La Banquise, originally a small ice-cream shop, first opened its doors in May 1968. In fall of the same year, its founder, local fireman Pierre Barsalou, decided to transform the enterprise into a 24-hour snack bar. At the time it specialized in exceptionally good hot-dogs and great fries. Poutine first appeared on the menu at the start of the 80s and originally just two varieties were offered, classic and Italian. However, in response to repeated requests from very satisfied customers, the restaurant’s poutine varieties quickly multiplied. Today we offer no less than 25 different types of poutine. Today, La Banquise remains a family business. Mr. Barsalou’s youngest daughter Annie took over in the 1990s along with her partner Marc Latendresse. Together, they maintain both the tradition of quality and the excellent reputation of the La Banquise Restaurant. In summer 2006, La Banquise underwent major renovations and a much larger dining area was made available. 40 years on, La Banquise is now much more than a simple snack bar or poutine joint. Today it is also a warm, friendly venue where customers can enjoy micro-brewery beers, a complete menu du jour and excellent breakfasts. So here’s to you, our loyal customers, the night owls, the groups of friends, the workers, students, families and more, because all of you have contributed to shaping and enriching the success story that is La Banquise today. Many, many thanks.
La Banquise is a legendary Montreal poutine spot known for enormous bowls piled high with crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds, and rich gravy, with a wide variety of toppings from classic to bold. The atmosphere is lively and friendly, service is fast, and staff work hard to accommodate guests even when the place is busy, with vegetarian, vegan, and meat options widely praised. Although crowds and noise are common and the space can feel tight, the generous portions and flavorful poutines make the wait worthwhile, and takeout or enjoying a meal in the park add to the appeal, solidifying La Banquise as a go to for poutine lovers.
One of the best, best, best poutines I've ever had! We ordered the Hot Dog & Chicken poutines. Both were amazing & incredibly delicious. The chicken poutine had a unique & special flavor that really stood out. The staff were very polite when they noticed we weren't satisfied with where we were sitting, they immediately offered us the first available table. Even with the crowd & the busy atmosphere, this attention to customers is truly impressive. Service was fast & efficient despite how busy they were.
Mar 3, 2026
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Go in person. The take out is shit since they transferred it to a central kitchen expediting orders. Barely any cheese curds & a pool of sauce at the bottom. Absolutely terrible.
Mar 2, 2026
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The ambience was absolutely electrifying. I think they have figured out their Poutines to perfection. Will have to comeback to try more options in the Menu.
Première poutine donc dur d'avoir un comparatif, mais je dirais bon rapport qualité prix & péage de bide 😆 car j'ai prit 1h pour finir mon assiette au format Regular, donc autant dire que c'est pas pour les petits ventres, même si je le savais !
Bonne ambiance, bonne musique, la déco est sympa, ouvert 24/24h donc si vous avez faim la nuit vous pouvez y aller 😂
Attiré par la note spectaculaire de google, j'ai finalement été assez déçu. L'endroit est assez froid, la nourriture décevante & chère : un goût approximatif en raison d'un plat préparé rapidement & sans conviction. A peine avais-je fini mon assiette que deux serveuses se sont empressées de vouloir me faire payer. L'endroit s'apparente avant tout à un attrape-touriste. Dommage.
Feb 25, 2026
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La meilleure poutine que j'ai pu manger pendant mes vacances a Quebec. Très bon rapport qualité/prix. Enormément de choix, assiette de taille regular déjà très bien chargée. Personnel agréable. Je conseille donc le lieu avec grand plaisi
Un super resto pour manger une poutine, choix varié, prévoir des vêtements chauds car il faut attendre au moins 30 minutes à l'extérieur avant de pouvoir avoir une table.
Feb 18, 2026
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If you want a really good poutine experience, I recommend coming here.
The smoked meat they put on top of the poutine fries reminds me of brisket from Texas. Very flavorful, juicy, good amount - they don't skimp on the serving.
I washed it all down with a banana wheat beer which was perfect.
I tried their chocolate cake dessert because I didn't feel like going out & searching for a dessert spot. It wasn't for me but it was still pretty good.
Cher touriste & locaux, en tant que locale, je vous promets (malheureusement) que la file vaut la peine. Il y a plein de bonne poutine à Montréal mais La Banquise reste un incontournable. Les frites sont bien frites, le fromage est parfaitement mou & squick squick, la sauce est authentique & la variété de condiments additionnels aux noms farfelus est apprécié. Si la température le permets, je recommande de prendre pour emporter & manger dans le parc la fontaine. Faites la liste, ca vaut le coup, la bouffe est vrai & les portions sont généreuses. Vive La Banquise.
C'est vraiment à la Banquise que se trouve ma poutine préférée. La ratio frite-sauce-fromage est parfaitement à mon goût, les frites sont croustillantes. J'adore.
