Chez Simon Cantine Urbaine: an ode to classics in Tétreaultville

It was in 2021 that chef-owner Simon Jodoin Bouchard embarked on his first restaurant venture.

The house specialties draw inspiration from the classic fast food of the American South: smash burgers and chili cheese fries take center stage. Their burger even earned a spot on our list of the best smash burgers in Montreal. The coleslaw is downright delicious, and the hot dogs are made with house cheddar and jalapeño sausages (a more traditional option is also available).

Simon Jodoin Bouchard and his partner, Alexandre Clément-Deschênes, chose to open their establishment in Tétreaultville because they have known the neighborhood for a long time and feel at home there. It’s also a district where gourmet addresses are rather scarce. Since the departure of Le Coq de l’Est—a beloved spot among both locals and us—we’ve noticed standout projects like the Cantine and Cerf-Volant, which we’ve also covered.

The Cantine’s space is small, with just 26 seats, including a 10-seat bar and an 8-seat banquette that add to its cozy atmosphere. The bar is actually one of Simon’s favorite elements: “What I love about this place is its charm. This spot has housed restaurants for a long time, and I think the bar has been here for around 50 years. It has that old-school feel.” We can’t wait to grab a seat!

Primarily known for his SJB BBQ sauces and spices, Simon was already popular among barbecue enthusiasts when he opened his first cantine. He has won several awards in international competitions in this field. More recently, he launched a new line of creamy sauces that pair perfectly with summer BBQs.

Since its opening, Simon Cantine Urbaine has expanded, with locations in La Plaine, Longueuil, and the Time Out Market food hall. 2025 promises to be a busy year for Simon, as he embarks on a new business venture with Martin Gamelin and Mélissa Massicotte, owners of the La Plaine location, in the space briefly occupied by Bellerive. We can’t reveal much yet, but expect burgers with a unique twist that won’t disappoint!