Watch out, Ottawa; there’s a new burger place in town. Burgers on Main is located on Sommerset between Bank and O’Connor. Also referred to as BOM, Burgers on Main first opened in Manotick in October 2011. Since then, the restaurant has been quite successful and is quickly becoming an important member of the community.
Because of its success, owner Jonathan Crow decided to open a second restaurant in downtown Ottawa when the location became available. According to Crow, this location was too good to pass up: “I saw the potential to bring a good burger place in downtown Ottawa,” says Crow. “The location seemed like a good fit.”
For Burgers on Main, it’s really important to use local ingredients. “The idea behind opening the first restaurant [in Manotick] was for the community to support itself,” says Crow. “By serving local beef, we support local suppliers.” In addition, Burgers on Main serves local beer on tap, including Beau’s from Vankleek Hill. Another favourite on tap is Sommerby’s, a drink only available in Ontario.
The menu is simple and straightforward, which is what Crow was aiming for. Both locations offer the same menu and every item is also available for take-out. In the downtown location, Burgers on Main offers a daily soup and sandwich combo for patrons. The restaurant will soon offer a pasta special; it is also considering the possibility of offering a monthly “feature” burger.
In addition to their signature burgers, here are a few highlights from the BOM menu:
– Flour dipped onion rings, crunchier and fluffier than those dipped in beer batter.
– Hot dogs, made with great Angus Beef.
– BOM’s poutine includes their own, homemade gravy.
– Rib drumettes, bigger and better than wings.
– Side dishes, including sweet potatoe fries, chili fries, bacon mac & cheese.
– Vegetarian options are available.
– There is a large selection of items on the kids’ menu.
– All items on the menu are geared for take-out.
One of the unique features of Burgers on Main is the retro-style popcorn machine. As soon as you sit down, you are offered some popcorn to munch on, while you browse your menu. Crow wanted to offer something other than bread to the customers to snack on. ” Popcorn seemed like a great idea” he said. “The machine looks great and it makes great popcorn.” You can smell the popcorn before you even enter the restaurant.
The restaurant also features a classic Coca-Cola refrigerator with soda in glass bottles. However, they still serve fountain drinks as well for those who prefer it. In addition to its entrees, the menu also includes treats for everyone. Other than desserts, there are various types of floats and milk shakes. For an extra little kick, adults can order an x-rated shake, which contains two ounces of alcohol.
Although Burgers on Main is still in its early stage, there are big plans ahead. Management would like to offer live music a few nights during the week and host an open mic night once a week. Other than their great menu, Burgers on Main offers a private dining room upstairs. This room is available for private parties for all occasions. With the nice, warm weather upon us, BOM’s large outdoor patio is a great spot to meet up with friends and enjoy a nice, cold drink.
Burgers on Main believes in getting involved in the community. In Manotick, the restaurant supports local hockey and sports teams, donating both food and money for various community events. The downtown restaurant will be one of the participating restaurant in “A Taste for Life“. Taking place on April 25th, 25% of the sales of selected products will go to Bruce House and the Snowy Owl AIDS Foundation.
So how does the restaurant describe itself? “We are a burger place first and foremost but we are also a family-style restaurant,” says Crow. The restaurant caters to all crowds and all ages groups. There is a social and fun atmosphere and the staff is quite friendly.
If you find yourself in the neighbourhood and you’ve gathered quite an appetite, then challenge yourself and order a platter. Portions are quite large so brace yourself!
Burgers on Main is located at 343 Sommerset Street West.