Below is a list of popular American chain restaurants and their locations that are closest to Montreal. At the bottom of this article, you'll find a map, which illustrates their distance from the city. Visit MTLBlog for more headlines. The United States may be right next door, but a short trip across the border can seem like a journey into another world for Canadians unaccustomed to American decadence and consumerism. A quick hop through customs and you'll find yourself in a foreign landscape dominated by American chain restaurants. These massive moneymakers can be found across the U.S., but many of them have yet to enter the Canadian market. My mom is American and twice a year, since I can remember, we have driven across the border to stock up on American snacks and grab lunch at one of the many American chains. Throughout the years, I have managed to score meals (thank you, mother) at most of these eateries, some of which I like, others, not so much. Part of the thrill of driving to the U.S. is the opportunity to indulge over-the-top menu items. Or, if you are anything like my friends and me, sometimes you just drive across the border to get Chipotle. Day trips for food make for some of the best memories. Below, we list the American chains within driving distance of Montreal. At the bottom of the article, you'll find a map that illustrates the location of each restaurant. Just make sure to bring your passport! Chipotle Where: 200 Consumer Square Ste 208, Plattsburgh, NY Distance From Montreal: 1 hour and 15 minutes View this post on Instagram Holy guacamole, Batman! #chipotle #guacamole #guac #doublechicken #salsa #beansandrice A post shared by Joe Di Lillo (@jdilillo78) on Oct 29, 2018 at 10:59am PDT Anyone that knows me, knows how much I love Chipotle. I am serious; I have dreams about its bowls. Chipotle also serves alcohol! Website Panera Bread Where: 100 Consumer Square, Plattsburgh, NY Distance From Montreal: 1 hour and 15 minutes View this post on Instagram Ok, but how cute does a fall picnic sound??? 📸: @realfoodwithgratitude A post shared by Panera Bread (@panerabread) on Oct 10, 2019 at 9:00am PDT This chain of bakeries and coffee shops is known for its fresh, quality foods at affordable prices. Panera serves up amazing sandwiches, soups, and baked goods, all of which are worth the drive. Website Buffalo Wild Wings Where: 200 Consumer Square, Plattsburgh, NY Distance From Montreal: 1 hour and 15 minutes View this post on Instagram We need to talk about load management. . . . (📸: @eat.live.repeat) A post shared by Buffalo Wild Wings (@bwwings) on Nov 11, 2019 at 2:36pm PST As amazing as the food is in Montreal, I do feel that we are lacking an epic wings spot, like Buffalo Wild Wings. The vast array of sauce choices, the large portions, and the little crowns make this a great option for a food-driven road trip. Website Chick-Fil-A Where: 400 NY-3, Plattsburgh, NY Distance From Montreal: 1 hour and 12 minutes View this post on Instagram Today is looking 🔥🔥🔥#SpicyDeluxe 📷: @chickfila7thandfig A post shared by Chick-fil-A, Inc. (@chickfila) on Sep 19, 2019 at 8:45am PDT I must be honest, I have never eaten Chick-Fil-A as I do not agree with its anti-queer ideologies. Apparently, it is set to stop funding anti-LGBTQ organizations, which is a start. However, those who have eaten their chicken say it is quite impressive! Website Outback Steakhouse Where: 150 Dorset St, South Burlington, VT Distance From Montreal: 1 hour 45 minutes View this post on Instagram A meal fit for a queen! 👑 Treat Mom to a Roasted Garlic Shrimp-Topped Filet with two sides and cheesecake this Mother's Day. Available May 8-12. A post shared by Outback Steakhouse (@outback) on May 8, 2019 at 1:00pm PDT The "Australian" franchise has been around since the late ’80s and is known for its quirky menu items and big slabs of steak. Website Red Lobster Where: 750 Upper Glen St, Queensbury, NY Distance From Montreal: 2 hours and 47 minutes View this post on Instagram Pick One Lobster Dish… …And One Signature Favorite… …And Two Shrimp Classics to Create Your Own Ultimate Feast like this! A post shared by Red Lobster (@redlobster) on Dec 2, 2019 at 1:51pm PST Red Lobster specializes in seafood dishes and, surprise, lobster! And, in less than 3 hours, you can experience the hype for yourself and taste what the red lobster has to offer. Website Olive Garden Where: 1025 Shelburne Rd, South Burlington, VT Distance From Montreal: 1 hour and 47 minutes View this post on Instagram $5 Take Home Entrées…if you know, you know. A post shared by Olive Garden (@olivegarden) on Nov 22, 2019 at 8:39am PST The Olive Garden is the most Americanized Italian food you can find. Its unlimited breadsticks and salad combined with towering pasta dishes make this spot a go-to for many road-trippers looking for something to nosh on. Website The Cheesecake Factory Where: 131 Wolf Rd, Albany Distance From Montreal: 3 hours and 25 minutes View this post on Instagram Them: Mac and cheese is the perfect food Us: Hold my fryer A post shared by The Cheesecake Factory 🍰 (@cheesecakefactory) on Oct 8, 2019 at 1:00pm PDT The Cheesecake Factory has one of those incredibly large menus, making it close to impossible to pick just one dish. From flavour-filled appetizers to a seemingly endless list of and giant cheesecakes, The Cheesecake Factory is very much worth the drive. Website Arby’s Where: 172 Market St, Potsdam, NY Distance From Montreal: 2 hours and 16 minutes View this post on Instagram No admittance except on party business A post shared by Arby's (@arbys) on Sep 22, 2016 at 11:18am PDT This fast-food chain was founded in 1964 and has been a staple in the U.S. since then. Known for its curly fries, mozzarella sticks, and roast beef, this fast food joint is a must for any junk food lover. Website Popeyes Where: 4230 Po Valley Rd, Fort Drum, NY Distance From Montreal: 3 hours and 14 minutes View this post on Instagram Happy #NationalFastFoodDay! A.K.A. #NationalPopeyesDay. A post shared by Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (@popeyeslouisianakitchen) on Nov 16, 2019 at 8:04am PST If you are a fried chicken lover, this chain is totally worth the drive. Website Panda Express Where: 10730 Enduring Freedom Dr, Fort Drum, NY Distance From Montreal: 3 hours and 14 minutes View this post on Instagram How sweet it is to be #BroughtToYouByYou. Crafted with chicken raised without antibiotics, Honey Sesame Chicken Breast has returned to give the fans what they deserve: A bowl of honey-sweet bliss. #🐼🍯🍗 A post shared by Panda Express (@officialpandaexpress) on Nov 14, 2019 at 3:00pm PST Panda Express has been serving fast food Chinese dishes to satisfied customers since 1983. If you have yet to try it, why not take a little drive to Fort Drum and test it out for yourself! Website Denny’s Where: 730 Shelburne Rd, South Burlington, VT Distance From Montreal: 1 hour and 46 minutes View this post on Instagram classic stacks, simplicity is beauty (📷: @delisiousadventure) A post shared by dennysdiner (@dennysdiner) on Aug 1, 2017 at 5:59pm PDT Denny’s is known for its 24-hour breakfast, something that Montreal, unfortunately, lacks in great supply. So if you want a late-night road trip with the intent of getting pancakes, Denny’s is the place for you! Website Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Where: 1289 Coffeen St, Watertown, NY Distance From Montreal: 3 hours and 15 minutes View this post on Instagram If you know me. A post shared by Mallory Ervin (@malloryervin) on Jan 31, 2019 at 10:07am PST Get a little taste of the south and get some shopping done at the same time. The country store inside every Cracker Barrel includes American novelty items and souvenirs. Website Longhorn Steakhouse Where: 1405 Maple Tree Pl, Williston, VT Distance From Montreal: 1 hour 52 minutes View this post on Instagram Give yourself the gift of indulgence. A post shared by LongHorn Steakhouse (@longhornsteaks) on Nov 24, 2019 at 3:00pm PST Longhorn Steakhouse is a chain of restaurants known for meat and stereotypical western décor. If you want the illusion of being in Texas without actually being there, Longhorn Steakhouse is a good placed to do just that. Website Chili’s Where: 125 Cypress Place, Williston, VT Distance From Montreal: 1 hour and 49 minutes View this post on Instagram Veg tripple dipper and minty melon😍 #chillis #chillisrestaurant #amaricanrestaurant #cafe #cafes #bar #foodbloggers #foodie #foodblogger #foodies #food #foodphotography #foodphotoshoot #foodiesofinstagram #foodporn #onelife #nibbas#foodgasm #foodiesofinstagram #foodlove #foodshare #instafood #americanfood #amarica#usa #usa🇺🇸 A post shared by FOODIE EXPRESS (@foodieexpress.in) on Nov 25, 2019 at 11:33pm PST Some of the most popular menu items at this casual dining chain include the boneless, fully loaded chicken wings and bottomless chips and salsa! Website TGI Fridays Where: 21890 Towne Center Dr, Watertown, NY Distance From Montreal: 3 hours 17 minutes View this post on Instagram #EndlessApps because we can’t make Friday last forever. Cherish it with us at participating #Fridays locations. https://locations.tgifridays.com/search.html - Dine-In Only. Terms Apply. A post shared by TGI Fridays (@tgifridays) on Oct 25, 2019 at 10:00am PDT If you want a fully American dining experience, TGI Friday’s is a spot you need to check out. From mozzarella dippers to Mario loaded nachos, TGI Friday’s is a dream destination for anyone looking to fight the munchies. Website Applebee’s Where: 80 Centre Dr, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Distance From Montreal: 1 hour and 13 minutes View this post on Instagram It’s your day off. Go enjoy a meal. We’ll take care of the rest. #LaborDay A post shared by Applebee's Grill & Bar (@applebees) on Sep 2, 2019 at 12:39pm PDT I have always wanted to go to an Applebee’s but have never gotten around to it. Perhaps this a sign that its salsa verde beef nachos or Thai shrimp salad are in my near future! Website Dave & Busters Where: 1 Crossgates Mall Rd, Albany, NY Distance From Montreal: 3 hours and 30 minutes View this post on Instagram What are you doing tonight? We're just winging it! 😋 Get ALL YOU CAN EAT Wings and a Power Card® every game day - Sunday, Monday and Thursday! 🏈 📷: @maribelmoralesphoto A post shared by Dave & Buster's (@daveandbusters) on Oct 24, 2019 at 12:00pm PDT If you are looking for food and entertainment, Dave & Busters is the place for you. All of the restaurants are stocked with cool arcade rooms. Website Chuck-E-Cheese Where: 601 Troy Schenectady Rd, Latham, NY Distance From Montreal: 3 hours and 21 minutes View this post on Instagram Tag a friend. If they don’t reply in 10 minutes, then they owe you a Chuck E. Cheese’s cheese pizza. 😉 #NationalCheesePizzaDay A post shared by Chuck E. Cheese (@chuckecheese) on Sep 5, 2018 at 6:30am PDT As a kid, I always wished I could have a birthday at Chuck-E-Cheese and as an adult, that's still a goal. From the copious amounts of games and the prizes to be won, Chuck-E-Cheese is a great spot to head to on a day trip outside of the city. Website All of these chains are mapped for you below, so it's easy to plan your next road trip. Happy American-style eating!
