Smash Daddy Ottawa Review – Incredible Smash Burgers and Perfectly Crispy Fries in Bell’s Corners – Average EV Score: 8.5/10
Reviewed by Tastes of Ottawa
Each dish is rated using our EV Score (Enjoyment-to-Value Score), based on enjoyment, price paid, and benchmark pricing.
Table of Contents
Smash Daddy Restaurant Overview
2235 Robertson Rd, Ottawa, ON K2H 9M2
Smash Daddy has quickly built a reputation as one of Ottawa’s best burger spots, and it’s easy to see why. They now have several locations across town, with the original located in Little Italy, but this review focuses on their Bell’s Corners food truck at 2235 Robertson Road.
This spot is very straightforward: a food truck setup with a few benches available outside for seating. The emphasis is on grabbing your food quickly and enjoying it outdoors, which works perfectly for their menu. It’s casual, convenient, and has that no-frills style that matches the simplicity of their offerings.
One of the things I like most about Smash Daddy is their simple menu. They don’t try to do too much. Instead, they focus on what they do best: smash burgers and fries. I’ve never been a fan of restaurants that try to cover every type of cuisine or fusion spots where nothing really stands out. Smash Daddy takes the opposite approach, and it works. Their food feels refined because they’ve put all their energy into perfecting just a couple of items.
The burgers here genuinely remind me of Shake Shack burgers. They’ve nailed the balance of a crispy, caramelized smash patty paired with a soft bun, just like Shake Shack is known for. Among people I know, Smash Daddy consistently gets mentioned as one of the top burger places in Ottawa, and after trying it myself, I have to agree.
Would return?: Yes.
Smash Daddy Burger
😋 Enjoyment: 8.5/10
💰 Price Paid: $13
🎯 Benchmark Price: $13
📊 EV Score: 8.5/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
This burger is as close to perfect as a smash burger can get. The beef patty is flattened on the griddle to create those crispy, caramelized edges, while still keeping the middle juicy and flavourful. It’s exactly what a smash burger should be — crunchy where it needs to be, tender where it counts.
The bun is soft and slightly sweet, complementing the savoury beef without overpowering it. It holds everything together well without falling apart or becoming soggy. Toppings are minimal but effective, letting the quality of the beef shine through.
Every bite felt balanced and satisfying. It’s the kind of burger that hits all the right notes without needing any gimmicks or unnecessary extras.
Fries
😋 Enjoyment: 8.5/10
💰 Price Paid: $6
🎯 Benchmark Price: $6
📊 EV Score: 8.5/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
The fries are every bit as good as the burgers, which is saying something. They’re hand-cut, double-fried, and seasoned with Smash Daddy’s signature smash seasoning. The result is fries that are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and addictive from the first bite.
The portion size is generous, so you get plenty for the price, and they pair beautifully with the burgers. I always recommend getting one of their dipping sauces on the side — it takes the fries to the next level.
These fries are easily some of the best in Ottawa. They don’t try to reinvent the wheel, but they’re executed perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Smash Daddy is one of those restaurants that proves less is more. By keeping the menu simple and focusing on burgers and fries, they’ve managed to perfect both. Their food has that comforting familiarity of a Shake Shack burger but with its own Ottawa flair.
The Bell’s Corners location is convenient with outdoor benches for seating, but the experience is really about the food, not the setting. With multiple locations across the city, including the original in Little Italy, they’re clearly expanding to meet demand, and it’s no surprise.
The burgers are outstanding, the fries are just as good, and together they make for one of the most satisfying casual meals you can get in Ottawa. While it’s not the kind of place where you sit down for a drawn-out dining experience, that’s not the point. Smash Daddy is about quality fast food done right, and in that category, they’re at the top of their game.
For me, it’s easy to see why so many people rank this among the best burger spots in Ottawa. The food is consistently good, reasonably priced for the quality, and memorable in a way that a lot of fast-casual spots simply aren’t.
If you’re craving a smash burger and fries that hit all the right notes, Smash Daddy is absolutely worth the trip.