Montreal's Best Poutine: Five Iconic Spots

Poutine—fries, squeaky cheese curds, hot gravy—is Montreal's culinary soul. Everyone has a favorite; these five earn pilgrimages.

1. La Banquise (Plateau Mont-Royal) — Open 24/7, 30+ variations. Classic, La T-Rex (smoked meat, pepper sauce), La Foie Gras. Institution since 1968.
2. Patati Patata (Multiple: Plateau, Mile End, Downtown) — Tiny, bustling, perfectly crisp fries, St-Albert curds, rich veal gravy. La Classique or La Végé (mushroom gravy).
3. Frites Alors! (Plateau, Mile End, Dix30) — Signature Galvaude: three meats (chicken, bacon, smoked meat) in gravy. Belgian-style fries (double-fried).
4. Chez Claudette (Mile End) — No-frills, charcoal-cut fries, Charlevoix curds, deep chicken-veal gravy. Purist's choice.
5. Ma Poule Mouillée (Saint-Henri) — Portuguese rotisserie chicken joint doing gourmet poutine: Confit Duck, Shrimp & Chorizo, Vegan (mushroom gravy, vegan cheese).

What Makes Great Poutine

• Curds: Fresh (daily), squeaky, St-Albert or Fromagerie Victoria.
• Fries: Fresh-cut, double-fried (blanch 325°F → crisp 375°F), skin-on optional.
• Gravy: Chicken/veal demiglace, not instant. Peppery, clingy, piping hot.
• Assembly: Fries → curds → gravy (melts curds just right). Eat immediately.

Honorable Mentions

• Bellepro (Little Italy) — Italian twist (porchetta, gremolata).
• Le Gras Dur (Hochelaga) — Duck confit, foie gras torchon.
• Restaurant Au Pied de Cochon — Foie gras poutine (decadent, reservation needed).

Pro tip: Poutine is breakfast in Montreal. La Banquise at 3 AM after a show? Ritual.