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Here’s where to go for a mighty fine pile of gravy, fries, and cheese
Do the cheese curds squeak just right? Did the gravy come from a box? Were the potatoes hand-cut? And just what kind of oil is in that fryer anyway? These are all vital questions when it comes to Quebec's most emblematic food export.
Some less tangible ingredients — history, a sense of place, and creativity (to a limit) — were also factored in the making of this map. Here are 19 poutine spots worth checking out, from classic casse-croûtes to younger upstarts.
Among the city’s older poutine purveyors, Ahuntsic’s Chez Ma Tante is as reliable as they come (read: they do not skimp on the curds). Eat yours — with the requisite order of two steamés — on the picnic tables outside, or take them to go after ordering at the drive-through.
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Hochelaga’s casse-croûte of choice has a poutine worthy of the trek out east. Like La Pataterie itself, its take is decidedly fuss-free — just as many would argue this dish should be.
International twists on the Quebec diner dish are aplenty in the city — and one of the most beloved sees griot (pork cubes that have been braised and then fried) mixed in. This Haitian haunt in Villeray does it exceptionally well.
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From the folks behind Impasto, Pizzeria Gema, and Vesta, Chez Tousignant does some stellar burgers and hot dogs, but it wouldn't truly live up to its description as a Québécois casse-croûte without an exceptionally strong poutine.
Up north in Cartierville lies Paulo & Suzanne — and while Paulo never existed and Suzanne has moved on, the diner still dishes up all-day breakfast and a much-loved poutine, morning to night.
Those in the know skip La Banquise and head slightly north to old-school casse-croûte Chez Claudette — it’s cheaper, less crowded, and arguably even tastier.
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Locals like to knock the city's best-known poutinerie for its long lines and tourist appeal, but it's still a great bet — especially if you’re partial to poutine gussied up with a variety of unconventional toppings. Plus, it’s open 24/7.
Officially, it's a Portuguese rotisserie chicken haunt, but since opening in 2013, Ma Poule Mouillée has developed a devoted following for its poutine laden with chicken, chouriço, São Jorge cheese, and a special house sauce. Be warned: Even the "small" portion is quite large, and the line-ups frequently rival those at La Banquise across the street.
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Martin Picard's twist on the poutine involves a hunk of foie gras on top. It has, over time, become a pilgrimage-worthy dish — and is often credited with expanding poutine’s culinary reputation beyond that of local diner fare.
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This compact, corner snack bar is as reliable as they come in Montreal. Its twist on the classic poutine uses skinny fries and puts a lone olive on top. Now with a second location at the Jean-Talon Market.
A member of Montreal’s old guard of casse-croûtes, Décarie Hot Dog has been open for more than half a century in Ville Saint-Laurent. Head here for your fill of steamés, toastés, and gravy-drenched poutine taken to go.
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More than a century old, Montreal Pool Room hasn't had pool tables for many years, but it still serves a great poutine in the Red Light District (even if it moved across the street back in 2010). Try a steamé while you're at it.
You can debate the culinary merit of Orange Julep's poutine, but there's no zanier or more iconic place to get your grease on in Montreal.
From Formica surfaces to out-of-order tabletop jukeboxes, this St-Henri fixture has mercifully changed little over the decades — and the same goes for its quintessential poutine.
Even purists should make an exception to try Italian poutine, which smothers cheese curds and fries in a bolognese-like meat sauce. This late-night favourite does the dish justice.
Once rough-and-tumble, Pointe-St-Charles is certainly changing, but the neighbourhood still has Paul Patates, a casse-croûte dishing homemade spruce beer, steamés, and an archetypal poutine.
Pierrette Patates serves a style of poutine undiluted by food trends: Expect the classic blue-collar Québécois food in a part of Verdun not yet overrun by gentrification.
This neighbourhood joint has flown somewhat under the radar among non-Verdunites, but it’s been slinging satisfying poutine for nearly 60 years. Its menu is lengthy, featuring plates of fries, gravy, and cheese topped with everything from ground beef to peas.
Smoked Meat Pete may be known for its namesake offering, but the poutine is another reason to make it out west to Île-Perrot. Have it done classic or topped with smoked meat — there’s no wrong choice.
Among the city’s older poutine purveyors, Ahuntsic’s Chez Ma Tante is as reliable as they come (read: they do not skimp on the curds). Eat yours — with the requisite order of two steamés — on the picnic tables outside, or take them to go after ordering at the drive-through.
Hochelaga’s casse-croûte of choice has a poutine worthy of the trek out east. Like La Pataterie itself, its take is decidedly fuss-free — just as many would argue this dish should be.
International twists on the Quebec diner dish are aplenty in the city — and one of the most beloved sees griot (pork cubes that have been braised and then fried) mixed in. This Haitian haunt in Villeray does it exceptionally well.
From the folks behind Impasto, Pizzeria Gema, and Vesta, Chez Tousignant does some stellar burgers and hot dogs, but it wouldn't truly live up to its description as a Québécois casse-croûte without an exceptionally strong poutine.
Up north in Cartierville lies Paulo & Suzanne — and while Paulo never existed and Suzanne has moved on, the diner still dishes up all-day breakfast and a much-loved poutine, morning to night.
Those in the know skip La Banquise and head slightly north to old-school casse-croûte Chez Claudette — it’s cheaper, less crowded, and arguably even tastier.
Locals like to knock the city's best-known poutinerie for its long lines and tourist appeal, but it's still a great bet — especially if you’re partial to poutine gussied up with a variety of unconventional toppings. Plus, it’s open 24/7.
Officially, it's a Portuguese rotisserie chicken haunt, but since opening in 2013, Ma Poule Mouillée has developed a devoted following for its poutine laden with chicken, chouriço, São Jorge cheese, and a special house sauce. Be warned: Even the "small" portion is quite large, and the line-ups frequently rival those at La Banquise across the street.
Martin Picard's twist on the poutine involves a hunk of foie gras on top. It has, over time, become a pilgrimage-worthy dish — and is often credited with expanding poutine’s culinary reputation beyond that of local diner fare.
This compact, corner snack bar is as reliable as they come in Montreal. Its twist on the classic poutine uses skinny fries and puts a lone olive on top. Now with a second location at the Jean-Talon Market.
A member of Montreal’s old guard of casse-croûtes, Décarie Hot Dog has been open for more than half a century in Ville Saint-Laurent. Head here for your fill of steamés, toastés, and gravy-drenched poutine taken to go.
More than a century old, Montreal Pool Room hasn't had pool tables for many years, but it still serves a great poutine in the Red Light District (even if it moved across the street back in 2010). Try a steamé while you're at it.
You can debate the culinary merit of Orange Julep's poutine, but there's no zanier or more iconic place to get your grease on in Montreal.
From Formica surfaces to out-of-order tabletop jukeboxes, this St-Henri fixture has mercifully changed little over the decades — and the same goes for its quintessential poutine.
Even purists should make an exception to try Italian poutine, which smothers cheese curds and fries in a bolognese-like meat sauce. This late-night favourite does the dish justice.
Once rough-and-tumble, Pointe-St-Charles is certainly changing, but the neighbourhood still has Paul Patates, a casse-croûte dishing homemade spruce beer, steamés, and an archetypal poutine.
Pierrette Patates serves a style of poutine undiluted by food trends: Expect the classic blue-collar Québécois food in a part of Verdun not yet overrun by gentrification.
This neighbourhood joint has flown somewhat under the radar among non-Verdunites, but it’s been slinging satisfying poutine for nearly 60 years. Its menu is lengthy, featuring plates of fries, gravy, and cheese topped with everything from ground beef to peas.
Smoked Meat Pete may be known for its namesake offering, but the poutine is another reason to make it out west to Île-Perrot. Have it done classic or topped with smoked meat — there’s no wrong choice.
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