If there is one fast-food burger chain that holds a special place in the hearts of Canadians, it is Harvey’s. Known for its smoky, backyard-BBQ flavour and unparalleled customization, Harvey’s has been a staple in Canada for over 65 years. For Ottawa residents and visitors alike, craving that perfect flame-grilled patty is easy to satisfy with numerous locations scattered across the city.
But Harvey’s is far more than just another burger chain. What makes this Canadian institution unique is the Garnish Counter—a legendary experience where you build your burger right in front of the grillmaster, choosing from dozens of toppings to create your perfect combination. It’s a ritual that has captivated Canadians for decades, turning a simple fast-food meal into an interactive experience that puts you in control of what goes on your plate.
Whether you’re a student at the University of Ottawa grabbing a quick lunch between classes, a family heading to the suburbs for weekend errands, or a visitor exploring what makes Ottawa’s food scene unique, Harvey’s offers a satisfying, customizable burger experience that’s become a Canadian institution.
A Slice of Canadian History: From 1959 to Today
Long before the golden arches of McDonald’s appeared in Canada, Harvey’s was already firing up the grill and serving up flame-kissed burgers to hungry Canadians. The brand was founded in 1959 by Richard Mauran in Richmond Hill, Ontario, a northern suburb of Toronto that was just beginning its transformation into a major urban centre.
Interestingly, Mauran originally intended to name his restaurant “Humphrey’s.” However, fate intervened when he was reading the Toronto Telegram one day and spotted an advertisement for a closing car dealership on Danforth Avenue called “Harvey’s.” Something about the name clicked, and Mauran purchased the dealership’s sign, slapping it onto his first restaurant. A Canadian icon was born.
The original Harvey’s was a simple operation—focused on serving quality burgers at affordable prices, grilled over an open flame to create that distinctive smoky flavour that would become the brand’s signature. The concept was revolutionary for its time: a fast-food burger that actually tasted like it was cooked on a backyard barbecue, not mass-produced on an industrial griddle.
Today, Harvey’s remains 100% Canadian-owned and operated, a rare feat in an industry dominated by multinational corporations. They are deeply committed to their roots, sourcing 100% Canadian beef, potatoes, and dairy, while also partnering with Tree Canada to plant hundreds of thousands of trees across the country. This commitment to Canadian sourcing isn’t just marketing—it’s a core value that has defined the brand for over six decades.
What Makes Harvey’s Special: The Flame Grill & Garnish Counter
What separates Harvey’s from the sea of fast-food competitors? It boils down to two distinct features that have made the brand famous: the flame grill and the legendary Garnish Counter.
Harvey’s has been flame-grilling burgers since 1959, creating that distinctive smoky backyard-BBQ flavour that keeps Canadians coming back.
Flame-Grilled Perfection
While most burger chains griddle their patties on flat-top surfaces, Harvey’s cooks theirs over an open flame, searing in a distinctive smoky flavour that tastes exactly like a summer backyard barbecue. The flame grill creates those beautiful char marks on the patty and infuses the meat with a smoky, slightly caramelized exterior that you simply cannot replicate with gas or electric equipment.
The beef is 100% Canadian, and the patties are made fresh daily at each location. There’s no frozen patties here—each burger is grilled to order, ensuring that smoky, juicy flavour that Harvey’s is known for.
The Garnish Counter: Your Burger, Your Way
But the real magic happens at the Garnish Counter. For decades, Harvey’s has operated on the philosophy of “Your Burger, Your Way.” Instead of assembling the burger behind a wall where you can’t see what happening, the freshly grilled patty is placed right in front of you behind a glass counter. You then act as the director, guiding the “garnish artist” to build your perfect burger from over 67 million possible combinations.
This experience is uniquely Harvey’s. You can watch your patty being cooked, then step up to the counter and customize every element:
- Bun options: Classic bun, whole wheat, lettuce wrap (for low-carb)
- Cheese choices: Cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, processed cheese
- Fresh vegetables: Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cucumber, banana peppers, jalapeños
- Sauces: Mayo, ketchup, mustard, Harvey’s famous “Harv Sauce,” BBQ sauce, ghost pepper sauce
- Specialty toppings: Bacon, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, coleslaw
The staff are trained to accommodate pretty much any request, and there’s no extra charge for extra toppings. You can load your burger sky-high with everything you want, creating a completely personalized meal.
This hands-on, highly personalized ritual is the very essence of their famous slogan: “It’s a beautiful thing.” The phrase has become synonymous with the Harvey’s experience, appearing in advertisements and become part of Canadian cultural lexicon.
All Harvey’s Locations in Ottawa: Hours, Addresses, and Practical Info
Harvey’s has numerous locations across Ottawa, making it easy to find one near you. Here’s the complete breakdown:
Centretown / Downtown
216 Elgin Street
Located in the heart of Ottawa’s downtown core, near the Elgin Street restaurant row, this location is popular with office workers and downtown residents.
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Parking: Paid street parking or nearby city lots. No drive-thru at this location.
- Vibe: Urban, convenient for downtown workers and visitors exploring the city.
- Nearby: Close to the National Arts Centre and several Elgin Street restaurants.
The Glebe / Carleton Area
564 Bronson Avenue
Located near the Carleton University area, this Harvey’s is a favourite among students and local residents.
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight)
- Parking: Small dedicated parking lot fills quickly during peak times. Street parking on side streets often required.
- Vibe: Casual, popular with university students and Glebe neighbourhood families.
- Nearby: Close to Carleton University and the Glebe neighbourhood.
West End / Nepean
1270 Baseline Road
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight)
- Parking: Standalone location with drive-thru. Spacious, free parking lot.
- Vibe: Suburban, convenient for families and those in the west end.
- Nearby: Near the Baseline Road commercial corridor with various shopping options.
1650 Merivale Road
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 1:00 AM (1 AM on weekends)
- Parking: Busy commercial plaza with ample free shared parking. Great for late-night cravings—this is one of the latest-closing Harvey’s locations in Ottawa.
- Vibe: High-traffic location popular with west-end residents.
- Nearby: Part of the Merivale Road shopping strip, one of Ottawa’s busiest commercial areas.
2150 Carling Avenue
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Parking: Near Carlingwood Shopping Centre. Dedicated lot, no drive-thru.
- Vibe: Shopping-oriented, convenient for those running errands at Carlingwood.
- Nearby: Adjacent to Carlingwood Shopping Centre.
South / Riverside
4010 Riverside Drive
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight)
- Parking: Popular combination Harvey’s and St-Hubert location. Drive-thru and massive shared parking lot.
- Vibe: Unique co-location with St-Hubert (a famous Quebec rotisserie chicken chain), making it a one-stop meal destination.
- Nearby: Near the South Keys area and the Riverside Drive commercial district.
2430 Bank Street (Near South Keys)
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight)
- Parking: Plaza location with plenty of free parking. No drive-thru.
- Vibe: South Ottawa staple, popular with families and commuters.
- Nearby: Near the South Keys shopping area and the Bank Street corridor.
East End / Late Night
660 Montreal Road
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 4:00 AM
- Parking: The ultimate destination for night owls! This location stays open incredibly late—until 4 AM—making it perfect for late-night cravings after a night out. Standard plaza parking.
- Vibe: The legendary late-night Harvey’s destination. This is where Ottawa’s night crowds come when the bars close.
- Nearby: In the Montreal Road commercial area, near various east-end bars and restaurants.
1899 Cyrville Road
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight)
- Parking: Features convenient drive-thru and dedicated parking lot.
- Vibe: Suburban east-end location popular with families.
- Nearby: Near the Cyrville area and quick access to Highway 417.
Complete Menu & Prices: What to Order and How Much It Costs
Here’s the full breakdown of Harvey’s menu prices (note: prices are in Canadian Dollars and may vary slightly by location):
Flame-Grilled Burgers
| Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Original Burger | $6.39 | The classic flame-grilled patty. Simple, satisfying, iconic. |
| Double Original Burger | $7.79 | Double patty, double fun. Two flame-grilled beef patties. |
| Veggie Burger | $6.39 | Plant-based option for non-meat eaters. |
| Angus Burger | $7.19 – $7.69 | Premium Angus beef for those who want something more premium. |
| Angus Burger with Cheese & Bacon | $9.29 | Loaded up with melted cheese and crispy bacon. |
| BIG Harv Original | $9.09 | For big appetites. Larger patty, same great flame-grilled flavour. |
| BIG Harv Angus | $11.19 | Premium Angus beef in extra-large format. |
Chicken Classics
| Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy Chicken | $7.99 | Classic crispy fried chicken patty. |
| Grilled Chicken | $7.99 | For a healthier option—grilled, not fried. |
| Buffalo Chicken | $8.29 | Crispy chicken with spicy buffalo sauce. |
| Chicken BLT Wrap | $9.59 | Wrapped and ready. Chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato in a tortilla. |
| Chicken Nuggets (5pc) | $4.99 | Classic crispy nuggets. |
| Chicken Nuggets (12pc) | $11.99 | Larger serving for bigger appetites. |
Iconic Sides & Poutines
| Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fries | $3.49 – $4.79 | Classic side. Fresh-cut fries, crispy and delicious. |
| Onion Rings | $3.49 – $4.79 | Thick-cut onion rings, beer-battered. |
| Frings (Half fries, half rings) | $3.79 – $4.59 | The perfect compromise—get both! |
| Deep Fried Pickles | $4.99 | Crunchy and tangy. A popular appetizer. |
| Classic Poutine | $5.99 – $7.49 | Canadian classic—fries, cheese curds, gravy. |
| Buffalo Bacon Double Cheese Poutine | $7.49 – $8.49 | Loaded up with bacon, buffalo sauce, and extra cheese. |
Sweets & Shakes
| Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-Spun Milkshake (Chocolate) | $3.79 – $4.59 | Thick, creamy, classic. |
| Hand-Spun Milkshake (Vanilla) | $3.79 – $4.59 | Smooth and classic. |
| Hand-Spun Milkshake (Strawberry) | $3.79 – $4.59 | Fruity and sweet. |
| Premium Shake (OREO) | $3.99 | Extra indulgent—crushed Oreo cookies blended in. |
| Premium Shake (SKOR) | $4.29 | SKOR toffee pieces for extra caramel goodness. |
| Hot Apple Pie | $2.29 | Sweet ending to your meal. |
Value Menu
| Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Melt | $4.89 | Simple grilled cheese with toppings. |
| Bagel and Cheddar | $4.99 | A breakfast-inspired option. |
| Bagel and Swiss | $4.99 | Savory breakfast bagel. |
Note: Prices are estimates in Canadian Dollars and may vary slightly by location. Delivery platforms typically add a 10-20% markup.
What Reddit Says: Local Opinions
I checked r/Ottawa threads to see what locals really think about Harvey’s:
What Redditors consistently recommend:
- The Garnish Counter is the experience — don’t skip it! Building your burger is half the fun
- The original burger is reliably good — sometimes the simplest option is the best
- The Montreal Road location for late night — this is THE spot for 2 AM cravings
- Frings are the best side — get half fries, half onion rings
What people complain about:
- Inconsistent quality by location — some branches are better than others
- Longer wait times than typical fast food — because everything is made to order
- Some locations can be dirty — maintenance varies by franchise
Pro Tips from Local Fans
Visit the Suburban Locations for Parking
Downtown locations like Elgin Street and Bronson are popular but can be challenging for parking. If you have a car, the suburban locations (Baseline Rd, Merivale, Riverside) offer much easier parking and drive-thru access. The Merivale Road location is particularly convenient with its large parking lot and late hours.
Try the Frings
Can’t decide between fries and onion rings? Get the Frings—half and half. It’s the best of both worlds, and you can’t go wrong with either option.
Go Late Night
The Montreal Road location is open until 4:00 AM—perfect for late-night cravings after a night out. This is arguably the most beloved Harvey’s in Ottawa for the late-night crowd.
Customize Your Burger
That’s the whole point! Don’t be shy about asking for extra toppings or special sauces at the Garnish Counter. Want double pickles? Extra onions? Extra sauce? Just ask—the staff are used to customization requests.
Try Harv Sauce
Their signature creamy sauce is delicious on burgers. Ask for it if you want to try something beyond standard ketchup and mustard.
Ottawa Neighbourhoods Near Harvey’s: What Else to Do
Elgin Street Location
Located in downtown Ottawa’s vibrant Elgin Street corridor, one of the city’s best restaurant rows. After getting your burger, explore:
- Elgin Street: Lined with diverse restaurants, bars, and shops
- Victory Compost: Nearby garden centre
- Northeast FBI Park: Small green space for a post-meal walk
Montreal Road Location
Located in east Ottawa’s commercial corridor. After your late-night burger:
- Montreal Road: Various bars and late-night spots
- St. Laurent Shopping Centre: Nearby shopping options
- Easy highway access: Quick getaway via Highway 417
Accessibility: What You Need to Know
Harvey’s locations generally offer standard accessibility features:
- Drive-thru access: Several locations (Baseline, Merivale, Riverside, Cyrville) offer drive-thru, which can be helpful for those with mobility challenges
- Ground floor seating: All Ottawa locations are at ground level
- Parking: Suburban locations have dedicated parking lots with accessible spaces
For specific accessibility needs at a particular location, calling ahead is recommended.
Harvey’s vs. The Competition
Ottawa has no shortage of great burger spots. Here’s how Harvey’s compares:
| Feature | Harvey’s | Typical Fast Food | Gourmet Burger Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking Method | Flame-grilled | Griddle | Grilled/flat-top |
| Customization | 67M+ combinations | Limited | Moderate |
| Price | $$ | $ | $$$ |
| Late Night | Until 4 AM (one location) | Varies | Usually closes early |
| Canadian Owned | Yes | No | Varies |
For more Ottawa burger options, check out our Best Burgers Ottawa Guide. Harvey’s stands out for:
- Unique flame-grilled flavour: You can’t replicate that smoky BBQ taste
- Interactive Garnish Counter: Building your burger is an experience
- Late-night hours: Montreal Road is open until 4 AM
- 100% Canadian ingredients: Supporting Canadian farmers
FAQ
Q: Does Harvey’s use fresh beef?
Yes! Harvey’s is known for their flame-grilled approach and uses 100% Canadian beef. The patties are made fresh daily at each location—not frozen.
Q: What is the Garnish Counter?
It’s Harvey’s signature feature—where you build your burger in front of you with your choice of toppings. Over 67 million possible combinations! You watch your patty grill, then customize everything.
Q: Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, they offer a veggie burger patty. Additionally, you can get a grilled cheese or other non-meat options.
Q: Which Ottawa location is open latest?
The Montreal Road location (660 Montreal Road) is open until 4:00 AM on most nights—the latest closing Harvey’s in Ottawa.
Q: Do they have a drive-thru?
Yes! Several locations have drive-thrus, including Baseline Road, Merivale Road, Riverside Drive, and Cyrville Road.
Q: What is Harv Sauce?
It’s Harvey’s signature creamy sauce, a closely guarded recipe. It’s delicious on burgers—definitely worth asking for!
Q: Can I get Harvey’s delivered?
Yes, they’re available on Uber Eats, DoorDash, and other delivery platforms. Note that delivery apps usually add a 10-20% markup.
Final Thoughts
Harvey’s isn’t just another fast-food burger chain—it’s a uniquely Canadian institution that has stood the test of time. For over 65 years, they’ve been serving flame-grilled burgers that taste like summer barbecues, and their commitment to quality Canadian ingredients sets them apart.
The combination of that signature flame-grilled flavour, the fun of building your burger at the Garnish Counter, and the commitment to Canadian sourcing has kept Canadians coming back for over six decades. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch downtown, satisfying late-night cravings at 2:00 AM, or taking the family out for a casual dinner, Harvey’s delivers a consistently satisfying experience.
Yes, there might be a wait—everything is made to order, and the Garnish Counter takes time. But that’s part of the charm. You’re not just getting a burger; you’re participating in a ritual that’s become part of Canadian food culture.
Pro tip: Follow Harvey’s on social media to stay updated on seasonal promotions and new menu items. And remember: “It’s a beautiful thing” isn’t just a slogan—it’s an invitation to create your perfect burger.
Sources: Harvey’s official sources, local Ottawa food communities, Google Reviews, Reddit r/ottawa
