Ace Mercado is a restaurant rooted with Mexican inspired cuisine specializing in all realms of plate sizes and styles. Our in house mixologist also adds a unique touch to our centralized bar, and is a must try for true bar chefs.With Ace’s corner location, our dining room offers a panoramic view of Dalhousie St. & Clarence St., a bustling corner in the Byward Market. Our outdoor patio is also available in the summer season, and should not be missed with one of our hand crafted signature cocktails. For those with pure food indulgence in mind, come next door and sate your desires with our ever changing internationally and seasonally inspired small plates. We love food, lots of different food, just like you.more...See more text
Mexican restaurants rarely spring to mind when you’re looking for craft cocktails with a quirky twist, but Ace Mercado isn’t your standard burrito bar. Sure, there’s sangria blanco on the menu, but here it’s made with elderflower liqueur and ginger beer. For something that’s a little off the wall, try the Quebexicano, a French-Canadian inspired blend of vodka, green apple, maple syrup, lemon, bitters and sparkling wine. Menu items range from scallop ceviche accented with hibiscus and passion fruit to a flaming tortilla soup with liquid nitrogen popcorn.
One of Bytown’s trendiest spots, Ace Mercado seems more club than eatery after about 8 pm, when a boisterous crowd packs the bar for push-the-envelope cocktails and the music booms. But when Rene Rodriguez, who won Top Chef Canada in 2014, has a hand in the menu, you can be sure the kitchen is more than accomplished. Among small plate gems are tuna tostadas, scallop ceviche with passion fruit and smoked hibiscus salt, and chicken tamales. Mexican Day of the Dead decor is everywhere, right down to the napkins. The patio helps you escape the buzz, if you must.