The Elmdale House Tavern has a long and storied history in the community of Hintonburg. While the tavern first opened in 1934, the building itself was first built many years earlier in 1909. Earnest Laroche was the first owner, and he operated a dry goods store on the ground floor while living with his family in the rooms above. The one-story addition to the side was added when the tavern opened, as well as a new front facade that hides the original storefront.

Back in the day when the tavern first opened, women didn't just wander into these sort of places alone. You had to be in the company of a man to get inside, and you sat in a separate part of the bar that was for "ladies & escorts only". Why?... well, it probably made life alot easier for the barkeep this way! It's for this reason that many old-time taverns have two big rooms, each with it's own separate entrance. While the sign above the door is long gone, the Elmdale's two front entrances are a reminder of this past era.

Horace Laroche (center) and
all of the Elmdale waiters
display a neighbourhood
bowling trophy in 1934

If walls could speak, this building would talk your ear off! Over the years the tavern has provided refreshment and shelter to a variety of neighbourhood characters and local celebrities, as well as the occasional Prime Minister or two (yes, really!). A neighbourhood institution, the Elmdale has been a home-away-from-home for generations of people from around the neighbourhood. While the tavern has had it's slow times, things are on the upswing again; the neighbourhood is changing, and more people are interested in seeing live music again.

There are too many stories about the Elmdale to be retold here... come on down for a visit, and we'll fill you in : )

About Hintonburg

Hintonburg is a historically working-class neighbourhood on the West side of Ottawa. It's a place where you can meet people who have lived on the same block for three generations, as well as experience the best contemporary culture & entertainment that urban living can offer. Soon-to-be Ottawa's "it" neighbourhood, Hintonburg is the place to be, and the Elmdale is smack in the middle of the action.