L’Anecdote: A Montreal institution serving up tasty fast food

In Montreal, L’Anecdote is a true institution: located at the corner of Rachel and Saint-Hubert, it has been serving up some of the best burgers in Montreal for 36 years now!

Not long ago, we realized that we didn’t have an article about this legendary diner on the Plateau. Without further ado, we went to visit this institution to tell you about it.

Since 1983, there has been some movement at L’Anecdote, but one thing has remained intact: the quality of the food. From owner to owner, almost nothing has changed. The location remains the same: upon entering, there is still the original six red banquettes and the black and white tiled bar. A typical detail of the American diners, the wall is decorated with mirrors above which are three arches overhanging glasses, cups and candy jars. Passing along the kitchen, we arrive in the back part of the restaurant, a space added a few years after opening, where there are several tables and vintage chairs, as well as an old jukebox.

The decor is very nice and no doubt makes the gourmet experience even more enjoyable. The menu has also remained almost the same since the beginning. The owners, despite the changes, have always managed to maintain the essence of the place and the dishes. The current owners, Catherine Valois and Eddy Siab, have continued the tradition. With charcoal grilled burgers, poutines, milkshakes, homemade fries, and fresh juices, L’Anecdote is a great place to savour what might otherwise only be fast food. We highly recommend the famous “L’Anecdote Classique” burger, still as excellent as it was in the old days. This delicious comfort food menu earns the address a top spot on our lists of the best burgers and fries in town! 

Since taking over ownership, Catherine and Eddy, partners in business and in life, have really revamped the place. “We loved Anecdote the way it was, but we took the kitschiness to the extreme. We added some gourmet burgers to the menu and lots of veggie options. It’s really a fancy fast food place,” says Catherine. L’Anecdote was one of the first restaurants in Montreal to offer vegetarian meatballs right from the start, long before the beyond meat trend! All week long, you can also enjoy an excellent brunch prepared by chefs Carlos Moya Sanchez and Ian McDonald. Try the aged house ham for breakfast, it’s delicious.

Everything served here is very fresh and made in house. Nothing is frozen and they try as much as possible to integrate local and seasonal products in their recipes. In fact, the potatoes for the fries come from a farmer who has been in the business for 50 years and has been supplying L’Anecdote for a very long time. One of the goals of the new owners is to avoid waste. As for drinks, L’Anecdote now has a liquor license and serves several beers and ciders on tap, in addition to wines. The house also offers their classic fresh juices, authentic milkshakes (among the best in Montreal), and several old-fashioned soft drinks.

One comes and returns to this friendly diner for their delicious burgers and milkshakes. Anecdote has long been beloved by many, and is a must-try for newcomers. To discover other Montreal institutions, click here.

Written by Marianne Locas
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: January 03, 2024

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