Montreal’s best poutine : Where to eat an amazing poutine

This exceptional little snack bar offers a canteen-style menu of Quebec dishes where you can eat one of the best poutines in the city! The retro decor reminds you of a diner right out of the 1950s and 60s. They serve a classic poutine made with Quebec-grown potatoes, sprinkled with Tousignant’s own spice mix.  These are then topped with Quebec-sourced cheese curds and a chicken gravy. There are both small and large sizes.

Julep’s doors were opened by owner Hermas Gibeau way back in 1932 but the huge orange-shaped structure only appeared later, in 1945. Julep has been at its present location on Blvd Décarie since 1966 (51 years!). This is your classic fast-food kind of menu but the inside of this huge orange ball-shaped structure counts as a must-see place in Montreal. The specialty is, as the name suggests, Orange Julep but the poutine is also great! During the summer, Julep is open 24 hours a day.

Patati Patata is a charming “Friterie de Luxe” on Blvd Saint-Laurent, serving its customers for over 20 years! Don’t be taken aback by the small size of the place because you’re here for the excellent poutines not the location. This is a place of mythical proportions, along with their classic poutine. The portions are reasonable, not enough to give you indigestion but certainly enough to satisfy any cravings. Patati-Patata also offers their “patatine” version with mushrooms, onions and peppers.

« Our poutine is made with real fresh potatoes, homemade gravy and cheese curds. I don’t know if it’s considered a classic poutine, but it’s definitely our poutine. » Pierrette Patate definitely serves up one of Montreal’s best poutines. This famous spot in Verdun opened in 1989 and prepares more than a dozen different poutines : minced meat, chicken, hot dog, etc., in both small and large sizes.

Chez Philippe Pataterie is a pataterie just the way we like it. Another longtime Montreal establishment (opened in 1962), it is a true ‘greasy spoon’ serving excellent poutines. There are 4 sizes : small, regular, large, and family. There’s also an Italian poutine in the same 4 sizes.

Oh my! Choose from 35 different poutines chez Claudette! This is a classic Plateau Mont-Royal restaurant where regulars come to enjoy a classic breakfast or a great poutine and are always made to feel welcome. Some want to eat quickly and go, others stroll in and read a book. Even if they offer some of the most original poutines, it’s the classic one that keeps bringing us back either in the small or large size.

Paulo & Suzanne is open 24/7, and located right next to Sacré-Cœur Hospital. This is a Montreal landmark where some of the city’s best poutines have been served for more than 30 years. The traditional poutine comes in two sizes, small and large, and there are a dozen or so different poutine options. The service is delightful and portions served are plentiful.

Le Gras Dur is a very pleasant neighbourhood restaurant with a hearty fast-food style menu. They make one of the best poutines in Montreal and there are seven different kinds to choose from. The atmosphere is friendly and the service courteous.  Heads-up: from Wednesday to Saturday forget the small or large size options because it’s “as much as you can eat”. Of interest – Le Gras Dur also opens a terrace during the summer!

Blackstrap BBQ is a snackbar in Verdun where you can indulge in such sinful BBQ food pleasures as pork, ribs, turkey, chicken, beef breast and many other possibly forbidden cuisine delights. In addition to sandwiches and chicken wings, there are six excellent types of poutine on their menu, including the “burnt ends” version, where pieces of smoked meat are added to traditional poutine. Small or large sizes are the options. 

Fancy poutine : The celebrated lobster poutine served at Garde-Manger put them on Montreal’s gastronomic map when it opened in Vieux Montréal. Chef Chuck Hughes is known for his controversial dishes (have you ever eaten a fried Mars bar?) and this poutine simply cannot be taken off the menu. « We’ve tried to remove it but it’s impossible. »  Lobster poutine is served with a portion of tasty fries, lobster bisque gravy and lobster pieces.

Fancy poutine : Au Pied de Cochon is not to be missed. This Montreal landmark was one of the first upscale restaurants to add poutine to its menu. And your not talking just any kind of poutine but poutine with foie gras. This is poutine at its best and for good reason – it is both decadent and delectable. Prepared with a gravy of foie gras and cream, then topped with pieces of fried foie gras, it is memorable. There’s regular poutine as well … just so you know.

Ma Poule opened in 2013 at the corner of Rachel and Boyer and has turned into one of the best Portuguese restaurants in Montreal in the style of chicken/take-out snack bars. This is another spot where we devour one of the best poutines in the city! Headlined as  « Awesome, the Portuguese are doing their own poutine! », at Ma Poule you can enjoy delicious Portuguese-style poutine with São Jorge cheese, chicken and grilled chouriço. Of course, the traditional poutine is also available.