Décarie Hot Dog is widely described as an iconic, nostalgia-filled Montreal staple for classic steamies, hot dogs, fries and poutine, a retro spot that many visitors feel is worth the trek for the experience and comfort food. Several reviews praise the poutine for its rich gravy, cheese curds and hearty fries, with some calling it the best or among the best in the city. However, other comments note decline in recent years, with poutine that is too dry or oversalted, sauces that changed, and items that are not as hot or fresh as before. The hot dogs and steamies often remain a highlight when served hot and dressed properly, but some visits report cold buns or underdressed orders. Cash only payments and a fast, no-frills service style contribute to the old-school atmosphere, which reviewers either love for its authenticity or view as a drawback. Overall, the place is described as a beloved, long-standing institution that inspires strong loyalty and nostalgia, while also provoking debates about consistency and whether it can recapture its former level.
Look, I first came here when I was twelve & I'm like maybe 57 now I forget so it'll always be close to my heart. I've brought my kid here when we're on our way to Yiayias. Even my lady came here with me when she first moved to town & trust me when I tell you she doesn't usually eat fast food but she did it for me. That's love.
I know what this place is & I know what I'm getting & I know how to order & the whole deal. I get a couple of steamies & some fries & maybe a coke. I'll always stop by when I'm in the old neighbourhood. I wish only blessings & the best to this hard working family that has fed us all for so many years.
I used to absolutely love Decarie Hot Dog. It was one of those go to spots I'd recommend without hesitation, especially for a classic poutine & hot dog. Unfortunately, over time, the quality has really started to drop, & my most recent visit was genuinely disappointing.
I ordered a poutine, & right away it was clear something was off. There simply wasn't enough sauce, which made the fries incredibly dry honestly, it was almost shocking. A good poutine should be rich, saucy, & comforting, but this one missed the mark completely. The fries themselves weren't great either; they lacked the crispness & freshness I used to expect from this place.
The hot dog was another letdown. It barely had the condiments I specifically asked for, which took away from the overall experience. When you order something so simple, the basics really matter, & unfortunately, those details were overlooked.
What makes this experience especially sad is that Decarie Hot Dog is such an iconic spot. It's the kind of place that holds a lot of nostalgia for many people, myself included. Seeing the quality drop this much is disappointing, because it used to be so consistently good.
I really hope this was just an off day & not the new normal. I'd love to see this place return to the level it once had, because it truly deserves its reputation. Right now, though, the experience didn't live up to what it used to be.
Not a restaurant but an institution with history. Poutine is delicious with hearty fries, smooth gravy, & chewy cheese curds. Best of all, it's not just a salty sloppy mess like many others.
It's the classic Decarue hot dog that I've loved all the way since I was a kid. Still cash only & the steamés are The classic luster perfection. Get them all dressed as they have to be made, get some fries & you've got nostalgic perfection. Every time I'm in Montreal, I make it a point to stop by there. Even if it's way out of the way & I have to fight through the expressway. Still worth it.
Nov 4, 2025
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Even though I quite enjoyed the flavours of the fries, I feel like it was lacking a bit of crunch to them. The hot dog was a bit disappointing in size for around 2.50$ but it ended up being pretty good. I had it all dressed & I really enjoyed the overall flavour profile of it. The poutine was also quite interesting in flavours, it varied from the usual plain brown sauce which was enjoyable. The portion was pretty hefty for around 10$ they charge for it. The service was pretty unenthusiastic. Everyone seemed to be a bit grumpy & unhappy when I walked into the restaurant. The counter waitress even gave out a sigh before serving me. However, they were working quite efficiently. By the time I had paid for the food, the order was already almost completed. The last thing that bothered me during my visit was that their card machine was down. There were so many more items I wanted to try out but I couldn't because I only had a limited amount of cash on me.
Just another greasy spoon from an antiquated era. Workers are soulless & apathetic for the most part, one guy was okay. Food was meh, hot dogs & fries are definitely the move. Don't do yourself the disservice of getting the poutine, the gravy's just used engine oil & the cheese curds are not authentic. Oh, speaking of antiquated, they only take cash in an area of no banks & sketchy atms with exorbitant fees. This place is definitely a drunk eats place ONLY!
As a person who's been going here with my soulmate since we were attending Cégep VANIER College back in 1998, & now we have 2 girls 10 & 15, you simply can't beat this place. Coming from our home in Pierrefonds-Roxboro to pick up a bunch of hot-dogs & fries is always worth it, especially to see Nico & family! 😄👍
Jul 2, 2025
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Very disappointed I've been in Alberta for the last 25y & talk about this place as the best place in Montreal, boy I went back today for the first time since I got back & I have to say I hope no one come here because I said what I said about this place , where do I start the cook look like he wanted to be anywhere but here the poutine use to be So so good now there this taste of over powering spice it's not good plus I got the skin on top of the gravy pot there hot dog is a hot dog pretty hard to screw up the fries we very soft , very sorry for anyone who gose there because I remember the old man from back then & how the fries & poutine were the best .... not anymore by the way there a McDonald's just down the street .
Had a chance to check this place out with one of my colleague & it was a great vibe. Ordered a couple hotdogs, fries & a burger. Food was great, but really came here to check out their story. Great people, good food & good prices. Definitely check them out.
Starting coming here as a kid in the 70's. Food, service were always fantastic! Today's visit was a complete disappointment. Hot dogs were good -can't really mess that up, but the poutine was nasty. Cold fries, a very thick & congealed gravy, & minimal cheese. The cheese didn't even melt. Definitely not the quality I was used to. These workers were definitely not the family owners. Sadly, I probably won't be back
Other than the prices, the rest is pretty much unchanged since 1980 when I first started going there. I haven't yet found better steamy hot-dogs & fries in Montreal.
