• Menu

Foodie Review – Dick’s Drive-in & Dairy Dip on Merivale in Ottawa

A Veggie Burger at Dick’s

Many French assume that North American food is necessarily junk food. But as I realized when I came to Canada, there is a huge difference between your usual sad-looking fast-food combo and the food served in local greasy spoons.

Yes, there is such a thing as a good burger.

Just go to Dick’s. Inspired by classic 1950s diners, this friendly family-owned place offers all the traditional North American fares: fries, onion rings, burgers, milkshakes, hot dogs, etc. Yes, this is not the place to go if you’re on a diet but hitting a burger joint once in a while can’t hurt, right?

Dick’s took over an old Dunkin Donuts, so the shape of the building will probably look familiar to some. There is plenty of parking space and a little patio with picnic tables on the side during the summer. However, don’t expect a scenic view, unless you consider Merivale Road a scenic place.

Inside, it feels like stepping into the 1950s: rock’n’roll music plays (not too loud so it’s not annoying) and old ads such as Coke’s and Dr. Pepper’s and displayed on the wall. There are six booths for four people, a smaller one for two people and seating space along the window.

The specialty of the place is, of course, burgers. The meat patties are cooked over charcoal and yes, it does make a big difference. Many unique types of meat are available, including kangaroo, bison, ostrich and the good old-fashioned beef patty. Even though I’m not a strict vegetarian, I must admit I have a fondness for their veggie burger. The patty is made with black beans, herbs and spices—try it, it’s surprisingly tasty and spicy! Fries are hand cut and onion rings are made fresh. The portions are huge, and we usually split a regular order between the two of us.

Food is made to order but service is relatively fast and extremely friendly. I personally find prices are fair considering the portions and the quality but those used to Mcdonald’s will find the prices higher. For a burger, fries and a drink, it’s about $10 to $13.

Give it a shot and experience burgers the way they should be!

The Good

  • Generous with coupons! There is often a way to get a good deal (check out the “coupon” section on their website).
  • Caters to vegetarians with their awesome Veggie Burger!
  • Friendly family place with great service.

The Bad

  • Not a place for large groups: the booths are for four people, six maybe if you can squeeze in a bit.
  • Closed on Sundays.
  • A bit out of the way for downtown people.

At a glance

1485 Merivale Rd (dickshamburgers.com)

Mon-Wed. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Thu-Sat. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Fries in the Combo
Share this article!
Zhu

French woman in English Canada.

Exploring the world with my camera since 1999, translating sentences for a living, writing stories that may or may not get attention.

Firm believer that nobody is normal... and it’s better this way.

View stories

Leave a Reply to Zhu Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

21 comments