Ottawa's Best Burgers

Ottawa's Best Burgers Enjoy. .

This page was created for the sole purpose of sharing with other Ottawa burger lovers my experiences in determining as to where the best burgers are to be found in the area, while further showcasing these local businesses.

Shelby BurgerShelby Burger was originally a standalone restaurant located in the Byward Market. They closed approximatel...
06/17/2026

Shelby Burger

Shelby Burger was originally a standalone restaurant located in the Byward Market. They closed approximately four years ago but have recently reopened inside the Datsun Restaurant located at 380 Elgin Street. They now offer strictly takeout/delivery service provided through a walkup window found on the lower level of the street (a little difficult to find as signage is not great). Shelby Burger offers a limited menu consisting of four varieties of smashburgers and one crispy chicken sandwich, along with the usual sides. We ordered the single “Carroll” burger described as shaved onions smashed into local beef, American cheese, pickles, Shelby sauce on Martins’ potato bun. While the burger itself was not dry, it was however devoid of any observable juices/fat. The burger/bun ration was spot on and the bun had a nice toast. The cheese was as one would expect and the sauce was tasty and not excessive. In short, an overall tasty burger. Regrettably, the fries at Shelby Burger were a commercially available frozen variety and as such, I will not comment on them any further. Overall rating of burger: 8/10.

Eva’s Chip WagonWith the return of warmer weather (in theory), I was looking forward to trying this establishment locate...
04/20/2026

Eva’s Chip Wagon

With the return of warmer weather (in theory), I was looking forward to trying this establishment located at 5496 Bank St in Gloucester as I had read several positive reviews. Eva’s offers the traditional chip stand fare as well as other non-traditional items such as pierogis, schnitzel and cabbage rolls. However, as this page is dedicated to cheeseburgers that is what we ordered. Although Eva’s advertises a locally sourced 6 oz burger (dressed according to your preference) we found that the burger/bun ratio leaned more towards more bun than burger. My son and I were greatly disappointed by the overall cook on the burger itself as we found it firm, dry, and devoid of any observable juices/fat. Further, the crust bordered on being burnt while the cheese was crispy, not melty, and its flavour was difficult to discern. While the bun was fresh, it would have benefitted from being warmed up. The fresh cut fries were crispy, golden-brown and delicious.

We realize that anyone can have an off day and our experience was not in keeping with the numerous positive reviews provided by this establishment’s loyal followers. However, it is what it is and whereas I would normally have returned my burger for replacement, unfortunately, time did not allow. Overall rating of burger: 3/10.

Bamm’s Snack ShackBamm’s Snack Shack is located at 74 Cobourg St. (Lowertown). A little off the beaten path, I just lear...
03/19/2026

Bamm’s Snack Shack

Bamm’s Snack Shack is located at 74 Cobourg St. (Lowertown). A little off the beaten path, I just learned of this family run establishment as the result of their notice of impending closure at the end of this month (apparently, they are unable to keep up with demand). This establishment boasts traditional fare including burgers, hotdogs, fresh cut fries/poutine, as well as pizza and “Dine sans Bovine” options. My son and I ordered the Bamm burger which included two 3 oz patties lettuce, pickles (a lot!), onions, and their signature Bamm sauce on a sesame seed bun. Although I give this establishment kudos for grinding their own meat (brisket), we found the texture of the patties to be a little spongy. Further, while the patties had light grill marks the desirable outside sear/crust was sadly missing. I personally found that their seasoning blend was a little overriding and reminiscent of meatloaf. The bun/burger ration was spot on although the bun was somewhat stale and would have benefited from toasting. In a similar manner, the cheese should have been allowed to melt on the burger prior to plating. As with some of my other reviews, we felt that the sauce could have been applied a bit more sparingly. The fresh cut fries were plentiful, crispy, golden-brown and excellent. Overall rating of burger: 7/10.
On a side note, I sincerely hope that someone takes over this establishment which is a dearly loved by so many in the Lowertown community.

Al’s Drive-inAl's Drive-in is located at 5657 Osgoode Main St, Osgoode, ON. Although separate from Ottawa, Osgoode is st...
03/04/2026

Al’s Drive-in

Al's Drive-in is located at 5657 Osgoode Main St, Osgoode, ON. Although separate from Ottawa, Osgoode is still considered part of the National Capital Region. Al’s Drive-in is a small stand with outdoor seating (seasonal), which surprised me by being open at the beginning of March given that all their seating was completely covered with snow! This establishment boasts traditional burgers, creamy milkshakes and fresh cut fries, as well as the ubiquitous smashburgers found throughout the city. For consistency’s sake, I ordered the double smash burger which includes melty cheese, pickles, and their signature Al’s sauce on a toasted bun. My son ordered the spicy version. I am please to report that these burgers did not disappoint. Although I could not discern any visible juice in the burger patties, they were by no means dry and all other rating criteria were successfully met. My only critique is I felt that the sauce could have been applied a bit more sparingly as the burger was somewhat sloppy particularly as it was combined with the melty cheese. Although the fresh cut shoestring style fries were only moderately crispy, they were golden-brown and delicious. Overall rating of burger: 9.5/10.

Rock’N DeliOk, this one surprised me. Rock’N Deli opened this past September in the Food Court of the CF Rideau Centre l...
02/05/2026

Rock’N Deli

Ok, this one surprised me. Rock’N Deli opened this past September in the Food Court of the CF Rideau Centre located at 50 Rideau St. They advertise ‘famous smoked meat sandwiches and juicy smash burgers’ and as my son had previously sampled their smoked meat/Reuben sandwich and was suitably impressed, we decided to try their burgers. As I said, I was pleasantly surprised as I did not anticipate such a quality offering from a shopping centre food court. The grill is up front so you can watch your burger being made and the burger itself is dressed to order (although grilled onions and their special sauce appear to be standard). The patties were crisp, yet juicy and extended beyond the confines of the toasted brioche bun which stood up well. Our only criticism was the person who dressed the bun appeared to be a little heavy-handed with the sauce resulting in a somewhat sloppy burger – more so towards the end. We also would have appreciated a second slice of cheese as offered by most other smash burger purveyors we have reviewed. The fries were commercially available frozen ‘fresh cut’ and were unremarkable. Overall rating of burger: 9.5/10.

No Forks GivenLocated in Sandy Hill at 191 Somerset Street East, No Forks Given is another establishment that claims to ...
01/30/2026

No Forks Given

Located in Sandy Hill at 191 Somerset Street East, No Forks Given is another establishment that claims to be “proudly serving the best Smash Burgers in town”. While on past occasions we have thoroughly enjoyed their hand-pressed cheeseburgers, I was surprised to note on this visit that they have apparently replaced their hand-pressed burger offerings with smash burgers consisting of two three-ounce smash patties (although the online Skip menu still lists the hand-pressed version - go figure). In any event, my son, his partner, and I all ordered the cheeseburger described as two 3 oz smash patties, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onions, mayo and ketchup on a brioche bun. Although tasty, we all felt that the patties that while crispy, were not quite as juicy as our experiences in previous non-smash burger visits. We also felt that the brioche bun was a little dry and did not stand up well to the burger and condiments. The fresh cut fries were plentiful, crispy, golden-brown and excellent. Overall rating of burger: 8/10.

Burger LoversThis small, primarily take-out establishment located at 225 Laurier Ave East describes itself as a “premier...
01/07/2026

Burger Lovers

This small, primarily take-out establishment located at 225 Laurier Ave East describes itself as a “premier and authentic burger restaurant”. In addition to their ‘signature’ burgers, both classic and smash burger options are available. All burgers are dressed to order. I ordered the smash burger while my son ordered the classic double cheeseburger. While my burger was crispy yet juicy, my son found that his patties were somewhat dry. While the sesame bun stood up to the classic double, I found that the smash burger would have benefitted from a smaller bun. My son and I were both disappointed to note that the standard cheese slices were split in two and divided between the patties as opposed to the typical one slice per patty found elsewhere. While the owner was quite proud of his signature seasoning blend which is incorporated into the meat, I personally found it to be overriding, which left a lingering aftertaste. As for the fries, they were unfortunately, a commercially available frozen/coated variety and not worth ordering. Overall rating: 7/10.

01/07/2026

When I first began this page, it was my intent to focus my reviews on those smaller, but ubiquitous chip stands/trucks that everyone loves (although I have reviewed some small/local brick and mortar establishment). However, as winter is now upon us (and as I have no intention to stop eating burgers until such time as warmer weather heralds the return of outdoor burger joints), I accept that I will now have to expand my forays to include more permanent edifices if this page is to remain relevant and hopefully, engaging. Thanks to all those who have visited and/or are following this page.

Vera’s Burger ShackVera’s is located inside The Butchery, a premier butcher shop located at 1821 Robertson Road (Bells C...
12/03/2025

Vera’s Burger Shack

Vera’s is located inside The Butchery, a premier butcher shop located at 1821 Robertson Road (Bells Corners) in Ottawa. While the majority of the establishments reviewed cook their burgers on a flat top grill, Vera’s is unique in that it flame-broils their burgers so you get that unique ‘grilled’ flavour. It is also noteworthy that Vera’s grinds their own meat daily and offers up the traditional hand-formed patty (i.e., not a smash burger). Customers also select their condiments of choice. We have visited Vera’s on numerous occasions and they never disappoint. Great texture, cooked to a measured interior temperature with still a hint of pink, and a bun which holds everything together. Fries were plentiful but unfortunately, not fresh cut. Overall rating of burger: 10/10.

Umbrella BurgerUmbrella Burger has two small brick and mortar locations in Ottawa located at 2183 Ogilvie Road (Gloucest...
11/19/2025

Umbrella Burger

Umbrella Burger has two small brick and mortar locations in Ottawa located at 2183 Ogilvie Road (Gloucester), and 186 Preston Street (Little Italy). Umbrella Burger is unique from other burger purveyors in that aside from the usual side dishes, their compact menu only has two offering – crispy edged smashburgers and spicy fried chicken sandwiches. The burgers are delicious and satisfy all the criteria to be called a great burger. The burger itself had a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior, and was not overshadowed by the bun which itself had a nice chew and stood up to the condiments. The thick cut and golden-brown fries were excellent (spicy curly fires are also available). Overall rating of burger: 10/10.

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