zenon Hrabowsky

Expensive drinks, filthy bathroom, overall not great experience.

Dio Hora

A great local bar, lively Elgin St. Experience. Kareoke with Lance the Romance is great!

Dylan Caulfeild (Dylano0710)

Meal type

Madison Skotnicki

The music, staff, bouncers, drinks & food are all great! The overall atmosphere is super fun and the DJ plays the best throwback tunes! Can’t wait for the patio to open up out back for the summer!

erin mckinney

Overcrowded, the bouncer would not let us back inside after a smoke break because they were “at capacity” despite already paying cover for the night... he said “it’ll be a few minutes” about 10 times over 15 minutes of standing in the cold and he definitely had no intention of letting us in before the line-up of people that had not already paid!!! What a waste of a night

Derrick Smiley

Great food!

Alex Comeau

Service

Jessica Moffitt

My husband and I had a reservation here on Saturday evening and had a lovely time! The food was delicious, and the drinks were even better! Staff was friendly and prompt. Thanks so much for a fantastic night out!

Diego Laya

My girl had the California burger and it is perfectly crisp, soft and flavourful and the fish tacos was so good. The staff is super friendly and the environment is chill. I had their cocktails, they were off the chain especially the raspberry one. I would definitely return.

Tyler Dossier

Went in for dinner, stayed for late night and had a blast. Personal favorites were the Poke nachos, lobster mac n cheese, and the crispy tofu udon bowl. Already planning on coming back in the near future!

Nicole Diane

The staff were aggressive and unreasonable when asking a patron to leave and not allowing him to retrieve his phone before doing so. Totally rude and unprofessional. Also the mixed drinks weren’t good

Terr P

it was a very comfy place to grab a drink. the New Burlesque show on Wednesday's are Great!

Lauren P

Music was generic, bouncers were aggressive, bartender charged my friend $30 for BAR RAIL. They don’t let you back in if you go out for air but let in people who haven’t paid yet. What’s the point in the stamp? Lol don’t bother with this place

Kyler Manseau

Wednesday wing night is a great deal

Shannon Kramer

Busy, and fun place :)

Omar Ramos Menchaca

This is a fantastic place to bring someone on a date. Food was really good and the price was very accessible. Staff was also very attentive.

Broghan Perrier

Happy fish is a great atmosphere, little pricey for drinks but it is a restaurant so its understandable. Love when Dj Paqs is in the house! So fun!

ashley dorion

The bar staff working there are absolutely amazing - very welcoming, friendly and helpful ! The place is very clean, has cool décor and decent prices for Elgin Street. Expect to have a lot of fun if you visit! Highly recommend and will be back for sure.

Emmett “Wolf's Bane” Hill

Other

Nate

If you like waiting 45 minutes for one overpriced drink and another 30 minutes to track them down for a second drink, this is your place.

K Downton

What an amazing restaurant happy fish was. We came as a large group 14 of us had to have no problem accommodating us. The food came out quick and hot and the drinks kept flowing. I had the Shrimp Po’boy which came on an amazon pretzel bun and the shrimp had just enough Cajun seasoning on it for some sizzle but didn’t overpower. I also tried someone’s muscles which led me to order a pound of my own muscles. [BTW, on Thursdays They are only five dollars a pound]. Happy fish has an amazing atmosphere, am mix of modern and heritage decor and love the old style lighting in there. It’s a great mis of the turn of both centuries. Staff were amazing and helpful thank you for making an amazing night for a group and said kudos to the kitchen for all the work they did. It was raining when we went but they have an amazing patio out back which is rare on Elgin these days and is away from the construction noise and has it own patio dedicated service area so the staff don’t have to run inside for your drinks. Love this place and is now my “go to” place for food and fun downtown Ottawa. It may be a bit challenging to get to with all the construction on Elgin but it is worth the effort. HINT:if you drive in from the East side of Elgin (Golden Triange) along Minto Park you can park behind it along Jack Purcell Park.

Veronika Napitupulu

Dear Happy Fish, My girlfriends and I were walking down Elgin street and thought of having drinks and snacks at Happy Fish because it looks nice. It was Saturday night (Oct 30) around 8.30-9pm. The usher who was not wearing a mask stopped us and said that the bar is for younger crowds. We were surprised by what he said and told him, we just wanted to get drinks and he emphasized that it is a bar for 19-20 yo crowds. We are very disappointed by the usher’s attitude. We found it very offensive and uncalled for. I am wondering if there is an age limit at your bar? Veronika

Spencer Dirocco

Great food.... Great bottle service

Driven Home3

Awesome. Delicious and our waiter was above par. Highly recommend!!

Joao Bettencourt

Cozy atmosphere

Sim Pannu

thieves!!! they stole my jacket after contacting them and being assured they would return it to me, I even still have the coat check number!

Georgia Brown

I went the other day with a few of my friends and not a single staff member was wearing a mask. Not the hostess or bartender even had one on their face and our server wore hers below her mouth 90% of the time. Was a super weird vibe and makes me think they may be breaking other COVID regulations as well. Service was not great either, they stood and talked to each other for ten minutes before bothering to make our drinks. Super odd and wont be going back. Warning to anyone who actually takes COVID precautions seriously, do not go here. edit: my friend who went last weeks says the same thing about the mask situation; clearly no one at this establishment cares enough about their customers to at give them the respect of wearing a mask when serving them.

roxanne bilodeau

Went for dinner with friends on Friday May 10. Staff was very friendly and the service was impeccable even with a shift change midway. Was impressed with their presence, the speed of service and friendliness. The menu has changed slightly but improved in my opinion as it is more affordable and oh so delicious. The poke nachos were a perfect plate to share. I definitely see myself craving those nachos in a near future. I had the sautéed mussels and my husband the shrimp burger and we both highly recommend it. The music was really good and thats a win because I normally get annoyed with how loud music gets but we were able to talk to each other without screaming. Was done right. Looking forward to my next visit.... probably when they have those DJ nights or when the terasse opens.

Mark Stein

Easily one of the best nightclub / bars I've been to in recent memory. I've been twice over the past two months and both experiences were very positive for the groups I was with. The vibe is kind of unique to Ottawa.. not a pretentious nightclub, but not a pub or bar, they seem to be somewhere in the middle and the crowd seemed to mostly professionals and overall it just felt like a friendly atmosphere. Loved the music and had great times, we will be back! - Mark

Annamaria Licandro

If I could give this place zero stars I would. We made a reservation for 25 people over a month in advance for a birthday. When we arrived for our reservation, we were greeted by extremely rude staff that informed us they would not be able to get our party in despite having a reservation. They told us the reservation ultimately meant nothing and they were at capacity and would not let us in. So what is the point of making a reservation? They got very aggressive with us when we were questioning how and why this happened. The owner came out and was extremely rude and even pushed one of my female friends when things started to get heated. The most incompetent staff I have ever seen in my life, this is not how you run a business. We will not be returning and highly suggest no one else does either.

Selin Canker

Luv Phil and the crew! Nice environment ????????

Jayson Aramouni

Veryy veryy veryy bad experience!! My first time going there...i waited 45 mins just for a server to tell me i wasnt getting the food i ordered and when asked for cash back refund they refused.

Ben Vallis

Definitely the best bar to hit up Saturday night on Elgin St

David Morrison

Had a great time at the Happy Fish! We had excellent service and they played great music. Already one of my favourite bars in the city!

Meredeth Foulds

Delicious!!! Super cute restaurant, friendly staff! Thanks sonmuch for a lovely evening!!!

Mandy Renfrew

Great food! Great service! The bartender Zac is amazing!

Dark Mind

Great atmosphere

Matthew Faye

Great Vibes, Great Staff, Beautiful People, Energetic Environment!! You Should Stop By And Shake Your Tailfeather!!

Edward Fredro-Boniecki

This movie was so good the penguins were so cute. I would definitely recommend happy feet to my friends and loved ones.

Claire S

Dine in

L W

WE LOVE KALI- She is the best and happy fish isn’t the same without her. If you go to happy fish definitely look out for her and get her a shot because she is the BEST.

Beth Hernen

The food is unbelievable for the price, i recommend the gnocchi or the nachos. Hige portions! Also, so nice to find a place making proper cocktails! No cheap mixes here, the bartenders are amazing! Best margarita I have had in a while.

R

My wife and I came here on Friday night with friends. We arrived later after they had already ordered and received their food. We ordered two drinks and the 1 lb of mussels. After waiting 20 minutes, our drinks arrived which was long considering it wasn't even busy. One friend ordered fries and had to remind the waitress that she ordered food. It took over 30 min for another friend to receive gingerale. By the time we were leaving after 11, we still did not receive our food. I didn't realize it was my job to remind staff about my food order. I go to pay the bill and of course, the mussels we're included even though I never received it. The waitress looked shocked and not very apologetic. While the food was eventually removed from my bill - it took the waitress an extra 20min because she said she couldn't remove the item until she could find the manager. The waitress also mischarged other people at our table. I wouldn't recommend this bar to friends and family.

T Melissa

Food was ok. More just like pub food but there was a live dj...good music. Server wanted us out so bad. We got there at 8:58 & he tried turning us away even though we called ahead...he treated us like he was doing us a favor by serving us, then rushed for us to take our bill and leave.

André T

Beat we’re good but avoid overpriced drinks 13$ for a cheap quality whisky sour.

Pascal Tremblay

Used to be Kat & Kraken, still has that classy turn of the century feel to the decore. Had the oysters and few drinks, loved the atmosphere.

Joe Skotnicki

Fun atmosphere, great music! Can’t wait for the back patio to open up.

Nathan V.

Went to karaoke on a Wednesday night here and had a blast! The karaoke host was super friendly and we actually sang! The bartender was really awesome and on the ball. Will def. be back again!

Ham Curt

Every night you're not here, you are missing out!

Kyle Bettle

Went to happy fish last night after the covid lockdown restrictions and was truly disappointed. it made me realize why this place was the only dead resto/bar on Elgin. We arrived to be seated and treated with the slowest service and rushed disrespect. First impression having no carbonated drinks and having to be taxed more money on them then it should've been. (charged a double for a single) not only that, but the waiter comes around and drops off another round of flat non carbonated drinks to our table with out asking. in hopes were going to pay for this and the service?... Watching the owner walk around mask less taking shots and getting drunk with the staff and guests, not helping anyone out with issues, nor the staff. A review goes a long way, and i hope none of my friends and family ever have to come back and witness that. The only one who actually took care of us and cared for the service was the DJ. so shoutout to the DJ for putting more work in then the owner/waiters and staff. We left after receiving bad service and took our money else where.

James P

Wicked cocktail menu and friendly staff, thank you to Zac for being an amazing bartender and host

robby Leblanc

Had an amazing experience at happy fish! They have the tastiest food and phenomenal drinks. Had the pleasure to be hosted by Zach Renfrew for the night! He brings the life to the party and makes you feel welcomed, also makes sure that you’re well taken care of. I love the way the bar is managed and the music makes you feel alive the whole night! I definitely recommend going there if you’re looking for great time. Make sure to reach out to Zach for reservations, I promise you won’t regret it!

Roberto Falsetto

I just left Happy Fish on Elgin, the food was better then I expected! From the tower of fish, to the lobster Mac and cheese and the kale Caesar salad everything was fresh and delicious! I would highly recommend visiting this place for fish! The staff was very friendly! I’ll be back!

jp lafo

i went and the music was not very good. the bar kicked out my gay friend for no reason other than he was gay. my friend triend getting in the back, because they kicked him out without his phone and they got physical after that.

Krista M

A group of us made the mistake of going to Happy Fish to celebrate a birthday. Small portioned $13 drinks that arrived 30-45 minutes after ordering and reminding the waitress - after taking 10 or 15 minutes just to find her. The music and atmosphere was like a trashy episode of Jersey Shore, white boy “DJ” included and all. I’m sure Snooki & Pauly D would love it, but I would NOT recommend.