Baja Burger Shack – Stunning Location, Underwhelming Burger, Good Fries – Average EV Score: 5.8/10
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
Baja Burger Shack Restaurant Overview
102 Greenview Ave, Ottawa, ON K2B 5Z6
Baja Burger Shack at Britannia Beach is in a lively, beachside location that’s buzzing with volleyball games, families, and summer energy. Its biggest appeal is definitely the convenience of being right by the beach. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, and you can tell it’s meant to be a place you stop by for a quick bite when you’re already spending the day outdoors.
The seating setup reflects that vibe. It’s only outdoor seating, with simple plastic tables and chairs scattered around. There’s an okay amount of seating, but it’s not really designed for large groups or long dining experiences. It’s more of a grab-your-food, sit down for a bit, and then head back to the beach kind of spot. Because of this, I wouldn’t recommend driving out of your way just to eat here. It’s not the kind of destination restaurant where the food itself justifies the trip. For me, it’s really just a place I’ll go if I’m already at Britannia Beach and want something quick and casual.
Despite the great setting, the food has become less reliable over the years. The burger, which was once well known as one of the better beachside burgers in the city, just isn’t what it used to be. I remember when people used to rave about it, myself included, but on my recent visit it felt like the quality had dropped off significantly. Thankfully, the fries are still a solid choice, but overall, it feels like the restaurant is leaning more on its location than on its menu.
Would return?: Maybe, but only if I’m already there and just for the fries.
Baja Burger
😋 Enjoyment: 5.5/10
💰 Price Paid: $11
🎯 Benchmark Price: $9
📊 EV Score: 4.5/10
🔁 Order Again?: No.
The burger used to be one of the main reasons to stop by Baja Burger Shack. It had a reputation for being surprisingly good given the casual beachside setup. Unfortunately, that reputation doesn’t hold up anymore. On my last visit, the burger was underwhelming to the point of being forgettable.
The patty itself lacked flavour and didn’t have much to offer in terms of seasoning or texture. The toppings didn’t elevate it either, and overall it just felt like something thrown together without much care. The only redeeming element was the bun, which was soft, fresh, and held everything together nicely. But a good bun isn’t enough to save a burger when the patty is so plain. I finished it only because I had already paid for it, not because I was enjoying it.
It’s disappointing, because I know this used to be a solid burger and people went out of their way to recommend it. At this point, though, it feels like the food quality has slipped and the burger no longer lives up to the hype it once had.
Fries
😋 Enjoyment: 7/10
💰 Price Paid: $8
🎯 Benchmark Price: $8
📊 EV Score: 7/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
The fries were the saving grace of the meal. I asked for them extra crispy, and they came out exactly how I wanted — golden, crunchy, and satisfying with every bite. A few pieces were a bit hollow, more shell than potato, but overall they still worked. What really impressed me was the portion size. For $8, you get a very generous serving, to the point that I couldn’t even finish them. They also had just the right amount of salt, which made them very snackable.
If I come back to Baja Burger Shack, it’ll be for the fries alone. They’re simple but satisfying, and they’re the kind of thing you can easily share while hanging out on the beach.
Final Thoughts
Baja Burger Shack is a restaurant that thrives more on its location than its food. Being right at Britannia Beach gives it a built-in audience, and it’s a convenient stop if you’re already in the area. The casual style, plastic tables and chairs, and outdoor-only seating fit the beachside setting, but they also make it clear that this isn’t meant to be a polished dining experience.
As a beach snack shack, it works. But as a restaurant you’d drive across the city to visit, it doesn’t. The burger, once the highlight of the menu, has lost its edge and no longer feels like something worth going out of your way for. The fries are still solid, and I’d happily order them again if I were nearby, but they’re not enough to make Baja Burger Shack a destination.
At the end of the day, this is a place you go for convenience, not for standout food. If you’re spending the day at Britannia Beach, it’s a fine option to grab something quick and casual. But if you’re looking for great burgers in Ottawa, there are plenty of other places that deserve the trip more.