Vancouver does poutine well.
Not just the classic Quebec version with curds and gravy, but loaded, reinvented, and borderline excessive versions that go way beyond fries and cheese.
We hit poutine spots across the city and ranked our favourites based on quality of fries, cheese curd squeak, gravy flavour, and whether the toppings actually made it better.
Here are 9 spots worth the trip and exactly what to order at each.
1. La Belle Patate
La Belle Patate has been a Davie Street fixture since 2009, and they have over 40 poutine varieties on the menu.
That sounds like overkill, but the quality holds up across the board.
The Traditional Poutine is what you want first. Fresh cheese curds, hot gravy, crispy fries.
No gimmicks, just a clean execution of the classic.
From there, the Smoked Meat Poutine is the move.
Tender Montreal-style smoked meat piled on top adds a salty, rich layer that pairs perfectly with the gravy.
The Breakfast Poutine is also worth a look if you are there during the day.
If you’re still hungry, their Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich is amazing! You should definitely try it out, too.
What to order: Traditional Poutine, Smoked Meat Poutine, Breakfast Poutine
Address: 1215 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1N4, Canada
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2. Belgian Fries
Belgian Fries has been on Commercial Drive since 1998, and there is a reason they have lasted that long.
They double-fry their fries in the Belgian style, which gives them a crunch that most poutine spots cannot match.
The cheese curds come from Quebec, and the gravy is vegetarian by default.
They have 15 poutine variations.
The Butter Chicken Poutine swaps gravy for butter chicken sauce and it works better than it should.
The Divine Poutine adds tender pulled pork on top of the classic.
The Beef Brisket version has slow-cooked sirloin that melts into the fries.
The outdoor seating on Commercial Drive makes this one of the better spots to eat poutine in the summer.
What to order: Butter Chicken Poutine, Divine Poutine, Beef Brisket Poutine
Address: 1885 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A6, Canada
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3. Fritz European Fry House
Fritz is a small counter-service spot on Davie Street that serves poutine in buckets.
The fries are cut and fried in front of you, which is part of the appeal.
Portions are large and prices are reasonable for downtown.
You pick your base and add toppings.
The Pulled Pork and MTL Smoked Meat are the best add-ons.
The real move is their dipping sauces.
The chipotle mayo and mango curry chutney turn a good poutine into a great one.
They also do a vegan version with plant-based cheese and gravy for anyone who wants it.
What to order: Large Poutine, Pulled Pork topping, MTL Smoked Meat topping, Crumbled Bacontopping
Address: 718 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1B6, Canada
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4. Mean Poutine
Mean Poutine sits right in the Granville entertainment district, which makes it a solid late-night option.
They are open until 4 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
The menu is built around customization.
You can build your own with a choice of toppings, or go with one of their pre-set combos.
The Chilli Poutine and Southern BBQ are the standouts.
The Mean and Green is a surprisingly good meatless option if you want something lighter.
They also do hot dogs if you need something on the side.
What to order: Chilli Poutine, Southern BBQ, Mean and Green, Chicago Dog
Address: 718 Nelson S, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L2, Canada
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5. The Templeton
The Templeton has been a Granville Street staple since the 90s.
It is primarily a breakfast spot, but their poutine deserves a mention on any list.
The interior has a retro diner look that has not changed much over the years.
Expect a lineup on weekends.
The Classic Poutine here is straightforward and well executed.
The Pulled Pork Poutine adds a layer of tender, smoky meat that makes it worth the upgrade.
If you are there for brunch, the Pulled Pork Pancakes are one of the better items on the menu.
What to order: Classic Poutine, Pulled Pork Poutine, Pulled Pork Pancakes, Big Ass Breakfast
Address: 1087 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L4, Canada
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6. MeeT
MeeT is a vegetarian comfort food restaurant on Main Street.
Their poutine is entirely plant-based, and it is one of the best meat-free versions in the city.
The Butter Chikkin Poutine is the one to get.
It uses a tomato curry sauce instead of traditional gravy, topped with mozza and a curried salsa.
It does not taste like a compromise.
The Mac N Cheez Bowl is also worth ordering if you want something heavier.
What to order: Butter Chikkin Poutine, Mac N Cheez Bowl, The Mighty Mac
Addresses: MeeT in Main: 4288 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P9, Canada
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7. The Flying Pig
The Flying Pig is more of a sit-down restaurant than a poutine counter, but their poutine holds its own against the dedicated spots.
The Andrew’s Pulled Pork Poutine is their signature.
It is meaty, cheesy, and well-proportioned, which is not always the case at restaurants where poutine is a side dish rather than the main event.
The Crispy Brussel Sprouts with lemon, parmesan, and capers are worth adding to the order.
This is the spot if you want poutine in a nicer setting without the late-night counter-service vibe.
What to order: Andrew’s Pulled Pork Poutine, Crispy Brussel Sprout, Bone Marrow Cheezy Bread, Red Wine Braised Beef Short Rib
Address: 1168 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC
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8. Steamworks Brewpub
Steamworks is a Gastown brewpub that has been around for decades.
The poutine here is best paired with one of their house beers.
The fries are crispy, the gravy is rich, and you can add pulled pork on top.
It is not the most inventive poutine on this list, but the execution is consistent and the portions are generous.
The real draw is the atmosphere.
The downstairs pub area is larger than it looks from the street, and it is a great spot if you want to sit down with a beer and a proper plate of poutine.
Their Oktoberfest Pretzel is also worth grabbing if you are hungry.
What to order: Poutine with pulled pork, a house beer
Address:
-375 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B8
-2275 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 0K2
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9. Fable Diner
Fable Diner on East Broadway does a Breakfast Poutine that is one of the best brunch items in the neighbourhood.
Golden hash browns instead of fries, loaded with gravy, mushrooms, and two poached eggs on top.
The eggs break into the gravy and create something that is part poutine, part eggs benedict.
The rest of their menu is solid diner fare.
The Roast Duck Pancake and Rosti are both good, and their milkshakes are worth adding to the order.
What to order: Breakfast Poutine, Roast Duck Pancake, Strawberry Moscato Float
Address: 151 Broadway East, Vancouver, BC V5T 1W1
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That covers 9 spots across Vancouver.
If you want a bucket of fries with gravy at 2 AM or a sit-down poutine with a beer in Gastown, there is a spot on this list for it.
If we missed your favourite, let us know.