Sandy Hill Lounge & Grill - Ottawa

I initially came to this restaurant for the burger, but ended up being impressed by the wings! I noticed that Sandy Hill Lounge and Grill was ranked as the second best burger joint in town, right after Baja Burger.

My boyfriend and I were in the mood for a good burger. So we decided to look up some reviews and decided to try this place out. It was 8:30pm on a Saturday, we were hoping that it wouldn't be busy and we would be able to get a spot. Luckily that was the case and it wasn't too busy. There where about 6 tables free and we were able to choose a spot as the waiter/bartender/hostess was extremely busy with customers. The restaurant was warm and cozy, the decor was old and not very inviting but has history of Ottawa to pass the time. All beer is on tap and Moosehead seems to be the choice. There was an alcohol and beer special where everything was $5.25 There were many regulars at the bar and were quite loud at some points, but they seemed to be having a good time. The multi employee was very polite and seemed knowledgeable. We ordered the Swiss bites and soup to start, they were both very delicious and worth the cost. The soup was more like a stew with hearty chunks of beef and veggies, served with a warmed buttered bun. The swiss bites were breaded curd like cheese deep fried with ranch dressing, was hot and tasted great. We both ordered the super happy double burger with cheese tomato, pickled onions, pickles, lettuce and bacon. I upgraded to a Poutine with my burger and my BF got fries. The burger came out a little slower than the apps but we were surprised to see how large it was. I instantly regretted get an app, but was ready to tackle it head on. First bite was a doozy, trying to wrap your mouth around this ginormous burger. It was tasty and seemed to be charbroiled or something along that line. It was slightly burnt and cooked well. I don't mind my burger cooked very well, but my boyfriend on the other hand found the burger too dry and tough. The Poutine was a thin gravy that kinda sunk to the bottom and didn't really coat the cheese to melt anything, but the fries were crispy and seemed to be fresh cut. Maybe we came too late in the day and got some warmed up patties. But the place has true potential to have a great burger. We will try again at a decent time before I make a full yay or nay verdict.

The burger I had (the Molly) was exceptional. It could easily feed two humans, it was hot and juicy and this version (there are many Mollys) was stuffed with jalapenos and cheese. So that was great. However, there is a general feeling that nobody is really watching the store. Details don't appear to have gotten any attention. Ambiance is sort of "thrown together" haphazard rather than clean organized or curated - but whatever - to each their own. However, if you have a chalkboard on which you write drafts - then perhaps you could have those drafts. Not tell me "oh, that's old". Don't put up a Beau's sign, then not have Beau's. Don't put Dominion Brewery t-shirts on staff, then not have that either. Staff was friendly and fairly attentive. Good eats, and the beer was good and cold, but keep expectations under control - and you should have a good visit.

My husband and I had the bacon cheese burger special: they were delicious, and huge! Fries were also excellent, both sweet potato and regular. Service was excellent. The only negative was the limited menu.

We were 6 and we had a very good meal and the price was very reasonable. my suft and turf/ with pasta was excellent. perfect steak with vegetables and pasta. from afar my best meal in ottawa!