Bars can be more than just a place to grab a drink. They can be a place to catch up and spend time with friends old and new. Ottawa has no shortage of fantastic bars to sip a drink at, but Ward 14 Consignment Bar on Preston is unique for many reasons. Since September of 2016, Ward (as it’s colloquially known among patrons) has served drinks to thirsty friends and neighbours and served as a place for owner Max Anisman to house his carefully curated collection of vintage goods.
“I’m a collector,” Anisman reiterates, “and the passion has always been vintage. It started out being just my stuff, but over time, everybody who works at the bar has donated stuff too. There’s always something new.”
This fact is important because, if you don’t already know, every item in the bar is for sale. The art on the walls, the knick-knacks and tchotchkes, and even the tables and chairs. “We’re primarily a bar, but consignment sales have been going up lately,” adds Mary Radmore, Ward’s general manager. “I’d say once a week or so, we bring in a haul, so there’s always something new. And of course, we only bring in things we like, and that keeps the vibe both eclectic and genuine to us.”
Eclectic and genuine is a great way to describe every facet of Ward 14. The bar still retains elements of its original theme–50’s and 60’s kitsch–but the collection is so wild and varied, that something draws your eyes every few steps. Ward 14 has also become Ottawa’s unofficial home for pop-up restaurant events. Hearkening back to the well-loved Chef Nights hosted at Oz Kafe’s original Elgin St. location, Ward presents its kitchen space to up-and-coming chefs, giving them a proving ground for their fledgling concepts and menus. “During the summer of 2020, we hosted a bootleg burger pop-up,” says Radmore. “We had decided that when we re-opened fully, we’d be slowing down our own kitchen offerings, but the space was there, and people loved the event, so we thought, why not try hosting more?”
“The first one we hosted with that intent was Chef Porpy (@chefporpy) doing Thai street food,” Radmore continues. “It brought in a great crowd, lots of new faces. It went smoothly and people just loved the food, so we thought, ‘let’s keep going.’”
I don’t understand how it’s even happening, there’s no oven, there’s no nothing in the kitchen. It’s really cool to see what people can do creatively and bring to the space.
Some of the more regular pop-ups include King Larry’s Doubles (@kinglarrysdoubles) serving up delicious Trini delights, taco nights hosted by After Hours (@afterhours.ottawa), fine dining takes on bar snacks with chef Julien Hiotis, and the inaugural (and fabulous) pop-ups from brand-new catering outfit Girl Dinner 613 (@girldinner613). Like the ever-changing décor, new and delicious things are always coming out of Ward’s kitchen. “This year, we really started to feel like the pop-up venue,” says Radmore. “We’ve always been an industry spot, so people are always excited to get into the space and cook for their peers. We’ve settled into roughly two pop-ups per week, usually Sundays and Tuesdays, the response has been fantastic.”
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A popular way to enjoy Ward (if you can score a space) is Monday night trivia, hosted by Matt Floyd. “Matt’s been hosting for two and a half years,” says Radmore, “and trivia really picked up once he came on.”
“Trivia Mondays are booked solid, like three weeks in advance,” adds Anisman. The trivia atmosphere is fun. While a friendly spirit of competition is palpable, people are talking, laughing, and singing together.
We’re different, and I think it’s important for us to be different. To have the freedom to try things and see what sticks.
Trivia Night. Photo: Chris Eades
So, what if you happen into Ward 14 on an evening of no trivia or pop-ups? You’ll still be treated to a welcoming atmosphere full of attentive staff and friendly patrons. A selection of wines, craft beer, ciders, and some fun and, dare I say, cheeky cocktails. And if you get hungry, Ward has one last trick up its sleeve. Ward 14 boasts a selection of over-the-top hot dogs that pair perfectly with a drink and some pals. The dogs, conceived with help from chef Kent Van Dyke, have taken off as of late, sometimes selling right out in an evening.
Anisman credits some hype to a video by Ottawa hospitality personality Jordan Pizzuti (@pizzuti22). “Hot dogs really picked up since Jordan’s video,” says Anisman. “We’re seeing a lot of new faces, sometimes coming just for the hot dogs. We’ve bought new fridges, just for all the dog stuff. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good problem to have.”
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Right now, guests can choose from the OG Steamie with ketchup, mustard, and relish, or the Ward Steamie, which comes topped with sauerkraut, pickled hot peppers, and mustard. Both come with kettle chips, can be meat or veggie-friendly, and are equally crave-able. An updated menu with more hot dogs and snacks is in the works.
“It’s just not your average bar,” says Radmore. “We’re trying to do something different. I think our community and regulars really make this place something special. Every time you walk in here, you see familiar faces you can chat with. We have the best team in the world. We’re blessed.”
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