Poutine

To be really authentic, the potatoes must be old.
The gravy must be hot and the cheese must be cold.
With a Journal de Montréal wherever it is sold
Served with a roll in a bowl by a troll.

You put some potatoes and some cheese in a tin
But the cheese won't melt till you put the gravy in.
Then it sticks to your fork and it dribbles down your chin
And that's how you know that you're eating a Poutine.
…

Well, there's no way anyone would call it 'Haute Cuisine'
It isn't really junk food, it's something in between
But it's better than a burger or a Mike's submarine.
A balanced diet is a beer and a Poutine

• The Night they Invented Poutine, Folk song by Bowser and Blue © 1990

Montreal has a special relationship with Poutine. It is mostly recommended as a treat, or the recovery meal of preference. Recovering from what? Depends on who you ask.

Somehow, this crazy little dish has become quite the craze, with even the BBC writing about it (Five of Montreal's best poutine spots - according to a local chef, Jessica Prupas, Nov 11, 2024). 

BonAppetite called it “Montreal’s most iconic dish” (The best Poutine in Montreal, Valarie Silva, May 2024). Every travel article about the city mentions it, even recommends it. And don’t get me wrong, it’s really tasty!

There’s all sorts of poutines in Montreal. There’s even a type of restaurant, called a Poutinerie, which specializes in - you guessed it, poutines. They’re not the only ones to serve Poutine, but they will be the only ones offering a lot of different toppings and “add-ins”.

A few fancy restaurants have even taken their own spin on poutine, Au Pied Cochon (565 Ave Duluth) offers a Duck Fois Gras Poutine (it’s recommended that you share the appetizer). This is not to be confused with a duck gravy or a roast duck poutine. There are chicken poutines (a chicken-based gravy, sometimes including pieces of chicken), gluten-free poutines (the basic gravy is often thickened with flour), breakfast poutine (the gravy is replaced with a bechamel); but my favorite is a hot dog poutine (that’s a regular poutine with cut up hot dogs added).

Poutine all dressed (poutine with corn and peas), and italian poutine (the gravy is replaced with an italian red sauce) are equally common types of poutine.

If you’re going to have a poutine in Montreal, there are some classic places you should go to.

• La Banquise. 994, rue Rachel Est. The original poutinerie in Montreal, it’s famous for late-night eats as it’s open 24h. While it does have a few non-poutine items on its menu, that’s not what people come for.  
• Montreal Poutine. 181 Rue Saint-Paul E. Wed-Thurs, 11:30 - 9pm, Fri-Sun 11:30 - 10pm. Modern fast food in a pleasant atmosphere. If you’re in a group where everyone doesn’t want a poutine - this might be your best option.
• Frites alors. (several locations, hours vary). A belgian style-fry house that does a really good poutine. 
• Chez Ma Tante (3180 Rue Fleury E.  Sat-Sun 11:30 - 10, Tues-Fri 4 - 10). A perennial favorite that is in local top-ten lists. It’s a bit far from downtown. A classic deli with a great poutine, burgers, shakes, and the like.
• La Pataterie (2860 Rue Ontario E, Sun-Sat 11-2am). This place regularly is sited as having the best french fries in Montreal. It’s a tiny diner that does all things right.
• Chez Claudette (351 Rue Laurier Est, 11am - 11pm, except Mondays 4-11pm). Another local diner that is loved by the locals. They understand that the more fancy you make the poutine, the further away you get from the original flavor everyone craves.

 My personal favorite place offers a cardiac experience with their poutine. Decarie hotdog (953 Decarie Blvd). Twice-fried french fries, fresh curds, and a perpetual gravy that I believe is as old as the restaurant (established 1969). 

Most of these places don’t have online menus (unless you’re ordering take-out), don’t take reservations, and are small (Decarie Hotdog is an 8-bar stool establishment).

You can get a poutine at most restaurants in Montreal, but if you want the best - seek out the tiny diners that specialize in flat-top food (burgers and eggs mostly) and french fries.