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.
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.
This spot is goated as one of the OG greats. It has been around forever with a consistent flavour & atmosphere for as long as I can remember. This place may not look fancy, but the food is fantastic. Something about their poutine sauce you just cant find anywhere else.
It is cash only, they have an atm. There is parking around but sometimes it is paid, unless you get lucky. My trick is to park at the shopping plaza on the main road & walk over. You can sit down & eat if your solo, but I recommend take out & go sit somewhere outside & enjoy since it is busy & can get crowded. Not the most accessible space, so remember that. But totally worth visiting!
The food is always great, fresh & made right in front of you for a reasonable price.
They also feed a lot of the houseless & I think that is also so telling of how the resto has evolved to meet the needs of its demographic.
Fantastic spot! Make sure you go try.
As a student, this place is my go-to. It's affordable, the portions are very genereous . & they are so friendly & thoughtful. The food there are very fresh . The only con is they only accept cash or orders via doordash or uber . Other than that, i totally recommend.
May 21, 2024
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kind of affordable & it's pretty good. I always get the poutine for myself or two hotdogs for my partner. I highly recommend those. The employees are welcoming, except for the lady working there, she's often very dry & unapologetic. however, i really love eating after a long day at uni at night, the atmosphere is different
Décarie Hot Dogs is HANDS DOWN THE BEST FAST FOOD JOINT TO EVER EXIST!!!!!!!!!! It's been around for more than 60 years (opened in 1969) & it NEVER disappoints, so no wonder it won a bunch of prizes & awards over the years. You can always expect delicious delicious foods such as hot dogs(get the all dressed steamed hot dogs for a Montreal experience & a poutine), cheeseburgers, fries, coleslaw, club sandwich, breakfast, etc... Quick efficient service, cheap prices, good filling greasy food, it doesn't get any better than that. My family has been eating there ever since I can remember, for many decades, I definitely recommend it!!!!!
