Best spots in Ottawa for a juicy burger
Ottawans are crazy about their burgers, and the city's burger chefs have risen to the challenge, creating a fantastic array of can't-miss burgers for you to try. These great burger joints in Ottawa showcase the best in fresh, local beef.
Hintonburger
1096 Wellington St W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Y5With a loyal following, it’s not unusual to see a long line of hungry patrons waiting for their orders (and a free seat) at this iconic burger joint in Ottawa’s Hintonburg neighbourhood. Choose either a 4 oz. or 6 oz. beef burger (or chicken) and then select your toppings, which range from classics like cheddar cheese and smoked bacon to more unique options such as tahini and pickled turnips. The made-in-house falafel-style veggie patty is a tasty meat free option for vegetarians.
Mellos Restaurant
290 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E6In business for more than 70 years, the venerable Mellos is a step back in time. While the counter tops, tables and padded bar stools haven’t changed in decades, the food certainly has thanks to the culinary talents of chef Mike Franks. The burger is the diner’s best-selling dish for good reason. Seared patties have a hint of pink inside and are made from fresh (never frozen) beef from nearby O’Brien Farms. The meaty sandwiches are topped with cheddar cheese, onions, thinly sliced pickles and toasted seed mayo. Simple, yet absolutely delicious.
Bit Burger
108 Murray St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5M6This Murray Street restaurant specializes in inventive burgers and sandwiches prepared with high quality ingredients. Meat is ground in house daily, cheeses are sourced from local farmers and the fresh baked buns are made on site. Handcrafted 8 oz. patties are cooked medium well and topped with your choice of unique toppings (think cayenne grilled pineapple or panko encrusted mac and cheese) along with house-smoked ketchup and spicy beer mustard. The burger platters range in price from $14 to $18 and are all served with a side of fresh-cut fries. There’s also plenty of local beer available on tap.
Burgers N' Fries Forever
329 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1X9A favourite burger joint in the downtown core, the beef patties at BFF are made with fresh and local grass-fed beef. Chicken and veggies burgers, vegetarian gravy and gluten-free buns are also available to help accommodate diners with food allergies and sensitivities. There are 14 burgers to choose from ranging in price from $6.50 for a simple patty to $11.50 for the signature BFF, which features double patties and beef bacon. Check the website before you go to see the inventive options on the secret menu and don’t forget to order a side of double-fried fries.
Chez Lucien
137 Murray St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5M7For the longest time, only those who lived in the ByWard Market ’hood knew about this local pub. With such tiny signage, many have walked by without ever noticing its unassuming doorway. However, Chez Lucien has thrived for a number of years simply thanks to word of mouth – particularly when it comes to their house-made burgers. The menu boasts an array of burger choices, giving visitors the opportunity to choose from a beef, salmon or tofu base and a variety of toppings. This local hotspot attracts crowds nightly so be prepared for the high noise level and tight seating.
Allium
87 Holland Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 0Y1Serving farm-to-table cuisine, Allium has been a consistently reliable destination restaurant in Ottawa for well over a decade. While the menu changes seasonally, the restaurant routinely serves a drool-worthy burger at lunchtime to office workers who wander up the street during the day. One of the most recent incarnations comes with bacon, aged cheddar, tomato jam, frisee and smoked chili mayo for $15.
Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar
1208 Wellington St W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Z7This fine dining establishment in Ottawa’s trendy Hintonburg neighbourhood is known for its award-winning chef and founder's penchant for supporting the community and local producers. The menu features predominantly French dishes, but with a worldly influence, and the burger is made from hanger steak trim from Ottawa's O'Brien farms. Available at lunch and dinner, the signature Benevolent Burger has changed over the years and is currently a double patty behemoth served with smoked bacon, cheddar and ranch sauce. True to its name, $1 from every burger sold is donated to a local women's shelter.
Burger & Shake
5510 Limebank Rd, Gloucester, ON K1X 1E9While outside the downtown core, many swear that the longstanding Burgers and Shakes in Manotick is worth the drive out to the suburbs. Line-ups are common throughout the week, often stretching right out the door. Its large cult following has helped this burger joint win numerous awards. The burgers (your choice of beef, ribeye steak, haddock, grilled chicken or veggie) are priced under $10 and can be ordered alone or as a combo. A newly opened second location in Barrhaven is just as popular.
Two Six Ate
268 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R5The foie burger at two six {ate} just might be the most decadent option in town. Made with freshly ground O’Brien and Enright Farm beef, the savoury patty is topped with house-made sauce, foie torchon, beer cheese singles, tomato bacon jam, butter pickles and malt aioli. The sandwich arrives on a fresh bun and is served with a side of fries for $15. Stop here if you need to satisfy after-hours cravings; the restaurant is open for dinner and late into the night.
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