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.
I'm not personally a poutine fan, but as I was visiting the city, I thought I should try this place thanks to the recommendations. The poutine was delicious & loaded with meat, fries & cheese curds. It was really busy the day when I went, so called in placed an order & went to collect it. There was a lineup to collect the food when my group went there & the place was filled to the brim. I'll surely recommend this place to anyone who visits Montreal & have any of their offerings. The quantity is generous.
Dec 4, 2024
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Le lieu pour déguster une poutine dans tous ses états ! ici nombreuses variantes, excellente & très bon rapport qualité prix. Un établissement ouvert tout le temps, vraiment l'idéal !
I visited this restaurant today after a recommendation from a friend. I experienced very strange behaviour from the server. While I was paying the bill, she forcefully asked me to tip them 15%, which eventually she added in the bill. I was completely shocked it seems like she was begging for tip ; she even explained that she didn't get paid enough , tip is her's pay. Not acceptable behaviour.
Dec 3, 2024
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
One of our favourite spots for poutine in Montreal. Can't miss the Classique, the cheese curds were a perfect mix of squeaky & creamy & the gravy & frites are
Nous avons passé un très bon moment. Les poutines étaient délicieuses, très copieuses, & le serveur très agréable. Nous recommandons cet endroit : excellent rapport qualité-prix.
Nov 27, 2024
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
La nourriture était bonne mais le service est à revoir, j'ai eu affaire à une serveuse (brune avec une frange noire) au moment de l'addition qui m'a réprimander d'une manière passive agressive car je n'ai pas mis de pourboire (je viens de la Belgique donc il n'y a pas de système de tips obligatoire)... Je peux comprendre dans le fond mais imaginez être dans un pays étranger & ne pas connaître les codes & on vous embrouille pour cela... Elle n'a même pas voulu emballer mon doggy bag
Les poutines étaient délicieuses, mais je n'ai pas apprécié le comportement de la serveuse, une femme un peu âgée avec une frange, qui a été passive-agressive avec mon amie parce qu'elle ne savait pas qu'il fallait laisser un pourboire (elle vient de Belgique). Je pense qu'elle ne se serait pas permis de s'adresser de cette façon à une cliente plus âgée ou à une cliente blanche. L'interaction était longue, nous étions abasourdies & selon la serveuse, notre comportement était "nul"
Omg, this is truely a GEM in Montreal, we were so glad we went here for the poutine- La Reggie Veggie 🥗 🍟 & our experience - UNFORGETTABLE & FINGERLICIOUS ♥️ Its a must whenever you are in Montreal!!!!!
Nov 13, 2024
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
You know that a place is great if tourists & local make line to get in , it was the best poutine that I ever had , please give yourself a favor & eat at this place.
Some of the best poutine in Montreal. Plates are heavy & the toppings are PILED on! We tried to wait in line on a Friday night but it was too long so we came again on Sunday around 9:30pm & there was no line thankfully. Between 9pm-6am you do have to pre pay. Our server was also very friendly & very patient as we could not choose which one to get! Soo many options! Our second time here, first time dining in & we cannot wait to come back!
La Banquise c'est toujours excellent à chaque fois, une bonne ambiance, des plats copieux, de bonnes bières, si vous ne connaissez pas & que vous venez à Montréal, c'est LA BASE !!!! La poutine Sud Ouest est malade !!!!! Comme tout resto à succès & malgré qu'il soit ouvert 24/7 , vous pouvez avoir de l'attente à l'arrivée mais elle vaut le coup !!
