FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAFE & GENERAL INQUIRIES
Where are you located and when are you typically open?
Art House is located at 555 Somerset Street West in the heart of Ottawa. We are on the Northwest corner of Somerset at Bay, right by Dundonald Park. You can see our location on a map and find our most updated hours of operation through our Contact page.
I've never been to Art House, what type of seating do you offer? How does it work?
Set in a heritage house, the café at Art House offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The different rooms on the main floor of the house offer a range of options in terms of tables and environment and our front and side patios offer different sizes of tables in both sheltered and open areas. Outdoor heating is available during the colder months of the year.
We ask that patrons seat themselves and order at the bar, Art House Café staff do not typically come to take orders at tables. For orders that require a bit more time to fulfill, our staff will happily bring your order to your table whenever possible.
Is Art House Wheelchair Accessible?
Unfortunately, Art House’s 150-year-old building was not built with accessibility in mind. We are looking into options to make the main floor accessible. As we work towards making our main floor accessible, our only wheelchair accessible seating at present is our patio. The heated deck area has a removable ramp– if it is not out when you arrive or you want us to ensure it is out for your use, please don’t hesitate to call us at 613-518-4782.
Do you take Reservations?
We do not take reservations, however, we do accommodate rentals of individual rooms, the patio, and the full café! If interested, check out our Rentals page for more information and to submit a booking request form. You will be required to provide any known pertinent information such as dates and times of interest, event type and anticipated number of guests or participants.
Are dogs welcome?
Yes, we love our furry friends! Patrons are welcome to bring their dogs in to Art House when placing their orders at the bar and both our front and side patio are dog-friendly zones complete with a few scattered water bowls (please ask at the bar if you can't find one or need one filled!). We ask that you please make sure that you are mindful of other patrons when bringing you pet on site, loud or aggressive animal behaviour is not acceptable.
Do you have vegan or gluten free options?
Yes! Our sandwiches can be made vegan, our soups and salads are vegan and gluten free, our nachos are gluten-free and can be made vegan. We also have a gluten free brownie, and will be bringing in more vegan and gluten free treats soon! For beverages, we can substitute almond milk at no extra charge, or oat milk for an additional 50 cents. We cannot guarantee there has been no cross-contamination, so please bear that in mind. For the most up-to-date information on our food, check our menu or ask or friendly staff or café manager!
Is Art House food & drink available for takeout and delivery?
All of our food and drink offerings can be taken to-go and ordered for delivery through the Getit Local app. The app is available through the Apple App Store or Google Play and you can visit getitlocal.app to find out more about this great Ottawa initiative!
Can I get to Art House by bus?
Yes! OC Transpo's #11 bus stops just a few steps away from our door.
EVENTS
What types of events does Art House host and where can I find out about them?
Art House hosts a variety of in person events that are open to the public including live music, drag and other performances, themed nights, workshops, as well as meetups. Events may or may not be ticketed. To find more details about upcoming events and check their current status, please visit the events page on our website or check out our Facebook and Instagram.
For rates and information on private event bookings, check out our Rentals page . where you can also fill out a booking request form. Be prepared to provide event details such as event type, dates and times of interest, and potential number of participants.
Art House also showcases local Artists and Performers digitally through its YouTube channel.
Where can I purchase tickets?
Tickets can be purchased on site at the café counter or through the Tickets page of our online store.
I bought a ticket to one of your events, how do I show my ticket for the event?
Your purchase confirmation email is your ticket and can be presented for entry. Please show this email when prompted at the café counter or event entrance.
Can minors attend Art House events?
All of our events are all-ages, however parents should be aware that as a licensed establishment, there is likely to be consumption of alcohol taking place before, during and/or after any given event. There may or may not be some adult language and/or subject matter that comes up during or around certain events.
Please note that our Life Drawing sessions do usually feature nude models. It is acceptable for minors to attend if parents are aware of the circumstances a consent to their children attending.
Can I book space at Art House for a private event or gathering?
At Art House it is possible to rent one or multiple rooms, the full café, as well as our patio area in part or in full. Availability and rental rates are dependent on date and time of the event, and the amount and type of space required. For further details and to request a booking, check out our Rentals page and be ready to provide event details such as event type, dates and times of interest, and potential number of participants.
Does Art House offer catering for private events and gatherings?
Art House offers catering for any occasion! Our Catering Menu features both standard Art House menu offerings in larger, shareable quantities, as well as unique platters and options.
Note that we require confirmation and payment for catering orders 7 days prior to the event in question.
GALLERY & GIFT SHOP
Who is featured at Art House?
At Art House we primarily feature Artists from the Ottawa-Gatineau area with a handful of Artists from the surrounding region. At any moment you can find the works of over 100 different Artists within the Art House Gallery and Gift Shop.
How can I submit my work to be featured at Art House?
Art House accepts submissions on an ongoing basis. Please refer to our Submissions page for Guidelines and details on how to submit for our Main Gallery, Gift Shop and Special Exhibitions.
Note that the Art House Gallery and Gift Shop only accept digital submissions through the submissions@thearthousecafe.ca email. Artwork may not be dropped off for consideration without prior consent. The Art House Gallery Team will not be able to consider submissions sent in via Instagram or Facebook DM.
What kinds of works are eligible for submission?
The Art House Gallery and Gift Shop Team considers all sizes, mediums and styles of Artwork, however the space has a very limited capacity for sculpture and pottery type pieces.
How does selling my Art through Art House work?
The Art House Gallery and Gift Shop operate on a consignment basis, with Art House retaining a 30% commission on sales.