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.
At La Banquise, poutine lovers will find a legendary range of toppings, from classic to inventive, piled high on crispy fries with squeaky cheese curds and savory gravy. Generous portions and a lively, welcoming atmosphere make it a go to spot for sharing or a hearty solo bite, with options from traditional to bold specialty poutines and even late night hours. The line often moves quickly and the staff are friendly and efficient, keeping the energy high and the experience memorable in Montreal. A true Montreal staple, it delivers comforting, craveable food that hits the spot after a day of exploring.
La nourriture était très bonne, là-dessus je ne suis jamais déçue. Par contre, ça a été un peu long pour être assis. La serveuse a pris notre commande, nous a fait payer, mais comme nous n'avions pas donné tout le pourboire suggéré sur la facture, elle a dit que ça allait mais elle nous a totalement ignoré le reste de la soirée alors qu'elle passait sans arrêt à côté de nous. Les plats ont pris du temps à arriver (des gens arrivés en même temps que nous ont eu leurs plats bien avant nous), un serveur différent nous a emmené notre commande (lui était serviable & souriant). Il y a beaucoup trop de monde, impossible d'avoir de l'intimité. C'est un resto que je recommande pour la nourriture mais j'aurais préféré qu'ils nous fassent payer après avoir mangé pour que le pourboire reflète le service reçu.
It was one of the most recommended places I've been to & they didn't disappoint at all. The different options for poutine is nuts & everyone will find something to eat, from meat to vegan options it's all there. I did got the La Bonheur Poutine & it was so good that I could have gotten a second plate. The hype is well deserved.
Un incontournable de Montréal. La poutine est une des meilleures, tout est bien balancé (ratio sauce, fromage, frites). Le service est rapide & efficace.
On y trouve probablement les meilleures poutines (une demi-portion suffit à caler une bonne faim) de la ville qui sont ici déclinées dans une carte longue comme le bras.... Il y'en a pour tous les goûts ! Des salades (archi-copieuses) & des hamburgers sont également proposés... Service aussi efficace que sympathique & gentil & le tout à petits prix...
To be honest, this wasn't my favorite poutine experience. The wait was very long, & I tried two different options but didn't really enjoy either. I do wonder if the classic poutine might have been a better choice.
If you're going to go to Banquise, eat in. I had take out & was thoroughly disappointed. Long wait & soggy fries. I've had much better poutine at other places in town.
Second Review: 18 May, 2025. I ordered the Scooby Poutine. & it's a go out & try.
The Scooby poutine was really good. It was perfect & not that salty or greasy for my liking. I end up finishing the whole plate.
The service was okay & the ladies were really nice & kind. We had mix servers so be aware of who you are tipping. Also remember the Gov. takes a lot of tips through tax so please be aware.
Love this restaurant & even though there is a line to get in on busy days the wait is worth it.
God Bless the Owners & past & present employees of this restaurant. We will be coming back.
God Bless you & thank you.
Philippians 4:13
Original Review: Please don't send any negativity or hate towards the staff & anyone else involved. This review is my attempt to report on others & my opinion.
Here is my full opinion on La Banquise. We were 2 people dining. At around 1:00PM. On 08 Dec.
Pros:
A) The food is alright.
B) It has a nice atmosphere.
C) Prices are fairly reasonable.
D) Not a far walk from the Metro & they have some services you can use.
Cons:
A) Service was not the best as the waitress was like pass me your plates. You are suppose to pick them up yourself. Anais is who speaks three languages English French & Spanish was a little rude to us. We feel like she did not want to serve us nor help us after we were done eating.
B) The toilet was flushing by itself. Plumbing problems will be bad later on.
C) T-Rex poutine includes bacon but we did not find it on our plate.
D) The place is too small & if you are a person that needs extra space you will be crammed in there.
E) The employees should be more happy & persistent.
F) Parking may be a challenge to find.
Conclusion:
All in all. It's not my favourite place anymore.
I will only dine in if we have guests or visitors or a group but for me personally.
I will be avoiding this place for dine in & maybe just doing takeout if Alone.
May 19, 2025
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After being here for 3 years, I finally tried this place. It wasn't worth it for me to wait in line. The place across the street Ma Poulet Mouillé has better poutine.
We had the shoot out poutine & spicy sausage hot dog. The fries weren't anything special, the sauce was oddly thick & extremely salty & it didn't have a lot of cheese curds. There was a lot of meat on the poutine, all of it extremely salty. The spicy sausage hot dog was supposed to have a creamy coleslaw & you can see from the photo that there was hardly anything there. Would not recommend.
Always a line up, bring time with you. It's famous but the atmosphere could be better, also very very loud. The food & menu itself is amazing. There is something for everyone to find - not only poutine. They also offer salad & great sides along with kids menu.
May 18, 2025
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Very very busy place. Went there around 2:30 pm. Have to wait at least 30 minutes to be seated, but it was ok. Food was good but difficult to go in between your table due to not enough space.
A must try delicious poutine place in Montreal! I never really liked poutine but this place changed my mind - turns out I just didn't come to Montreal to try the authentic poutine!
