Rainbow Bistro, Ottawa

The Rainbow is Ottawa’s home of the blues. Drop into the cozy, two-story spot during Bluesfest and you’re more than likely to catch one of the headliners from the festival jamming with a few locals late into the night. But there’s more here than blues—you might get a taste of anything from jazz to ska. It’s one of the few local venues to offer live music seven days a week, including free matinees at 4:20PM from Wednesday through Sunday. (On Sundays, you’ll have to cough up $3 for the Open Blues Jam—it’s a steal.) With its exposed-stone walls and big fireplace, the Rainbow feels like your best friend’s cottage—if your best friend is really, really cool.

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