When it comes to Montreal restaurants, sometimes a break from fine dining and the usual must-try spots is necessary, and there's no better place to do that than a casse-croûte restaurant. And we aren't talking about your average casse-croûte, we're talking about the best of the best.
For those unfamiliar with the casse-croûte, it's essentially a smaller diner-style restaurant, specializing in fast food dishes like poutine, hot dogs, smoked meat and submarines.
While Montreal is home to classics like La Belle Province, La Banquise and Decarie Hot Dog, we wanted to dig a little deeper and share some delish spots that aren't chains and that you may (or may not) have heard of or dined at before.
So, if you're craving a juicy smash burger, a mouthwatering poutine or a few steamies, here are seven of the best Montreal casse-croûte spots every local needs to visit.
Paul Patates
Where: 760, rue Charlevoix
Why You Need To Go: It doesn't get more old school than Paul Patates. Located in Montreal's Point-Saint-Charles borough, Paul Patates serves all your classics in a diner-style setting fitted with stools and blue and yellow tiles dating back decades.
Chez Tousignant
Where: 6956, rue Drolet
Why You Need To Go: From some of the best smash burgers in Montreal to its hot dog creations and saucy poutines, Chez Tousignant is a made-to-order spot that won't disappoint. From the no-fuss ordering concept to the simple and sleek interior, you really can't go wrong when it comes to getting a quick bite here.
Mont-Royal Hot Dog
Where: 1001, av. Mont-Royal E.
Why You Need To Go: Mont-Royal Hot Dog is a classic Plateau-Mont-Royal casse-croûte spot that offers just about anything and everything you can imagine? Sure, they've got your classic poutine, hot dog and burgers, but if you're in the mood for spaghetti and meat sauce, they've also got you covered. During the summer, you can take it to go and enjoy it at Parc La Fontaine, which is only a skip and a hop away.
Chez Ma Tante
Where: 3180, rue Fleury E.
Why You Need To Go: Montreal's Chez Ma Tante offers up vintage vibes, greasy food and the promise of a satisfied belly. The old-fashioned-style diner is totally worth it for a typical Québécois night full of poutines, hot chicken sandwiches, and smoked meat. The name itself also holds value. Translated in English to "at my aunt's [home]" a meal here will have you feeling like you're dining with family, a feeling many Montreal restaurants serve up (it's just never really on the menu).
Greenspot
Where: 3041, rue Notre-Dame O.
Why You Need To Go: The Montreal diner is a dying breed, and this one is among a handful of hangers-on scattered around the city that still capture that old-school feel because they've managed to avoid changing. Those new to the city can dive into hot dogs, pizza, and poutine made with Green Spot's iconic thick-cut fries, right in the heart of Montreal's Saint-Henri neighbourhood. You could also opt for Montreal's pizzaghetti, to which Green Spot makes historical claim.
Greenspot website
Gibeau Orange Julep
Where: 7700, boul. Decarie
Why You Need To Go: If you have never eaten at the Orange Julep, then chances are you've at least seen its massive orange ball off the Decarie highway. While they are known for their orange juice, Julep's poutines are next level. During the summer, you can enjoy your meal in Juleps' parking lot, which is usually packed with sportscars, and classic and Kustom cars.
MangeDansMonHood
Where: 1380, rue Jean-Talon E.
Why You Need To Go: For classic Quebecois fanfare and a signature Montreal touch, Mange Dans Mon Hoods is a total must-try. We recommend grabbing their smash burgers and poutine for the ultimate foodie experience.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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The May 19, 2023, Google doodle celebrating poutine.