Ottawa Newbie

Ahh- the question many of us have longed for an answer to at least once in our lives. We all love a juicy, loaded, classic burger moment. Whether it be your ultimate comfort dish, restaurant order go-to, or late-night accompaniment- sometimes, nothing can beat a great burger. The question is, what are the best burgers in Ottawa?

In addition to having the pleasure to have dined at over 200 restaurants in Ottawa, I have also been well immersed in the local food scene for over 3 years. With this, and with the two-sense of many Ottawa locals, I have compiled a list ranking some of the best overall burgers in Ottawa. 

5. The Gilmour

Location: 313 Bank Street
Price: $13 for a burger and fries.
Suggestion: Their Dirty Burger features a 6-ounce Canadian patty loaded with all the fixings, and comes with crispy fries. 

You’ve heard of The Gilmour ‘eh? This bar screams Canadian nostalgia and just happens to be home to one of the best bang-for-your-buck burgers in Ottawa. Their menu is small but very mighty. Be sure to add a side of gravy to your fries- theirs is some of the best. 

4. Burgers n’ Fries Forever

Location: 329 Bank Street
Price: $8 to $10 for their singles and $13 to $16 for their combos.
Suggestion: They offer rotating trendy-themed burger features that change each month.

Choose from 10 different burgers, 7 different fries, and 5 different housemade dips at this fun and fresh burger joint. Most of their options are available in a hearty combo or solo. This spot is definitely more of a take-out style eatery but the food is so good, it even travels well. Can you believe it?

3. Al’s Steakhouse

Location: 327 Elgin Street
Price: $13 for their happy hour sliders available Monday through Thursday from 3:00 to 6:00 and $18 to $24 for their dinner options offered daily.

Did you know that arguably one of the best steakhouses in Ottawa also does amazing burgers? The cool thing is, there are really three different ways that you can go about enjoying them. The best is with their feature happy hour special. It includes three mini sliders with all of the fixings…and is topped with their not-so-secret sauce. In the middle is their classic cheeseburger option which is served as a full meal. Lastly, if you are looking for a real higher-end take, you can opt for their steak burger ($24) which is a double patty house grind topped with bacon jam, aged cheddar, and onion straws. Yeah…it’s hard to choose. 

2. Gburger – Gitanes Burger

Location: 380 Elgin Street
Price: $5.50 for their ‘little guys’ which are generously-sized sliders, and $9 to $15.50 for their ‘big guys which are full-sized burgers.
Suggestion: A great entry-level pick is their Single Avec Fromage which has onions, pickles, lettuce, special sauce, and American cheese.

When gourmet meets fast food…you have G Burger. This burger-focused eatery has to be one of the most unique patty-flipping spots in Ottawa. The space is very retro diner-esque and they offer an upscale take on all of your drive-thru favorites. They even have chicken nuggets! 

1. Chez Lucien

Location: 137 Murray Street
Price: $20 for a burger with fries and salad.
Suggestion: A fan favorite is their Bourgeois Burger with pear, sautéed onions, and brie cheese.

Known mainly by the locals, Chez Lucien is dubbed by many as an Ottawa treasure. So much so, getting a table is a near equivalent to striking gold. If you are able to get lucky to be able to snag a reservation though, you are sure to be greeted by large plates, the coziest atmosphere, and the best fries there are.

All contents of this article are formed from the opinions made and concluded on my own.