Hungry before seeing your favorite team play at the Canadian Tire Center (CTC), but you don’t know what to eat? When catching an Ottawa Senators game, finding the best food options can ultimately make or break your overall experience. The good news is that things have evolved dramatically in recent years at CTC, particularly in terms of food, and they now offer a range of options, from gourmet poutine to craft beer and upscale dining experiences. This guide can help you skip the average meals and long lines and help you find the best item on the menu for your preferences.
Smoke’s Poutinerie
Fan of poutine? Then Smoke’s is going to be your go-to. It’s the ultimate comfort food destination, having earned a reputation for transforming this classic Canadian dish into a gourmet experience. From their bacon double cheeseburger poutine topped with bacon and ground beef, to their pulled pork and even buffalo chicken, you’re not going to be hard pressed to find something that’ll satisfy. Whether you want to share your food with friends or not, their portion sizes will ensure you’re happy throughout the night.
Section 118
Pizza Pizza
Big fan of pizza? Then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t head straight for Pizza Pizza. This beloved concession is quickly becoming a staple in the stadium, serving up fresh hot pizza slices that can satisfy anyone’s cravings. It’s a Canadian chain, but it’s been around since 1967 – that’s how you know it’s good. Their classic pepperoni is super popular, but fans also love their cheese pizza made with 100% Canadian mozzarella cheese. They also offer specialty pizzas if you’d like to try something slightly fancier.
Sections 105, 207, and 223
Golden Palace Egg Rolls
If you’re a fan of Chinese, you’re going to have to stop by Golden Palace before you find your seat. Their egg rolls are so famous that they have officially achieved cult status among fans. Of course, this is their star attraction, but they also have other options on the menu that you should check out. Every order comes with their homemade plum sauce, and perhaps the best part is that they’re located everywhere, from Section 107 to Section 224.
Bert’s Bar
Maybe you’re looking for somewhere to sit back and relax with a drink and some friends before you find your seat. Bert’s Bar is a popular watering hole that’s both a great place to go for your pregame beverages, but also to visit halfway through. Their draft beer selection features multiple Canadian brews on tap, and their specialty cocktails include hockey-themed mixed drinks. If you need something on the side, you can choose from nachos, wings, and other delectible shareable appetizers.
Section 223
The Ledge
Perhaps you don’t get to see your favorite team play very often, and you want to celebrate with a big night out – and a big dinner, too. The Ledge is a premium dining experience located high above the ice surface. Their carvery and bar features a rotating menu that changes every event, so no dining experience is the same. Their signature dish is the Montreal smoked meat sandwich, with tender slices of brisket served on rye bread. They also have a salad selection and vegetarian options. It’s located on the 400 level behind the net, so you can choose to stay here for the game and enjoy a unique experience.
Molson Canadian Brew Pub
Another popular watering hole for beer enthusiasts is Molson. It’s a popular spot that stands out among other options by offering a dedicated beer-forward experience, perfectly paired with your pregame excitement. They have a list of rotating seasonal brews, allowing you to try limited-time offerings. They also have their flagship Molson Canadian lager, which will get you right into the spirit of things. As far as their menu goes, they’ve got Canadian classics and pub-style favorites to pair with your beverage. You may want to arrive early to ensure you get a seat, as Molson is quite popular on game days.
The Royal Oak
The Royal Oak is a distinctive dining option nestled high above the action at the CTC arena. It’s a popular pub chain that focuses on classic pub fare and draft beers, creating a lovely, relaxing dining experience for those who want to socialize with friends before the game. The menu includes fish and chips, chicken wings, and their crispy chicken sandwich, made with buttermilk-battered chicken breast. It’s in a prime position as it’s situated on the same level as the press box, so you’ll have an excellent view of the ice. You’ll find it above the Level 200 concourse, which you can access from sections 223 and 226.
Aperitivo
If you want to step out of the venue to see what’s going on in the surrounding suburbs for dinner, you won’t want to miss out on Aperitivo. This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offers a sophisticated dining option for those who wish to plan their meal and savor it at their leisure. The menu is mainly comprised of shared plates, curated with seasonal, from-scratch cooking techniques. While their menu changes with the seasons, you can find a variety of options, from beef tacos to chicken dishes, satisfying every palate. They’re located just 1.3 miles from the venue.
655 Kanata Ave. Unit L2, Kanata, ON K2T 1H8, Canada
Crazy Horse Stonegrill
Crazy Horse is another CTC staple that’s situated just outside of the venue, but well worth the trip. It’s a uniquely interactive dining experience that sets it apart from other restaurants. The Crazy Horse Burger is perhaps its most iconic offering, but they also have other standout menu items, such as their Super Burrito, Pasta Primavera, and Blackened Chicken Alfredo. Located approximately 1 mile from the CTC, you can either quickly get here by rideshare or a short walk.
115 Roland Michener Dr, Kanata, ON K2T 1K4, Canada
Conclusion
The only other thing more memorable from game night that you’ll take with you than the game is what you get for dinner. Gone are the days of having to settle for an old hot dog at the nearest concession to your seat. Now, you can choose from some of the most sought-after flavors at CTC and the surrounding area. Whether you want to indulge your egg roll cravings or go for something slightly more upscale like The Ledge, there’s something for everyone. Remember, planning ahead makes all the difference when dining at CTC, so be sure to check if you need to make a reservation before heading to the venue.