La Banquise is a Montreal staple known for an astonishing variety of poutines, including plenty of vegetarian options with veggie gravy, and generous portions that satisfy big appetites. The classics shine with crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds, and rich gravy, while creative toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and smoked meat offer memorable twists. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with fast, efficient service that keeps things moving even when the place is crowded. Long lines are part of the experience, yet the quality and range of choices make it worth the wait. Takeout and late hours make it a reliable go-to for a satisfying meal any time, and the consistency keeps bringing locals and visitors back. In short, La Banquise delivers a quintessential, comforting poutine experience with heart, variety, and a true Montreal vibe.View restaurant profile
Fairmount Bagel Bakery is widely celebrated for its authentic Montreal style bagels, chewy and freshly baked in wood-fired ovens, with a range that includes sesame, everything, onion, garlic, pumpernickel, bozo, sun dried tomato, cranberry, and more; reviewers describe them as among the best in Montreal and often in the world, worth the wait in long lines that move steadily; the experience is typically take-out only, with no indoor seating and a cash or Canadian debit card payment policy, plus occasional notes about rising prices and smaller sizes; the bagels pair well with a variety of cream cheeses and toppings, and the smell of the bakery and watching bagels being prepared adds to the charm; several mentions highlight the friendly staff and the sense of tradition, while a few reviews flag inconsistent service or crowding at peak times; overall the place is regarded as a must try for Montreal bagel lovers and a signature stop for visitors seeking an iconic bite.View restaurant profile
Milton B is described as a bright, welcoming cafe with fast service, a cozy vibe, and a decor that many enjoy, making it a good spot to hang out on a snowing day. The food receives praise for being tasty and well prepared, with highlights like rich hot chocolate and classic breakfast options, though some say desserts can be average and prices run a little high. The atmosphere and seating are frequently noted as strong points, with ample space for studying or working, calm lighting and music, and friendly staff. Menu changes and hours have created mixed experiences, including mentions of updated menus and the absence of bubble tea, as well as periods when the cafe is not open or operations seem unclear after management changes. While some reviewers consider Milton B a reliable option and recommend it, others say it is not the best cafe in Montreal and a few days can feel less polished, particularly regarding wifi reliability and work suitability. Overall, it remains a popular choice for fast service, good coffee and a comfortable environment, with many visitors likely to return for the vibe and solid meals.View restaurant profile
Madame Poulet receives mixed but mostly positive reviews with many praising the fried chicken for being crispy, juicy, and flavorful, often with generous portions and good value through daily deals, while some critique the price for what is offered. The service is frequently described as fast and friendly, with a clean dining area, though a few reviewers report order mistakes or items not arriving hot. Menu items beyond fried chicken such as burgers, poutines, and buffalo sauce offerings are seen as solid but not consistently outstanding, with some posts mentioning that the mac and cheese is bland and the buffalo burger is very messy to eat. Still, the spot is described as convenient for a quick bite and even among the best chicken experiences in Montreal by several diners, who emphasize the quality of the chicken and the dependable overall experience, recommending the place for comfort food at reasonable prices when the daily specials are available.View restaurant profile
Overall, Joe's Panini 24h comes up as a go to late night spot with a casual vibe and a wide menu, where the grilled spicy chicken panini is repeatedly noted as a standout and a common pairing of a can of Brio and a brownie is mentioned as a solid combo, while outside seating and open hours make it convenient for late bites. Reviews also reflect mixed value, with several mentioning fair prices and decent food, but others complain of shrinking portions and price increases since Covid, and some experiences report deterioration in quality after ownership changes, including underfilled or bland paninis and occasional order mistakes. The place is described as a hidden gem by some, a reliable grab after drinks by others, and a testament to Montreal style sandwiches, though a few critics say it does not rank among the city's best and a few even note slow service or indifferent staff. In sum, the reputation blends nostalgia for flavorful favorites with warnings to temper expectations on consistency and portion size.View restaurant profile
