Alfa Hot-Dog: a South Shore institution for poutine and hot dogs

Although the seasonal snack-bar season has come to an end, at Tastet we believe it’s always the right time for poutine. That’s why we stopped by Alfa in Longueuil, where the poutine and hot dogs are delicious all year round. Open since 1971, this spot is a true South Shore institution.

The moment you walk through Alfa’s doors, you feel right at home. The counter is buzzing, orders are flying, and the aroma of hot gravy fills the air — a sign that something serious is about to happen. Here, poutine isn’t just a dish: it’s royalty, and it’s treated with the respect it deserves.

The star of the show is, of course, the classic poutine. The fries are perfectly golden and stay crispy under a generous pour of sauce — a light brown gravy, nicely salted, with that indefinable je ne sais quoi that makes it impossible not to finish your plate. The cheese curds, fresh and slightly warm, squeak just right with every bite. Each portion strikes the perfect balance: never too dry, never drowned in sauce.

At Tastet, we’re big fans of Italian poutine, and Alfa’s version blew us away! You get the same generous helping of fries and cheese curds, but the rich meat sauce adds an extra layer of comfort. It’s a classic with a twist — one that feels like you’ve stumbled upon a well-kept secret.

Hot-dog lovers aren’t left out either. The famous Michigan is pure nostalgia — indulgent and satisfying. Like everything here, it’s hearty, but impossible to resist. Every bite recalls those childhood moments when a well-dressed hot dog could make your whole day. The submarine sandwich goes for simplicity and generosity: soft bread, fresh toppings, nothing fancy, just what you need to satisfy your hunger — and your heart.

You come to Alfa for a casual family lunch or a hearty solo meal after a long day. It’s open late, making it the perfect late-night snack spot, too.

Alfa isn’t a restaurant that tries to impress with décor or refinement. Everything here is about the food, the nostalgia, and the comfort — and you can feel it. Leaving Alfa, you carry with you the memory of a poutine that screams “authenticity,” a hot dog that soothes the end of the day, and a submarine sandwich that comforts like an old friend. In Longueuil, if you’re looking for comfort food with a capital C, Alfa remains an essential stop.

For more great spots to enjoy an excellent poutine, check out our list of the best poutines in Montréal. Bon appétit!

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: October 31, 2025

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