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Poutini's House of Poutine
Categories: Restaurants Fast Food Restaurants Poutineries Fast Food, Poutineries [Edit]
1112 Queen St WToronto, ON M6J 1H9
Neighbourhoods: West Queen West, Beaconsfield Village
- Hours:
Tue-Wed 12 pm - 11 pm
Thu-Sat 12 pm - 3:30 am
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Alcohol:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
75 reviews for Poutini's House of Poutine
Review Highlights
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"the cheese curds were deliciously good." In 22 reviews -
"...only they'd combine the pulled pork and bacon poutine for a..." In 8 reviews -
"This is a definite late night stop for any party-goer." In 9 reviews
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74 reviews in English
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Review from Ewan D.
Toronto, ON
12/12/2011 8 Check-ins Here
This is the real deal
Best poutine in the province imho
Three times a week
I love the works -
Review from Natalie T.
East York, ON
2/18/2012
Inevitably, after a long day and some libations at the Gladstone we ended up at Poutinis House of Poutine. Otherwise known as Om nom nom. Seriously. That's what it says on their sign!
VIBE
I like the wooden log chairs and communal high tables for standing if need be. Getting your good quick fix. Staff were really nice and helpful.
WE ATE
I've been here before and I felt like their gravy was similar to that of KFC. Thin, watery and a weird flavour. Maybe I had a few so or it's the toppings but tonight my bacon poutine (essentially bacon strips on top of the regular poutine) hit the spot. The digestive after-effects were not pretty.
Friend had the pulled pork poutine. She was happy with it!
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
Poutine is an acquired taste. Taste around and see what you like! But usually I like my gravy thick, heavy and salty. -
Review from Emily M.
12/7/2011
The first 3 or 4 times I tried to have the vegan poutine, they were all out of the vegan cheese.
But finally one day they had some....and all I have to say is - am I the only vegetarian out there that thinks Daiya cheese is like disgusting slime boogers in my mouth that taste gross? Because that is what Daiya cheese is to me - slime boogers. If you have ever purchased this cheese and touched it, you'll know what I am talking about. If you touch it there is this oily slime that gets all over your hands and it tastes weird. No thanks!
I'll take my poutine with REAL cheese curds and veg gravy (yum) or no cheese as all (if I'm having a vegan day).
p.s they play good music. -
Review from neesa r.
Updated - 12/5/2011 1 photo
ok so the kitchen closes at 330am... why did I think it's 4am?...
I was mad at the spot. but not going to change my rating because it's still is the best poutine place in the city!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/2/2011
ok why is this place not ranked at 5*????
ok it might not really have the variety of poutini's that… Read more »
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Review from Min Min T.
Scarborough, ON
10/4/2011
This is the best vegan poutine I've had so far in the city and we're not talking about icky, dry tofu chunks. You are getting oozy, gooey, perfectly-melted gluten-free, soy-free Daiya cheese! There are two sizes - the 'tini' and the large. Of course, I go all the way - $8 is a great deal and the perfect size for stuffing your face.
Nearly every year, I make it a point to come here in the middle of Nuit Blanche when I'm roaming the city on two wheels. And although the lines are incredibly long, the staff can handle the crowds (with a smile!). Plus it definitely tastes better when you've been biking in the cold! -
Review from Chris P.
Poutini's easily does in a pinch.
Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or fulfilling some late night drunken cravings you can get a solid poutine here. Will it be the best poutine you've ever had or one that will knock your socks off? No, but it's consistent and tasty.
My only complaint is that they're cash only, but they do have an ATM on site if you need cash. -
Review from Peter M.
Toronto, ON
8/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I dig poutini's. I know some people swear they've had more authentic poutine by scraping dirt from the inside of a toilet bowl, but I ask this: what is poutine's primary function? I'll tell you. it is comfort food. It is fries, gravy and cheese. Sometimes other things are added, but the trifecta makes it what it is. It might not be authentic, and I'm sure there are Quebecers committing ritual suicide at the thought of this passing for poutine, but really, who the hell made Toronto the expert on a Quebecois tradition? Not I! That's a title fight to the death I can wait on.
All of that is meaningless, though. It's bloody poutine. Get over it. Best of all, they have vegan poutine. This is where my review moves from talking about things that are obvious(ish) to things that I know are rad. It covers the aforementioned trifecta as well, only vegan (thanks to Canada's own Daiya cheese). That is rad. I dig it, and would be willing to gain 40 kilograms if I could eat this daily.
My only issue with the place was the time the dude at the counter tried telling me that gluten is not vegan. I'm pretty sure gluten lacks sentience, and does not come from the Prairie wheat-cat or some other fictional animal.
That aside, cozy on up to that tree-stump seat and eat some poutine. -
Review from Kat T.
10/23/2011
It's more about the experience than the food. At 3am, standing in line and ordering something that is entirely unhealthfully decadent. You've always got to keep an eye on your friend- how much did (s)he drink? So many different options at Poutini's which is why they are so popular. I was so excited to eat the vegetarian version, I had to get it, and made my SO share it with me.
Well, it tasted, like how most people think vegetarian is supposed to taste. Lots of salt, but not a lot else. I've had some great vegetarian gravy, so I was disappointed.
But, the experience, brought me back to University days when it was Pizza line-ups and greasy grilled cheese. -
Review from Vanessa G.
Toronto, ON
6/15/2011
Being a Montreal transplant, I KNOW good poutine (pronounced Poo-Tin NOT Poo-Teen btw).
While Toronto has made an amazing effort to recreate the delicious goodness, generally I would rather eat sweaty socks than what this city tries to pass off as the most magical dish in the Country.
And then along came Poutini's. Quite possible the best place in Southern Ontario for Poutine, and so close to the Montreal "blueprint", that when I close my eyes I can almost hear the Franglish and smell that intoxicating Quebecois aroma of cigarettes and Labatt 50.
Unlike that other poutine place, Poutini's sticks with the classics (also available in vegetarian) and doesn't try and buy your love with ridiculous concoctions. They don't need to.
And so Poutini's House of Poutine, I salute you and Thank You for your authenticity and most importantly your awesomeness. May the curd be with you. -
Review from Thuy T.
Woodbridge, ON
11/2/2011 4 photos
Love the PULLED PORK POUTINE, something different from the traditional poutines offered almost any where.
Restaurant Rating:
0(Too Sad), 1(Horrible), 2(Poor), 3(Ok Lah), 4(Good), 5(Excellent)
Food: 4
Clean: 4
Service: 3.5
Atmosphere: Take Out
Will I Return? Yes
Keep in mind all food postings is according to personal preferences and taste buds. Therefore, it's best to try the places out for yourself and see if it suites your taste. -
Review from Ryan L.
5/17/2011
I'm glad I got to sample this piece of Canadian cuisine on my little jaunt to Toronto.
I stayed on the Harbourfront, so this place was a couple of kilometers away. Also, quite a few millimeters of rain were falling at the time; this didn't stop me from making it over here though. This place is in the centre of what can possibly be described as something akin to the Wicker Park neighbourhood in Chicago.
I like that the gravy did not dominate the poutine, as the fries stayed crunchy with just enough gravy to appease. I realize poutine is supposed to be a heaping mess of gravy and melted fries, but I enjoy the fact that the fries keep their shape amidst the gravy. The cheese curds were pretty tasty.
Not a ton of seating here, but this place is more of a quickstop, carry-out and eat it on the street type of place. Good choice for drunk food. Also, Poutini's has a righteous playlist going, you won't boogie to Nickelback in here. -
Review from Magdalena O.
Montréal, QC
From the first day it opened till now, a mere 2 years later - the poutine is still my favorite. Yes, I was waiting with bated breath till it opened when the signs were up on the store front taunting me. At least I don't work down the block anymore. I was having it at least 1-2 a week!
I know people try to get all Montreal has the best poutine or whatever, but for my food-know-how palette this is the best poutine in the world.
Squeaky locally sourced curds, gluten-free options for gravy and super friendly staff, plus the use biodegradable cutlery and bowls = happiness
(One time I decided to test out how well Poutini's stands up to other poutine places and my experience at Smoke's was actually one of the worst food moments of my life, so if you like Smoke's but dislike Poutini's well, we'll never be friends and that's cool).Listed in: Gluten and/or Wheat Free…
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Review from Dimitrios D.
7/26/2011
Amazing poutine.
Seriously. I got the multi-layered kind with first a layer of gravy and cheese curds and then fries and then more cheese curds and gravy and lastly fries again. So amazing.
Go get some, fools. -
Review from Myrem D.
Mississauga, ON
8/30/2011 5 photos
Coming back from Glitch Mob, the tiny place blazing with it's open sign and the crowd of drunks around it makes this the go-to fry joint for everyone looking to end the night with some grub. Open at 3am - Sweet deal.
I'm not sure how I feel about the chunks of cheese just chilling on the top and 2 stingy squirts of gravy. The cup was a bit deep and the bottom fries got NADA!. The fries have skins on them that really tasted horrible if it wasn't hot.
Walking in, the place looked like it was THE spot for after-hour recovery. Dirty, sticky floors and questionable forks. The staff - shockingly - were very polite.
Very loud and be prepared to face a scary number of loser drunks that probe you with stupid questions.
I'm not a big fan, the small cash register area is pushy and dirty!
No deal for me.
xoxo
M. -
Review from Aviva S.
6/21/2011
I'm glad they have the vegetarian option and the place is cute.
But...it didn't taste any different than poutine in other shops and it was more expensive (almost $9 with tax) when Smoke's has more poutine for cheaper.
Oh, very impressed with the biodegradable organic cutlery and bowl. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
After my first so not forgettable Poutini experience at Dangerous Dan, when you taste some of the worst... everything tasted A-OK..
So Poutini's House of Poutine is A-OK
- place is clean... doesn't have that funny smell
- fries have skin on it... I like that
- gravy is not too salty.. not too much.. at least for the one that I ate...
- the cheese curds were deliciously good
- the Teeny Weeny Tiny ($4.99) is the perfect size for a snack... hey I really cannot eat this as a meal....
- the place opens late on weekend...
- love that vegan/veggie/all out meat whatever options. gee at least everyone is happy.. -
Review from Amy A.
7/6/2011
I have never had Poutine before, and visiting Toronto seemed like the time to do it! Granted, I do not know what makes for "quality poutine," but this stuff was pretty good! My sister, brother-in-law, and I searched it out because they had vegan poutine! So, as a vegan I got some fries with vegan gravy and melted Daiya cheese. It was pretty delicious--just about what you would expect, really. My only complaint would be that the fries could have been better. These were like, brownish, oven-baked, mushy sort of fries. I would have prefered shoestring or steak fries, but maybe that's just not how poutine works.
Sucks that you can only pay in cash, especially when you're running around with American Visa cards, trying to find an ATM or bank that can help you. It also sucks that there's no bathroom! It also sucks that there are only two sizes that are very different in size. I want the medium size of poutine that does not yet exist! -
Review from Francis R.
Toronto, ON
5/19/2011
I love this place as it's so handy with reference to all the watering holes around here !
The regular size poutine amply does the trick ! -
Review from V C.
Montréal, QC
3/12/2012
If you're used to great Montreal poutine you'll be disappointed. Cheese curds not squeaky enough, gravy is bland and not enough to cover all the fries. If you really really want poutine at 3am then go for it, but otherwise not worth it.
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Review from Eric S.
North York, ON
12/4/2010
Poutini's is pretty decent.
The fries are respectable and crunchy. I didn't find them excessively oily. The gravy wasn't bad though I did find it have a bit of a watered-down taste to it plus they were a bit stingy with it. I got to the bottom of poutine and all the fries were still dry. The cheese is good and a nice creamy taste to it.
Would I drag a friend to this place? Not really because of two major flaws with this place: It's all they way over at Queen St W and Dovercourt. Way too far for downtown wandering. The second flaw is that there's not much in the way seating. They do have some chairs inside but it's a bit cramped.
If you happen to be in the area. Go for it! You love it.
Quick guide to poutine in Toronto: Mr. Tasty Fries, Poutini, Smoke's Poutinerie -
Review from Taylor O.
12/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
I had a few drinks so I figured I'd try Poutini's regardless of being lactose intolerant. The Pulled Pork Poutine was worth it, beautiful, crisply fresh fried fries, gravy with a mouth feel and tang and slow cooked pork greatness. If only they'd combine the pulled pork and bacon poutine for a double dose of pig.
For those American travelers with wives who read their credit card statement after a business trip, I can only wish you luck explaining this line item description is not a strip club. Hope you give it a try even though this food item seems odd to us at first. -
Review from Rian D.
Montréal, QC
9/14/2010
I really want to like Poutini's more... I mean they have vegetarian poutine!.. and I'll give them props for that. It's a prime location for me too (I heart Parkdale) and who doesn't adore their storefront sign? (fingerpoint & "Om nom nom")
But, like a few have already mentioned, it is hella salty. Buzzkill salty. And not melty enough.. melt the friggen cheese! :(
After a late night of drinking might be the only time I'll have it now... if I can tolerate the line up and obnoxious drunks.. on second thought that would require a fine balance of drunk and sober on my part to be tolerable.. which is near impossible to achieve.
I really, really do want to like it more... but until they bring that overpowering sodium down Smoke's Poutinerie is def better, however I can only speak for the veggie versions.Listed in: Vegtastic Omnomnoms
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Review from Yvonne C.
Markham, ON
9/27/2010
You know that feeling when.. you get halfway into your poutine only to realize your fork is no longer pulling up delicious cheesy goodness because the gravy has drenched the fries to the point where's it's just a suction of DOOM? Not at Poutini's.
The fries were super POTATO-Y (don't underestimate how important that is!); held shape & crunch even halfway through. There was just enough gravy to coat -- though almost too little; the very very bottom fries I found absolutely void of gravy.
For the hardcore poutine fans, you won't find squeaky cheese here. But for everyone else, the cheese is a-ok.
The lack of seating is a downer, but despite however many extra calories you may burn standing while eating, I would suggest sharing the regular size (it's good to keep the heart beating!)
Poutini's traditional poutine = a solid fix for those cravings. -
Review from Gracee B.
Markham, ON
9/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
After a night of partying up with the hubby, this place is conveniently located right next to all these awesome night clubs and bars and conveniently open super late when all the drunk party goers are stumbling up and down the streets in search of food. Dancing the night away definitely makes you want to gain those lost calories back. What better way then to grub on some awesome poutine. They make poutine just the way I like it, simple and no frills.
The negative is there are no seats. So we sat out on the dirty front step of a closed shop next door and ate our poutine as we were people watching. Makes for good fun especially in the wee hours of the night.
This is a definite late night stop for any party-goer.
I can get my poutine fix without having to travel 6 hours to get it!! WOOT WOOT! -
Review from Adrian G.
Mississauga, ON
12/7/2010
Decent, but felt like the expectations were too high for it based upon reviews I had read elsewhere.
Great food when you're drunk. Good enough when you're not.
However, my poutini was layered which I specifically asked for, which is one thing they did well.
If you're in the area, its a safe place to head to. Not a place to drive more than 5 minutes for. -
Review from Kat F.
12/3/2009 1 photo
I dunno. Poutini's wasn't more than OK. For a place that specializes in JUST poutine, the flavour was weaker than a lot of other venues that serve a hundred other things but happen to count poutine among their offerings (Utopia, BQM, Betty's, etc.).
At 3am on a Friday Poutini's was uncomfortably busy and crawling with 905ers and yelly drunk girls shivering in tiny cocktail dresses. After a considerable wait I ordered the "Teeny Weeny Tiny Poutini" with veg gravy for $4.99 and got the hell out of there as soon as it was ready. The counter staff was surprisingly lucid and patient considering the clientele and amount of noise. Music was great - Radiohead, M.I.A. and Spoon.
The gravy, as others have mentioned, isn't hot enough and nothing comes close to melting. The fry quality was good but they weren't wet enough, and I sure as fuck am not paying extra to have my poutine layered. Poutine is supposed to be a heaping, gooey, liquidy mess and the cheese should string up when you load your fork. I had no desire to eat the whole cheese curds and after a few bites I was over it.
If I have a poutine craving, I would not think to come back here. The late hours on weekends (till 4am) mean it'll constantly have customers, and the standards and expectations of said clientele in such a state of inebriation are low anyway. They just need some grease to soak up all those Jaegerbombs. -
Review from Joanna S.
Toronto, ON
7/8/2009 ROTD 7/17/2009
In a moment of weakness, my friend and I happened in here. She had the veggie poutine and I had the reg. poutine. The fries were cooked perfectly and the gravy/cheese curds were delicious. I love that all the cutlery/bowls are enviro friendly. Limited menu and little to no seating - but lots of places to stand and shovel back the big portion. Plus the staff was awesome. The girl at the counter couldn't have been happier (and for once not in an irritating way!).
We left sated and quite frankly in a poutine-induced coma. -
Review from Devan R.
11/20/2009 3 photos
Last night I slayed Poutini's after leaving the Social where Phillip Jung of M.A.N.D.Y. was spinning pure unadulterated sickness. Although I was well hammered, I knew whilst eating that I was having a fantastic poutine experience, so much so that I was very much looking forward to coming into work this morning to Yelp this spot.
To my amazement the reviews on Yelp were mostly low. So, I am here to big up this house of poutine, it definitely deserves more praise then it has gotten on Yelp.
The most memorable aspect of the poutine experience for me was the completely cooked through/crispy fries. Nothing grinds my gears more then getting fries/poutine from establishments and they're half cooked through or soggy, I can't stand it. Turns out Poutini's deep fry their fries twice, Belgian style. The fries themselves are PEI potatoes and are hand cut daily, skin left on. The bountiful curds are delivered every other day from local cheese producer Maple Dale Farms. The delicious traditional style gravy is made in house from roasting meat bones and vegetables for at least 8 hours, they also have vegetarian gravy available (Kat!).
So yes the poutine was bang on, and this is coming from a dude who regularly slays poutine and went poutine hunting in Montreal. I read a lot of comments that the poutine is too salty but I have to disagree. I wouldn't say it isn't salty, but it's poutine, it's fries and gravy, it's supposed to be salty! I found it seasoned well and I had mad bacon added to mine, their portion of bacon was notably generous. Another fantastic option they have available is the "layered" option. Instead of just dumping the cheese and gravy on top of the fries, they give u the option to have curds riddled throughout the fries, amazing.
Aside from dishing out a solid folking poutine, Poutini's is extremely green friendly. Their containers, utensils, napkins, straws and dipping containers are all biodegradable. Overall a great poutine experience for me. Unfortunately last night in my state I was unable to read the fine print where they had their dipping sauces listed, I will be sure to try the roasted garlic mayo on my next visit.
Think I'm chirping? Now magazine declared Poutini's Toronto's Best poutinerie, and Sean Kelly Keenan (poutine connoisseur) of http://Eyeweekly.com claims they make perfect poutine.
Nuff said. -
Review from Claudia G.
Oakville, ON
3/1/2010
What on earth...? No stools?
I was a little taken back by the fact that there were no seats here. I saw two stools by the front window, taken up by two plus sized men who were appeared to be regulars... but that was it for the entire restaurant. Odd. Maybe they wanted you to eat real fast and get the heck out.
Being first timers here, we opted for the traditional which consisted of just gravy and cheese curds. There were plenty of other options: some with sour cream, some with pulled pork, and all different kinds of combinations that is a guaranteed to start a heart burn.
The potatoes were tasty but lacked crunchy texture (I know the gravy kills it in a poutine, but it was kind of soggy from the get go).. and the cheese never really melted properly because the gravy was not hot enough. I like my poutine to be sloppy and stringy. :)
So overall, I have to say that I was slightly disappointed from a place that specializes in poutine. I also have no idea why BlogTO ranked this place as 3rd best place in Toronto for fries. Whaaat.. crazy fools. -
Review from Lisa K.
Toronto, ON
9/2/2010
When I tried Poutini's traditional poutine for the first time, I had already spent a few 14-hour days setting up an art show at the Gladstone. So, sleep-deprived, hungry, stressed and craving nasty junk food, my friends and I decided poutine was the way to go. It was too early in the day (about 12pm) for Gladstone's kitchen to make poutine, so we decided to order take-out from Poutini's.
What a disappointment. All I remember is salty, salty, salty gravy over my fries. I couldn't even register the flavour of the cheese curds, since the gravy was so overpowering in its saltiness. Even as hungry as I was, standards already low for the day, I couldn't finish my dish. Why so salty, Poutini?
I can't speak to the service, since my friend picked up the order but for a restaurant that specializes in poutine, I expected much more. -
Review from Jenny A.
10/12/2010
We don't really have regular access to poutine in Chicago, so we try to get as much of it as we can when we visit Toronto. Therefore, when we saw Poutini's, we knew we'd have to stop.
We just ordered the poutine with traditional gravy, and it was really good! The gravy is delicious - I love a sage gravy, and I believe this was the first time I ever had it on poutine. I just don't think there was quite enough of it for my tastes. The fries were also delicious. They must've been twice-fried or something because they were so crispy. They were also really potato-y. I can't comment too much about the cheese curds and their quality and sparsity because I try to avoid dairy, but what I did have seemed decent and sufficient.
The wait was a little long, but I guess that's what happens when the fries are fried-to-order, and service was friendly. Overall, I'd say that this isn't a destination-type place to go eat, but I'll definitely give it another shot if I'm in the area again. -
Review from Steve P.
10/25/2011
Good Poutine, cool spot. Roll
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Review from Christine C.
Etobicoke, ON
Updated - 9/16/2009
My journey of Poutine enlightenment continues in the wake of the announcement of Smoke's Poutine on wheels. I've decided to persevere to see if I can finally developed an acquired love for this food. I made my return visit to Poutini's since I was in the neighbourhood and it was 1:15 p.m. I figured this was as good a time as any to give Poutini's another shot at making me feel the Poutine amore.
Alright, so here's my own personal low down as to why Poutini's isn't doing it for me. The gravy just isn't hot enough. It's thick, almost too thick and it just doesn't seem to make those cheese curds get ooey gooey the way I want them too. Speaking of those cheese curds, I think I prefer them smaller as opposed to curds the size of my fingers. I want them more crumbled so that they can fall down in between the crevices of the french fries. Seven bucks for Poutine that made me go "meh".
Ok, on to Smoke's Poutine as my quest continues.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/9/2009
Maybe it's just me but I just don't get the big freakin wahoo over Poutine. Seriously people, what… Read more »
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Review from N.J. G.
Toronto, ON
11/4/2009
I have been once, after the bar. I almost didn't go in but who am I to deny a fry joint from being listed on my "Fries" list. I ordered straight up fries which kinda took a while to make. While waiting I was chatted up by someone who sang the virtues of the poutine. I ate my fries on the way home but only ate half either because there wasa lot to eat or because they were so friggin' salty.
Service was great.
Ambiance/setup was nice.
I wouldn't go out of my way to go here (unlike what I do for Reggie's fries) but if I'm ever in the neighbourhood again I would go again. -
Review from Jan A.
Toronto, ON
7/12/2009
Went to Poutinini's maybe two weeks ago and the experience wasn't really anything to shout about. Everything about it was just...okay. Fries were okay, gravy okay (tried both the veggie and regular kind...veggie one seemed a bit sweeter and the regular one a bit saltier), cheese curds okay, atmosphere okay. Not bad, not great, just okay. The service was friendly though!
There's no real seating available so it's not very good for larger groups if you plan on dining in. They have two tables that are more conducive to standing but they do have three bar stools and I think there might be one or two chairs up front by the window.
I still liked it a lot better than Smoke's so if I had to choose between the two, I'd probably come back here. It's also a lot closer to my place, which makes it easier to come back to but I'm still on the hunt for some amazing poutine (haven't tried out many places so the hunt is still young).
Oh! Another good thing was that they serve their poutine in compostable containers and provide compostable forks as well. I don't even know if compostable is a word...recyclable maybe? Or biodegradable? Either way, they don't need to get tossed in the trash, which is always a good thing. -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
5/11/2010
Methinks the cheese is not the real curd
While the absolute favourite after a night out @ the Social nextdoor, it really is the only place to go for after bar eats. It has good gravy and fries- but so do other places.
I've comehere on three occassions and wished it were the poutine place on adelaide & university.
why it ain't all that:
the curds- not REAL- i dunno what it is but it doesn't melt. it's an unmelty curd that isn't sharp or salty and doesn't "hit the spot"
and the meat toppings. I've had the pulled pork and others and they just are not good. the MEAT taste like nothing. It's like they didnt' stew it for long enough and it reallly just is tasteless meat with tasty meat gravey on top. The other poutine places have the meat infused with the gravy and it tastes delish- this place not so much.
the only redeeming quality? they play kickass music and the brown dude behind the counter is adorable in plaid. -
Review from Kaye H.
Toronto, ON
5/3/2010
I suffer from a gluten sensitivity, and I am also vegetarian. Fries are also one of my favourite comfort foods (okay let's be real - foods in general), and thus my heart breaks whenever I hear about or see people eating delicious poutine goodness (and my tummy aches for days when I secretly indulge at Sneaky Dee's in poutine during drunken blackouts). So, upon hearing that Poutini's had GLUTEN-FREE VEGAN graving, I was jumping at the opportunity to try it.
I have walked by Poutini's a few times late at night and it always looks insane, and I concur with the other reviews that it's chock-full of girls much younger than me who look twice my age in teeny dresses, and guys with armbands tattoos (sorry if any of you have those). And that picture is not my idea of a good time. But the other day when I was very hungover and feeling very blue, my friend treated me to Poutini's and we both got to experience it for the first time.
It's a small, cutely decorated place with fun music. The three employees working were extremely helpful and kind in regards to my inquiries about the gluten-free, vegan gravy. Most of the time, people either a) don't know what I'm talking about b) don't give a shit or c) become aggravated with me despite my trying to be polite. But the guys at the counter helped me out, and even warned me that the gluten-free gravy was kind of spicy (they wanted to make sure I was okay with that). They apologized saying that the gluten-free gravy would take a little longer., but in no time at all, my poutine was up. I would hardly call five minutes a long time, and I thought it was nice they let me know beforehand, just in case.
The gravy was burning hot (which I love, I think hot, fresh food should actually be hot and not cooled down as if it's been sitting there for eons), there are ketchup bottles all over the place so I was able to partake in my serious ketchup addiction to my heart's content, and the place was quiet enough for my friend and I to take the only two chairs in there to sit on.
The employees even asked me how the poutine was, they were curious as they hadn't tried it themselves and wanted to ensure I liked it. It had a bit of a kick to it, but was not too spicy at all. They talked to me for a bit and then let me continue eating. I thought it was really cool they checked up on me to see how I liked it.
The only things I didn't like about my experience at Poutini's was the fact that there were only two chairs, and there is no washroom. As the owner of the world's smallest bladder, the latter was cause for concern.
I will definitely be back for more hangover, sad day food! -
Review from Nicole H.
Toronto, ON
Decided to wander out Queen West to finally try the vegan poutine option at Poutini's, and was quite happy. Their chips are of good quality, and the gravy's delicious - not too thick, spiced just right. Their use of Daiya vegan cheese is what makes it, though - they obviously tried a few and listened to suggestions as it's the best option for a melty delicious goo that goes right along with poutine. Nice one, Poutini wizards! Bonus points for having Boylans pop on offer.
I get the feeling that timing is everything, as a quiet Tuesday evening was just right, whereas I imagine at drunk-o'clock the place would be heaving.
3 stars would be bumped up to 4 if there were more seating, and the server didn't confuse me when I asked about the sizes and what 'layered' poutine meant. Hey, i'm foreign, i'm allowed to be clueless about such things. Overall this satisfies a craving and i'd go again, but not frequently.Listed in: Toronto Veg Eats!
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Review from Matthew S.
Toronto, ON
12/22/2009
Let me start by saying that I consider poutine to be one of the greatest culinary inventions ever. So, I was excited when Toronto's second (Smoke's being the first) restaurant dedicated to poutine opened and received some great reviews. Unfortunately, Poutini's let me down with a pretty lacklustre version of this classic Canadian dish.
Poutini's is basically what you'd expect from a hipster poutine joint: cool staff, simple and appealing decor, a very minimal menu, reasonable-ish prices, good portions, and quick service as long as it's not too busy. They use proper cheese curds, they have great fries, and their gravy is decent (I tried both the vegetarian and meat gravy).
But, for a place that only serves poutine, Poutini's could do a lot better. First, their gravy is good but not great and could be hotter to melt the cheese curds. Second, and this is the clincher for me, they skimp out big time on the gravy and the cheese. The top layer is great but after that you end up with dry, cheese-less french fries. If I wanted fries I'd order them.
Poutini's does offer a more expensive layered version of their poutine, but I'm not about to pay more for something that should be standard. Poutine is meant to be a gooey mess with obscene amounts of gravy and cheese in every bite - from the top to the bottom. Poutini's just isn't cutting it. If this is what hipster poutine is all about I'll stick to the chip trucks.Listed in: Poutine
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Review from Andrew L.
Toronto, ON
7/19/2009
Seems like most of the reviewers here have hit the nail on the head.
Like others said, I was nervous, excited, depressed, elated, concerned, impatient, and possibly a little gassy when I saw there would be a poutinery opening around the corner from my place. After experiencing Smoke's on Adelaide, I thought Toronto was finally ready to really embrace poutine (let's face it, that stuff you get at Burger King is nowhere near poutine).
But as has been echoed all over this page, everything about this place is average, which was hugely disappointing to me (though there's also a part of me that's quite relieved it fell so far short of its addictive potential). Most frustrating for me (beyond the lack of options) is that they actually have a baked potato on the menu - with cheese curds and gravy as the only options for toppings?!?! This place is just far too lean in the menu and a little too after bar fast food in its approach (its doesn't come close to a place like Pita Pit in terms of variety/options).
The one thing I will say for the place is that if you've enjoyed copious amounts of adult beverages and REALLY need to dump a large greasy blob in your stomach, their standard poutine certainly hits the spot and the serving size is apparently just perfect for both 6 foot 200 lb+ guys and 95lb girls in cocktail dresses.
Much to my disappointment, this "house of poutine" may have set the anglophone poutine movement back a few years. Now Montrealers have just one more black eye to point to on the face of Toronto-based imitations of their cuisine. I only pray the owners aren't planning to opening up a "Smoke-meati's House of Smoked Meat". I've endured enough mocking from Montrealers, thank you very much.
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