Big Daddy's Crab Shack Vodka and Oyster Bar — Restaurant in Ottawa

I have been for dinner twice in the last 3 months. Both times it was TERRIBLE. The first time we went there was a group of very loud drunk guys at the bar. They were extremely loud and obnoxious. The manager apologized, said they were drunk, but kept serving them more alcohol. Our food was also poor. The oysters were warm when they came out. It took a long time to get a few apps. Once we were done our meal, we FINALLY got the bread we had asked for at the beginning of the meal. The vodka martini was made with olive juice from a jar of marinated olives, so there were herbs in my drink. YUCK!!

I went back last night to give is a second chance. The restaurant was not busy at all, only 3 tables. When we walked in, the corner table was covered in dirty dishes. Those dishes stayed there the whole night, and were still there when we left. That used to be my favorite table to sit at, but now it's just a dumping ground for the staff. We ordered a dozen oysters. It took almost 30 minutes for the oysters to come out. When they did they were warm, dry and did not taste good at all. Had a very fishy taste, of oysters that have turned. I had to go to the bar to request spoons for the sauces as the platter didn't arrive with any. When we had eaten a few, our plate sat for at least 20 minutes before the waiter came by to clear it. We mentioned that the oysters were off and our waiter was gracious enough to remove them from our bill. Our mains arrived shortly after and were very tasty. After having our food packed up we waited for our waiter to come back around to offer coffees and desserts. He never came. I had to get up and ask for our bills.

I used to LOVE this restaurant back in the day. I used to go for dinner at least once a week. I was so excited when I saw that it had reopened. Sadly it is not the same as it used to be. There just seems to be a lack of anyone caring...

The service was mostly good (my server was friendly and helpful), but my entree was horrible. I got the tuna steak and it was tough, sinewy and hard to cut through. it was poorly cooked and seemed like maybe they had cooked it while it was frozen? It also had an excessive amount of sauce (maybe ponzu? or something similar to that) on it to the point that that was all i could taste. the rice was swimming in it and it was pooling on the plate. it was almost like a bad soup.

I ordered a cocktail as well. I didn't want something overly sweet and most of the vodka cocktails looked like they would be sweeter than what i wanted, so i ordered an unusual cocktail with carrot juice and ginger. it was ok (not enough ginger), but what upset me was that as i took my first sip of it,. i could hear the staff at the bar mocking me for ordering it. I distinctly heard "who orders a drink with carrot juice?" and a bunch of laughter.

This to me is unacceptable, both the horrible entree (which cost almost $40) and to mock a customer for ordering something on your menu.

i didn't say anything to the server because i was frankly embarrassed. i'd already heard them laughing at me for ordering the drink i ordered and i didn't want to relive that or make things uncomfortable for the friend i was having dinner with. i remember loving Big Daddy's, but hadn't had it for years. i was excited to go back again, but after the experience i had, i definitely won't be returning. it was WAY over priced for the quality of the food and being mocked for ordering something "weird" is rude, immature and totally...

A welcome addition to the neighbourhood. Found it randomly while driving by. I've only had the calamari and a couple of pints so far, but the food was good and the happy hour prices (4-6pm) on food and drinks were great deals - one of the better happy hour menus I have seen in Ottawa. I am interested to try their oysters and some of the more Southern/Louisiana dishes. Not sure how authentic they will be yet but the inclusion of dishes with andouille and alligator on the menu is promising. Prices on oysters seem very reasonable as well and I will try them in the future. There was a good-sized happy hour crowd when I visited, which is a good sign in a residential neighbourhood just six weeks after opening. Staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. If the other dishes are as great at the calamari this may become a regular afternoon happy hour spot for me. The cocktail list is understandibly vodka focused, but beside the obligatory martini none of them appear alcohol-forward. This is probably a good call for the neighbourhood, but some stronger cocktail options would be welcome since vodka pairs well...