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.
Meilleur place pour la poutine à Montréal, je vous le donne !!! Mais vous devez garder vos établissent plus propre que sa, vos salle de bain son dégueulasse & on l'air vendaliser. La propreté est le plus grand point négatif à votre resto. Veux veux pas sa joue sur l'appétie & le service. À part de sa je vous aurez donner un meilleur review.
Honestly disappointed. First trip back to Montreal in a decade, & I may as well have eaten at Smokes in Toronto. Fries - mid. Sauce - good. Cheese - ZERO SQUEAK.
I found myself so disappointed that I went to Belle Province later & (sadly) had a better poutine.
I was not surprised to hear that ownership changed. Someone is missing the core of what made La Banquise special. An exceptional core poutine with fun toppings after that. Now it might as well have been shredded cheese.
Portions are good. Service is fast. Quality is FINE, but not worth putting effort into seeking out.
Side note: 4.75 for a small glass of chocolate milk is criminal.
Ce lieu est censé représenter l'endroit où on mange la meilleure poutine à Montréal.
Je pense que c'est surtout l'endroit le plus bruyant pour manger la poutine.
Une carte vous ai proposé avec plusieurs déclinaisons de la poutine, pour la plupart des saveurs improbables, & pas du tout bon d'ailleurs.
Je vous conseille de rester sur la poutine classique qui est très bonne.
Le serveur a été très sympa.
Les toilettes sales comme beaucoup de restaurant à Montréal
Nov 4, 2025
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Une poutine, ça reste une poutine. Mais s'il faut en choisir une, ce sera définitivement celle-là. Évidemment il y a un peu de queue, donc faites attention. Mais la carte est si grande, & si détaillée, que nous trouvons forcément ce que nous voulons.
Concernant la poutine, frites, très qualitatives, super sauce & fromage, parfait, une Trinité.
Sûrement une des meilleures de la ville, pas trop cher, ouvert 24 heures sur 24.
Reasonably priced & filling! We went at 11 & got a table right away & were served quickly. I see why this place is popular for drunk hooligans (which I of course was not) 😉
It was an average poutine. You shouldn't expext to get something spectacular even though its a famous place & has a long wait & its a pricy poutine. I think 4 star is very generous.
La Banquise is where most poutine journeys begin, & for good reason. It's Montreal's most famous spot, an institution known for its dizzying array of takes on the classic Quebecois dish. While the menu spans everything from'Elvis' to'La Obélix,' there's an undeniable pleasure in sticking to the original: perfectly crisp, golden fries, squeaky fresh cheese curds, & a rich, savory brown gravy.
Admittedly, for a seasoned poutine connoisseur, La Banquise might feel a little like a tourist rite of passage-there are indeed hidden gems across the city offering arguably'better' versions. However, this vibrant, 24-hour spot is the perfect, delicious introduction for the poutine novice. It sets the standard & provides the ideal starting point before you level up to the more refined competition. Go for the classic, savor the experience, & let the curd life begin!
It's not worth waiting in the cold for this. There are other similar places. The smoked meat topping tasted good, but the fries, cheese, & gravy were just average. You can't even wait inside for takeout - they have a bad attitude & ask people to wait out on the street. The server at the door had such an arrogant attitude, like they're doing you a favor just by serving you. Very ridiculous.
Remember to ask for utensils. They don't provide for takeouts
Endroit certe emblématique mais avec ma compagne nous n'avons pas été conquis.
Prévoyez un peu d'attente avant d'entrer,une fil pour manger dedans & une autre pour prendre a emporter.
Endroit moyennement propre,bruyant & serré.
Niveau nourriture nous avons mangé de meilleur poutine sur Montréal.
Sinon le service est nickel.
