Top 5 Ottawa places to watch Blue Jays' playoff games

The Toronto Blue Jays have captured the hearts of fans across Canada on their powerful run to the Major League Baseball postseason.

Here in the nation's capital, the passion of fans is simmering ahead of Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Texas Rangers on Thursday afternoon.

If you weren't one of the lucky fans to snatch up tickets to see the game in Toronto in person, watching it on TV at a sports bar is a pretty decent alternative.

Here are some options for checking out Blue Jays playoff games in Ottawa.

Real Sports Bar & Grill

90 George St.

A massive eight-metre wide television screen is the centrepiece of this popular sports bar on the edge of the Byward Market. With two levels of seating and even more TVs scattered throughout, there isn't really a bad seat in the house to watch a baseball game.

Maclaren's on Elgin

301 Elgin St.

Over on the Elgin Street strip, this is the hub for watching sports and shooting pool in downtown Ottawa. There's a wall of big screen TVs on the west wall of the bar, and it's decorated with all kinds sports memorabilia throughout. There are also 21 pool tables to keep you occupied before or after the game.

Hometown Sports and Grill

1525 Bank St.

This local hangout in Alta Vista boasts more than 40 HD TVs and a six-metre big screen TV ideal for baseball playoffs. There are also screens in the large patio out front, which is still open into the fall, weather permitting. Ask for their beer and food specials during Jays games.

Tailgators

1642 Merivale Rd.

With dozens of TVs and two big screens more than six metres wide, this huge west end venue calls itself a "sports and entertainment complex". With seating for up to 500 people and a lengthy menu, it's an ideal option for watching the Jays' quest for a third World Series win.

Dooly's

2279 Gladwin Cres.

In the east end, this vast pool hall is renowned for its tables, but it's also a great location to watch all kinds of sports, including playoff baseball. If pool's not your thing, lounge areas throughout the bar make for comfortable viewing.