9 fast food restaurants Montreal needs right now
Which one would you go to first?
Two Burrito bowls from Chipotle. Right: The exterior of a Wing Stop restaurant.
Listen, Montreal's food scene is unparalleled but when it comes to our fast food choices, it's clear that we're missing out on some favourites that Canadians in other provinces and our neighbours down south get to enjoy on a daily.
Sure, we've got a few notable chains based in Quebec such as St-Hubert, La Belle Province and Bâton Rouge — but anyone who has had to travel to the States or to Ontario for a taste of Popeyes, Panera or Chipotle is all too familiar with that FOMO feeling.
Here are nine fast-food restaurants that Montreal needs (and deserves) to have ASAP.
Wingstop
If I see one more person dip a crispy chicken tender into a massive cup of Wingstop's ranch sauce on TikTok, I am going to have a foodie fit.
Known for its flavorful and diverse selection of chicken wings, Wingstop offers over a dozen different sauces and dry rubs to choose from and Montreal deserves to be able to enjoy every single one of them.
Closest Wingstop to Montreal: There are currently seven Wingstop restaurants across the Greater Toronto Area, which is roughly a six-hour car ride, or four-hour train ride from Montreal.
Wingstop alternative available in Montreal: Montrealers who want to get in on that Wingstop action without driving to Toronto can experience a similar wing moment at Wild Wing in Greenfield Park located at 3320, Boul. Taschereau., where over 10 flavours of wings are up for grabs.
Chipotle
Chipotle is one spot I could easily find myself eating at often (maybe too often) but there's nothing like building your own burrito bowl or packing a burrito with endless Tex-Mex ingredients that you end up needing a second tortilla. And of course, Montreal doesn't get to enjoy any of it.
Closest Chipotle to Montreal: The closest Chipotle to Montreal would be at the Rideau Centre in Ottawa, located at 50 Rideau St #201C., approximately a two-hour drive from Montreal.
Chipotle alternative available in Montreal: If you're hoping to get your hands on something similar to Chipotle, Montrealers can visit Quesada, with over 10 locations across the Greater Montreal Area.
Panera
Whenever I am in the mood for a good soup and sandwich, Panera's grilled chicken and avocado melt with a French onion soup, bag of kettle chips, agave lemonade and a single chocolate chip cookie hits the spot every single time… you are outside of Quebec, that is.
Closest Panera to Montreal: The closest Panera to Montreal is in Ottawa, located at 320 W Hunt Club Rd., which is roughly a two-hour drive from Montreal. For those who own a passport, you can also drive 90 minutes south to Plattsburgh, New York.
Panera alternative available in Montreal: While it doesn't hit the same, Olive et Gourmando does offer a balanced soup and sandwich menu with fresh pastries and a delectable drinks menu that keeps up with those Panera vibes.
More about Panera locations in Canada here
Arby's
They have the meats, baby! While I often wonder to myself who is keeping Arby's in business, I am often reminded that a lot of people are, considering how slammin' their roast beef sandwiches are. Not to mention I can go for a serving of Arby's curly fries any day.
Closest Arby's to Montreal: The Arby's closest to Montreal is in Kanata, Ontario — located on the outskirts of Ottawa, roughly two and a half hours from Montreal. The Arby's can be found at 474 Hazeldean Rd Unit #14.
Arby's alternative available in Montreal: While it may not be even remotely similar, Tim Hortons offers up a pretty decent roast beef melt and potato wedges that satisfy my Arby's cravings whenever they kick in.
Taco Bell
OK, now while Taco Bell did exist in Montreal up until a few years ago, we were only graced with a single location by the Côte-Vertu Metro station. Well, now that we're left with nothing, it's safe to say Montreal is missing out on cheap tacos and Crunch Wrap Supremes.
Closest Taco Bell to Montreal: The closest Taco Bell from Montreal is in Ottawa, located at 1200 St-Laurent Boul., which is a two-hour drive from Montreal. For passport holders, you can also drive 90 minutes to Plattsburgh, New York.
Taco Bell alternative available in Montreal: M4 Burritos is as close as a Montrealer will be able to get to the Taco Bell experience without having to leave the Island.
More about Taco Bell locations in Canada here
More about M4 Burritos here
Popeyes
Popeyes Louisiana Chicken might not be the most sought-after fast food chain among Quebecers, considering we do have KFC, and tons of fried chicken joints including Bucky Rooster's, Olivia's Authentic Fried Chicken, Jack Le Coq and more — but we are definitely lacking those Popeye sides and flavours, especially that macaroni and cheese.
Closest Popeyes to Montreal: The closest Popeyes is in Cornwall, Ontario, located at 1315 Second St E., which is approximately an hour and 15 minute drive from Montreal, which isn't too bad for a few of your Popeye faves.
Popeyes alternative available in Montreal: Jack Le Coq offers the closest experience to Popeyes with their freshly made fried chicken, and of course, delectable mac and cheese side that measures up to the Louisiana Kitchen flavours.
Raising Canes
Raising Cane's is yet another classic TikTok viral fast food spot that makes you wish there was at least one in Montreal or at least one near Montreal. The delectable chicken tender dunk into Raising Cane's iconic sauce, along with their fried bread and crinkle-cut fries make it look as if it's the most heavenly thing you'll ever eat.
Closest Raising Cane's to Montreal: This is the sad part, there is no Raising Cane's in Canada — so your only option for tasting the real deal is travelling to the United States. The closest Cane's Chicken Fingers restaurant to Montreal would be in Methuen, Massachusetts (northwest of Salem and Boston), located at 90 Pleasant Valley St Suite 650, which would take you roughly four hours and 45 minutes by car, which isn't too bad. However, a passport is required.
Raising Cane's alternative available in Montreal: Roch Le Coq isn't going to scratch that Raising Cane's craving but it's surely the closest thing you'll get to it. From their variety of fried chicken and Kimchi mayo, you'll be able to get that cream and crunch you'd likely experience at Cane's.
Jersey Mike's
When you really think about it, all Montreal has got when it comes to fast-food sandwich shops are Subway and Dagwoods. So, it's safe to say that we can definitely benefit from having another sandwich fast food joint in the mix and Jersey Mike's is easily the best choice.
The sandwich spot is known for its freshly sliced meats and cheeses, authentic ingredients, and freshly baked bread. While they are planning to open over 300 locations across Canada (no mention of any in Quebec…yet) you're going to have to wait for 2034 for that to happen.
Closest Jersey's Mike to Montreal: While we wait for Jersey Mike's to open across Canada, you can get a tasting of its subs in Williston, Vermont (20 minutes South of Burlington), located at 69 Market St Unit 2, which requires a passport and a two hour and 15-minute drive from Montreal.
Jersey Mike's alternative available in Montreal: Listen, if you're looking for a quick, easy and delicious sandwich in Montreal, Bossa is your go-to. No second guesses, no ifs, and or buts, no whataboutisms, it'll hit every single spot every single time.
Shake Shack
If you've noshed on a classic Shake Shack burger or bit into their mozzarella-stuffed mushroom patty, then you know just how much of a flavour rollercoaster Shake Shack burgers take you on. Despite Shake Shack officially announcing it would be opening its first-ever Canadian location in Toronto this year, the iconic burger joint is still nowhere across Canada.
Closest Shake Shack to Montreal: While we wait for the Toronto location to open, the closest Shake Shack from Montreal is the restaurant in Saratoga Springs, New York, which is roughly a three-hour car drive from Montreal.
Shake Shack alternative available in Montreal: Those who want that mouthwatering burger experience can enjoy something just as similar at Montreal's very own Casse-Croûte Mange Dans Mon Hood.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.