★★★★★ 4.4(6,537 reviews)9.4 km from hotel~19 min drive
Informal, always-open eatery serving diner classics, from breakfast & burgers to poutine & meatloaf.
Elgin Street Diner is a solid mid-range choice for Ottawa visitors, located 9.4 km from Adam's Airport Inn (19 minutes by car). With a 4.4-star Google rating from 6,537 reviews, it has earned a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.
Arrive early or outside peak hours (6-8 PM) to avoid a wait — this is a popular spot.
Getting There from Adam’s Airport Inn
19 min
From Adam's Airport Inn, take the Airport Parkway to Highway 417 — it's about 19 minutes by car. Free parking lot.
Why Guests Love This
Elgin Street Diner is Ottawa’s most iconic late-night spot — a 24-hour diner on one of the city’s liveliest streets that has been serving poutine, all-day breakfast, and milkshakes since the 1940s. For travelers arriving on late flights or dealing with jet lag, knowing there’s a warm, well-lit diner serving proper food at 3 AM is genuinely comforting. The poutine is the signature dish and a rite of passage for visitors experiencing this Canadian classic for the first time. The portion sizes are generous, the prices are fair, and the atmosphere captures a particular slice of Ottawa culture that polished restaurants cannot replicate.
Yes. Elgin Street Diner operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The full menu is available at all hours, so you can order breakfast at midnight or poutine at 7 AM. The late-night crowd (after 11 PM) gives the place a distinctive lively energy.
What is the Elgin Street Diner famous for?
The poutine. Elgin Street Diner’s poutine — hand-cut fries, fresh cheese curds, and hot gravy — is one of Ottawa’s most ordered dishes. Beyond poutine, the all-day breakfast, milkshakes, and classic burgers keep regulars coming back. It’s an Ottawa institution dating to the 1940s.
Is Elgin Street Diner good for families?
Yes. The diner is family-friendly during daytime and early evening hours. The menu has plenty of options children enjoy — grilled cheese, chicken fingers, pancakes, and milkshakes. After 10 PM the atmosphere skews toward the late-night crowd, which may be less ideal for young children.
Is there parking near Elgin Street Diner?
Street parking on Elgin Street is metered and limited, especially on evenings and weekends. The City of Ottawa parking garage on Catherine Street is a 5-minute walk. For late-night visits, street parking is usually plentiful and free after 7 PM. Rideshare from Adam’s Airport Inn is about 18 minutes.
How do I get to Elgin Street Diner from Ottawa Airport?
Elgin Street Diner is approximately 10 km from Ottawa International Airport (YOW). From Adam’s Airport Inn, take the Airport Parkway north to Highway 417, exit at Elgin Street, and head south. The drive takes about 18–20 minutes depending on traffic.
Staying in Ottawa?
Adam’s Airport Inn is just 19 minutes from Elgin Street Diner. Complimentary breakfast and up to 14 days of free parking included with every stay.
