Forget the diet, pack your stretchy pants, and prepare for a carb-loaded adventure through Montreal’s comfort food paradise. We’re diving fork-first into the city’s most iconic dish: poutine. This holy trinity of fries, gravy, and squeaky cheese curds has evolved from humble beginnings to a culinary canvas for chef’s wildest imaginations. Join us as we eat our way through the best of basic and bougie poutine offerings.
The OG: La Banquise
Address: 994 Rue Rachel Est
Open 24/7, La Banquise is poutine mecca. This no-frills diner serves over 30 varieties, but we’re here for “La Classique.” Crispy fries form a sturdy base, smothered in rich, piping hot gravy that melts cheese curds into gooey pockets of joy. It’s a master class in simplicity and the perfect benchmark for our poutine pursuit.
Pro tip: Visit at 3 AM for prime people-watching as revelers stumble in post-bar crawl.
The Hipster Haven: Poutineville
Address: 1365 Ontario St E
Poutineville elevates the humble poutine to art form status. Build your own masterpiece from a laundry list of toppings, or trust the experts with their “Heart Attack” – a monster mash-up featuring braised short ribs, bacon, and fried pickles. The piece de resistance? They smash their potatoes before frying, creating a craggy texture that clings to every drop of gravy.
The Gastro Pub: Au Pied de Cochon
Address: 536 Duluth Ave E
Leave it to enfant terrible chef Martin Picard to create the most decadent poutine imaginable. Au Pied de Cochon’s foie gras poutine is the stuff of legend – and cardiac surgeon nightmares. A generous lobe of seared foie gras crowns this already indulgent dish. It’s excessive, unnecessary, and absolutely magnificent.
Reservations essential, your cardiologist’s number on speed-dial recommended.
The Québécois Classic: Chez Claudette
Address: 351 Laurier Ave E
This old-school casse-croûte (snack bar) keeps it real with a proper squeaky curd and luscious gravy. The Italian poutine, topped with meat sauce, is a particular favorite among locals. Chez Claudette’s vintage charm and late-night hours make it the perfect spot for post-show munchies.
The Fancy Pants: LOV
Address: 1232 Rue de la Montagne
Vegans, rejoice! LOV (Local, Organic, Vegetarian) proves that plant-based poutine can hang with the best of them. Their sweet potato version features mushroom gravy and vegan mozzarella that actually melts. It’s a lighter take that doesn’t sacrifice flavor – though purists might argue it’s no longer poutine at this point.
The Wildcard: Lucky’s Food Truck
Location: Varies, check social media
This roving poutine palace on wheels slings some of the most creative concoctions in town. The “Hangover Helper” tops classic poutine with a fried egg and bacon, while the “Butter Chicken Poutine” fuses Canadian and Indian comfort foods. Hunt them down for a taste of Montreal’s innovative food truck scene.
Poutine Pointer: The Squeak Test
A true poutine aficionado judges cheese curds on their squeak. Fresh curds should squeak against your teeth when you bite them – a sure sign of quality and proper temperature. If your curds are silent, something’s amiss in poutine paradise.
Whether you’re a purist or an adventurous eater, Montreal’s poutine scene has something for everyone. This gravy-soaked journey is more than just a food tour – it’s a dive into Quebec’s culinary soul. Just remember to schedule in some recovery time (and maybe a salad) between poutine stops. Your taste buds will thank you, even if your waistline protests.
