Montreal's 24-hour poutine institution offering over 30 varieties. Classic Quebec comfort food in casual diner atmosphere. Always busy but worth it.
La Banquise on Rue Rachel Est in Montreal's Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood is the city's most famous poutine restaurant and a 24-hour institution that has served the classic Québécois dish for decades. With over 30 poutine varieties on the menu, it offers the full range of the dish's possibilities: from the canonical classic (fries, curds, gravy) to elaborately topped versions with pulled pork, merguez sausage, smoked salmon, or vegetarian toppings. The dining room is unpretentious — a diner-style space with Formica tables, a constant hum of conversation, and a clientele ranging from late-night revellers to families and tourists exploring the Plateau. La Banquise is especially busy after midnight on weekends, when it becomes a reliable gathering point for those leaving bars and clubs. The cheese curds are kept at optimal temperature to achieve the characteristic squeak against the teeth, and the gravy is made in-house. Portions are generous and prices are some of the lowest for a sit-down meal in Montreal. Beer and wine are available, making La Banquise a complete late-night experience.
Signature dishes
- Classic Poutine — $9
- La Banquise Special — $14
Good to know
- Hours
- 24 hours daily
- Reservations
- Walk-in only
Location
994 Rue Rachel E, Montreal, QC H2J 2J3
45.5280, -73.5744 View on map
Highlights
- Over 30 poutine varieties — Montreal's most comprehensive poutine menu
- 24-hour operation, making it a legendary late-night destination in the Plateau
- Classic poutine uses fresh cheese curds with proper squeak and house-made gravy
- Unpretentious diner atmosphere welcoming families, tourists, and after-midnight crowds equally
- Beer and wine available alongside poutine
Tips for visiting
- The classic poutine is the benchmark — try it before experimenting with creative variations
- After midnight on weekends, expect a wait of 20–30 minutes; weekday visits are much calmer
- The restaurant is cash-friendly but cards are also accepted
- Combine a visit with a walk on Rue Rachel or the nearby Parc La Fontaine
- Vegetarian poutine options are available — ask the server for current choices
Accessibility
La Banquise is at street level with a flat entrance. The dining room is moderately spacious with standard diner-style seating. Wheelchair access to the main dining area is generally manageable, though the room becomes crowded during peak late-night hours. Accessible washrooms are available on the same floor.
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Frequently asked questions
Is La Banquise really open 24 hours?
Yes. La Banquise operates around the clock, seven days a week, making it one of the few sit-down restaurants in Montreal available at any hour.
How many poutine varieties does La Banquise offer?
The menu features over 30 distinct poutine varieties, ranging from the classic three-ingredient version to elaborate topped creations with meat, seafood, and vegetarian toppings.
What neighbourhood is La Banquise in?
The restaurant is on Rue Rachel Est in the Plateau-Mont-Royal, one of Montreal's most vibrant and walkable neighbourhoods, close to Parc La Fontaine.
Does La Banquise serve alcohol?
Yes, beer and wine are available. The drinks menu is simple but covers the essentials for pairing with poutine.
Is the poutine at La Banquise authentic?
La Banquise is considered one of Montreal's most authentic poutine restaurants, using real cheese curds from Quebec producers and house-made gravy.