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.
Fabulous. Cheerful environment. Friendly staff. Will likely set your gold standard for poutine. Revisit La Banquise every time I visit Montreal. It's a force of nature. There aren't many restaurants that are this flat out joyous.
La Banquise is a poutine lover's paradise! The variety & quality of poutine options are outstanding, with generous portions & delicious flavors. The vibrant atmosphere & friendly staff make for a great dining experience. A must-visit spot in Montreal!
Don't skip the creamy coleslaw I'm OBSESSED & got the leftovers to go! Poutine is the star of course! Lineup moved quickly enough & was absolutely worth it for the value & portion wow ! I would highly recommend this place to anyone visiting
May 27, 2024
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Just had an AMAZING dinner at La Banquise located in Montreal Canada & I can't stop raving about it! 🥳The poutine was out of this world - so many delicious varieties to choose from! 🍟🧀 From classic to creative topping combinations, each bite was better than the last. If you haven't been, you HAVE to try it. Perfect place for foodies & poutine lovers alike! ❤️ #FoodieAdventures #LaBanquise #PoutinePerfection #DeliciousEats
La Banquise is worth every minute of waiting in line. For a party of two, we waited about 30 minutes for a 1:00 PM lunch, but the line moved quickly, especially for small groups. The atmosphere inside is a bit chaotic, but the tempting aroma makes it all worthwhile. We ordered the Banquise Burger & upgraded our fries to poutine. I chose the La Couvre-Feu poutine, & it was absolutely delicious. The portions were generous-so much so that I couldn't finish mine, but every bite was incredible! The picture truly says it all.
we were immediately seated as we entered & we were a group of 6 people. we ordered 3 poutines to share & all came in very big plates & tasted delicious! the staff was also very friendly & spoke both french & english. on the other hand, we visited during mid october & the entire place was very crowded on a thursday lunch, it kind of felt suffocating & sweaty. the windows were closed & it was very hot. this would've gotten a 5-stars if there was some kind of ventilation inside. overall, a very pleasant visit!
Für mich die beste Poutine, die ich gegessen habe, sehr zu empfehlen, große Auswahl an Toppings....Der Laden kann aber unter Umständen sehr voll sein und man muss einen Moment warten, bis man einen Platz bekommt
An iconic spot in Montreal for poutine enthusiasts. Offers a wide variety of poutines, from the classic version with fresh-cut fries, rich gravy, & squeaky cheese curds to inventive variations with toppings like smoked meat, guacamole, & pulled pork. The atmosphere is casual & vibrant, making it perfect for any time of day. service is quick, & the portions are generous (def good for sharing!!) ensuring a satisfying experience for both locals & tourists. For an authentic taste of Montreal's beloved dish, La Banquise is a must-visit!
May 21, 2024
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Expérience la semaine dernière pour une poutine à emporter... La serveuse nous dit d'attendre dehors. Après 15 minutes d'attente, les personnes arrivées après nous sont servies... On patiente encore & au bout de 25 minutes debouts sur le trottoir on se décide à rentrer. Notre sac nous attendait sur le comptoir. Je vous laisse imaginer l'état d'une poutine dans sa boîte au bout de tant d'attente. Dommage que le pourboire soit donné avant d'être servi. Un scandale ! Je ne recommande absolument pas.
