Icehouse Restaurant: Serving up Tex-Mex "down and dirty"

In March 2011, Icehouse, a Tex-Mex restaurant, opened its doors at the corner of Roy and Saint-Dominique. Founded by Texas native Nick Hodges and his wife Natalie Doucet, the establishment aimed to offer Texan-inspired cuisine that would delight guests eager for bold and generous flavors.

Since late 2024, Icehouse has come under new management: Zack Cutrona—who honed his skills in several establishments across the island—his father Salvatore Cutrona, and Lawrence Picard (Boba Boba). Together, they are committed to preserving the essence of this iconic spot while gradually refining its offerings over the coming year.

Icehouse is neither fine dining nor fast food; it’s somewhere in between—a laid-back place where you can enjoy great food in a lively atmosphere. Here, you feel at home, the menu is simple and straightforward, and the vibe is both warm and festive.

The dishes on offer stay true to the classics that built the restaurant’s reputation: lots of shareable plates packed with bold flavors. The menu is varied and comforting: fish, fried chicken, or beef tacos; brisket or pulled pork sandwiches; steak, veggie, or BBQ chicken burritos. Not to be missed is one of the best fried chickens in Montreal, served by the bucket, just like the ribs. There are also essential sides: the famous 7-layer dip, fried jalapeños, fries, popcorn shrimp, and what many consider the best chicken wings in town. Prices remain affordable, with dishes ranging from $8 to $28 and sides from $6 to $26.

“We’ve kept the classics that people love and ask for again and again. My personal favorite? The fish taco!” says Zack. He also notes that the homemade sauces are still made by the original owner, who produces them directly on his farm. To accompany your feast, it’s highly recommended—especially in summer—to indulge in a pitcher of what’s been called the best bourbon lemonade in town.

Icehouse attracts a diverse crowd: students, families, groups of friends, and couples on dates. They all come here to enjoy dishes served directly on paper, get their hands messy, and treat themselves to a generous helping of Tex-Mex. This diversity is part of the restaurant’s charm. The friendly vibe and the bucket concept are especially loved—who wouldn’t want to see a bucket of fried chicken land on their table? It’s a true nod to Texas.

“The place is so iconic that we just want to fine-tune the menu and add a little something extra,” explains Zack. “Summer is really the perfect season to enjoy it to the fullest, especially with the patio. We’re even planning to invite DJs and host all sorts of events to make the atmosphere even more festive.”

Whether you’re craving burritos, tacos, ribs, fried chicken, or wings, Icehouse remains a must-visit destination!