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Restaurant Boustan
Category: Restaurants Middle Eastern Middle Eastern [Edit]
2020 Rue CrescentMontreal, QC H3G 2B8
(514) 843-3576
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 4 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
48 reviews for Restaurant Boustan
Review Highlights
"authentic lebanese food that is fast and cheap."
(in 7 reviews)
"...anything other than the chicken shawarma or the falafel..."
(in 8 reviews)
"the garlic potatoes were absolutely delicious, and we had..."
(in 3 reviews)
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48 reviews in English
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Review from Johnson C.
Vancouver, BC
1/23/2012 3 photos
My friend felt it was the best Middle Eastern they've ever had - and I'm inclined to agree. For you Vancouverites, this joint is better than Cafe Babylon of old in my estimation - yup, it's that good.
We stumbled into this joint randomly for some pre-drink eats before continuing our trek down Crescent. Yelp said it was good - and Yelp was right. This place is *insanely* busy - for good reason. After a long line-up and fighting with their non-stop ringing delivery phone, we finally got our orders in.
My friend really liked her vegetarian plate and the chicken shawarma sandwich I had was insanely good. Juicy chicken, fresh veggies and pita was a good amount of char which gave it a nice crunch. Yes, it's greasy... but good greasy. I was sitting there wondering, "Wow - how good would this taste if I drunk?"
... well... I found out a few hours later because we decided we want more Boustan after drinking far too much with the kiddies on Crescent. Sober - this place is damned good. Drunk - this place is "fuuuugin' ammmazzzzing". And we were not the only fans - people were asking if they could take pictures with the man behind the mystical food, Mr. Boustan. Being drunk, we got in on the action as well. Funny dude - as he handed our food order over, he commented that he liked my friend but not me. This was a bit of a shock for me -- I thought I was the 'cute' one. Oh well.
Despite being drunk, I actually had the presence of mind to grab a take out menu before leaving. Skip forward to the next night - after stumbling back to the hotel after failing to find anything appetizing on the walk back from the bar. I find a Boustan menu on the desk and I think to myself, "Drunken Johnson - you magnificent sexy beast - you are a genius!" Seriously, I'm so good that I scare myself sometimes.
These guys deliver until 4AM. I repeat... 4AM! For free! If they only delivered to Vancouver... hmmm....Listed in: "You're the best! Around!", Un garçon de Vancouver à…
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Review from Tina C.
1/27/2012
This place is a legend. It's a small place, with hand pained murals. Perfect for late night party-goers or students grabbing a quick bite.
I usually get the chicken pita - the chicken is tender and moist, though you'll sometimes fins a few pieces of fat. It's loaded with fresh tomatoes and garlic sauce, and delicious cole slaw, which adds a nice tangy crunch! None of this lettuce business here, my friends!
The potatoes are great, with a little bit of spice and coriander. They're topped with a dollop of garlic sauce deliciousness. It an get a little intense grease-wise, so you might want to share them.
The owner and his son are friendly and jovial. You'll even get a little life advice while waiting in line. -
Review from Matthew P.
Montréal, QC
Boom Shizz Nizzle
or
Bing Bang Kabazz
Boustan is the best late night eats in the city, hands down. The drunker you are, the tastier it is. You never know who you'll see gettin' a shawarma. Habs, Trailer Park Boys, acclaimed Montreal chefs, the Als. It is a Montreal landmark, restaurantwise and a must for anyone trying out this city for the first time.
A word to the wise...don't be scared, try the 'creation'. Get the meatballs, sitting on the plate. Have them coated in the white sauce. Get the chicken shawarma with the pickled turnips, the slaw, the hot sauce, the hummus, the garlic mouluu stuff. My mouth is watering just thinking about it (even tastes good when you burp later).
It's also a laxative and hangover cure...
...if you're a heavy drinker, get two wraps, leave one in the fridge and have it for breakfast the next day. It might save your life.
waka waka -
Review from Zee K.
Vancouver, BC
8/25/2011
I showed up here late on a Thursday night after a long and terrible bus ride from Toronto. The place was packed, but the owner was cheerful and efficient. I ordered a chicken shawarma sandwich, and it was filled right up and then grilled to perfection. The guys ahead of me ordered something off-menu that seemed to be a combination of chicken and beef and something else inside the same sandwich. Brilliant, and I will probably try it next time. Price per shawarma sandwich: $4.50.
From the reviews on the wall, it's obvious that this place is not only a Montreal institution, but a work of love of the owner. The photos of customers in Boustan t-shirts around the world are a cool touch. Highly recommend. -
Review from Jackie M.
12/7/2011
the chicken shwarma sandwich was pretty good, but not the best i've had. the sandwich was dripping with grease, which might freak other people out, but i'm ok with it. the potatoes with the garlic cream sauce is off the chain though!
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Review from Eliana M.
4/12/2011
One of those hole-in-the-wall treasures. Good prices and delicious food. While I love the platters, my go-to is the trio because their finishing touch of grilling the wrap is GENIUS.
Also good potatoes with garlic sauce. It's worth breathing that on people all day, let me tell you! -
Review from Rho L.
8/29/2010 1 photo
It's 3:30am and after karaoke-ing, Lebanese food sounded like a perfect way to end the night.
Boustan's is a teeny eatery situated downstairs from a nightclub, a spot where all the drunkies go to post partying.
Oh but boustan's isn't just good for post-drunk meal, (i.e. dennys lol), their food is absolutely delicious.
The staff looks like they've been there for too long, but hey they're doing something right with their food.
Tried their potatoes had this yummy creamy garlic sauce atop. Also tried their chicken shwarma pita. The pita was toasted warm, crunchy on the outside, and soft inside. Their mix of veggies they throw in there definitely adds more life to that pita.
One thing I didn't fancy was that they went overboard with their garlic mayo sauce. Wayyy too much of that in there, but you'd hate to ask for an amended version because the main guy here reminds you of the soup nazi. Like, this ain't BK, it would almost be rude to have it your way. Nonetheless, all the food was good, and cheap.
Better than many of the LA spots that serve similar food, but certainly still not the best. Solid 4 stars here. -
Review from rachel f.
5/31/2011
All food is pre made and reheated on a styrofoam plate. Overall relatively cheap. But If you're expecting nyc mamouns type quality, you should look elsewhere.
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Review from Dylan O.
8/16/2011
Extremely friendly service and very affordable prices. If you are not familiar with the CFL do not mistake pictures of the owner with the "Stanley cup" on the wall like I did which he was quick to correct is the Grey Cup. Chicken shawarma is a must.
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Review from Richard K.
Montréal, QC
6/3/2011
"Hole-in-the-wall treasure!" is right on target. The food is good and the owner is passionate to keep it that way. I think he struggles a bit with his staff to keep their attention to detail, but the food is honestly great. The Kafta Arayess has just about made me forget the Shawarma for good.
Only two things to keep an eye on: the overuse of garlic mayo - I'd argue to even just skip it given how good the other sauces are - and if rushed they will definitely forget a pita with most plate dishes.
I know he's talking about closing at some point, but I hope he continues as long as he can. Boustan has a lot of history and the food is honestly worth going for. -
Review from Lorraine L.
9/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
It's been almost a month since we visited Montreal, and the bf can't stop talking about how great Boustan's food is. I have to agree, Boustan was pretty damned good and CHEAP. I love good cheap eats.
Boustan is on the lower level of a building near all the bars on Rue Crescent. Which is great for a late snack after knocking back a few. I had the beef shawarma trio and the bf had the chicken shawarma wrap. For six bucks, they give you a lot of food. The beef was delicious, tender and juicy. The flavors were amazing. Service is cafeteria style in that you line-up at the counter, put in your order and pick out your sides. The staff is friendly and there's a giant flat screen in the dining area in case you don't want to miss out on that Alouettes game.
Highly recommend checking out Boustan for some amazing, cheap eats! -
Review from Tim B.
Other patrons say 6*!!!
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Review from Didier N.
5/31/2011
The garlic sauce and garlic mayo are so addictive that the secret ingredient has got to be crack! One of the good Middle-Eastern joints in the city in my opinion. Yes it's a hole in the wall but the food is delicious and cheap. Plus the owner is very friendly: very chatty and he seems to know everybody. Will be back next time am drinking in the Concordia area!
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Review from Geoff M.
8/8/2010
My girlfriend and I were tentative about going in - looked like just another bottom-floor ethnic food restaurant. However, the owner saw us and invited us in and then talked to us like we were family for 45 minutes.
The food was really quite tastey. We both had vegetarian platters that Mr. Boutan specially designed for us. Everyone in the neighborhood seemed to know and like him and I think that speaks volumes about how he does business. Bottom line - if you want a delicious, cheap, middle eastern dish in a warm atmosphere, this is the place. I will definitely come back next time to Montreal. -
Review from Ian R.
Updated - 5/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
I am going reduce Boustan from three-stars to two-stars.
I had two shawarmas: one chicken and one beef.
The exteriors of both were warm and crunchy and therefore started to disintegrated after the first bite.
The interiors were cold and dry; the vegetables chilled and the meat, at best, lukewarm. The beef is already pre-cut and drawn from some metal storage tub-it is tasteless, stringy, and dry.
This place is filthy-dirty; food on the floors and trash spilling out of garbage cans. I see very little good about this place apart from the quasi-reasonable prices.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/26/2009
I'm going to disagree with most of the 4 and 5-star ratings here.
While Boustan is good, it is at… Read more »
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Review from Sean M.
Montréal, QC
7/3/2011
It took 15 minutes to order our food from the counter because they were so slow and disorganized. The quantities are less than most middle eastern places and the falafel was dry and grainy.
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Review from Cheryl B.
3/22/2009 1 photo
Baba Ganoush, Hummus, Falafel, stuffed grape leaves with yogurt and Tabbouleh salad with warm pita made a working lunch most bearable! There were also crisp cuke slices and tomatoes along side our wonderful array of goodies.
Even though our lunch was delivery, somehow the goodies arrived warm and those that ordered falafel pita sandwiches were pleased to see that they were not soggy. I couldn't believe how quickly we gobbled up all that food! Our bellies full....we got back to the task at hand with a smile on our faces. Needless to say the Boustan delivery guy made a repeat trip the next day! I'm finding out, the easy way mind you, that Montreal has a wide variety of ethnic culinary delights....and I've only scratched the surface. -
Review from Edward C.
3/26/2010
I don't understand why so many people seem to be orgasming over this place. The food isn't that good. Sure, it's pretty cheap, but the food is mediocre, especially if you've ever been anywhere over the Atlantic.
I had a falafel sandwich while I tried food off of the plates that my friends got. My falafel was fine, but nothing special. It was cooked in a rather interesting way; the pita is pretty thin, so they make it like a wrap and then stick it in a contraption and grill it. It holds together pretty well. The other food that I sampled was also fine.
Reading the reviews, I thought that this place might be akin to L'as du falafel in Paris, but this place is nowhere near the same level. Good for a cheap, adequate meal, but not much else. Definitely not worth a visit if you're just visiting Montreal. -
Review from Andrew A.
Montréal, QC
8/8/2008
Best Shwarma in town.
really I shouldn't have to say more than this, but for the sake of defending my position.....
First Shwarma is a Lebanese dish, meat, often chicken or beef, cooked on a vertical spit over a vertical BBQ of sorts. The meat is shaved off the outsides of the spit as it cooks ensuring you always get crispy goodness. You can either have the meat on a plate with rice, potatoes and salad or as a pita sandwich, similar to a Donner, or souvlaki.
What Boustan does differently than everywhere else, is to really grill the finished sandwich over a fire, toasting the pita, this gives a unique taste. And Mr. Boustan is there just about every night, till closing at 4:00am or later, the man really livens up the place. Boustan's has to be good former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau ate here while he was still alive.Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Amber M.
7/16/2010
Tasty, inexpensive Lebanese food. Perfect for a light lunch after hiking around the Museum Quarter.
I shared the falafel sandwich and the mixed shwarama plate with a friend. Everything was fresh and well-seasoned and the hummus is great. All in all, we were very satisfied. The staff are a highlight of this place: very friendly and very courteous.
True, the place is a little less tidy than your average North American eatery, but the food and the staff more than make up for it. -
Review from Joey L.
12/17/2010
One star for being unsanitary. I can forgive a lot when it comes to restaurants, but blatant disregard for sanitary food preparation is a deal-breaker.
The guy behind the counter got mad when we asked for water instead of buying a can of soda for $1.35 and would only give us a single tiny cup to share. I understand drinks are a big source of profit, and he was mad he wasn't getting that on this sale. I can overlook that.
I got the kafta arayess and my wife got the chicken shawarma. All meat comes from a big pre-cut pile. Some items go on an open grill. Most items go into a microwave there in front of you. They're busy, and pre-cutting and nuking are fast. I can overlook that.
I actually really enjoyed my sandwich. The meat was spiced well. The sauce was great. The beets tasted like they were past their prime, but nothing to detract from an overall decent meal.
Despite the service, this was shaping up to be a 3-star experience... then we saw one of the men behind the counter pick up some of the pre-cut meat with his bare hands, eat it, lick his fingers, and continue preparing food. We were shocked.
I can't overlook that. That's just disgusting and irresponsible. -
Review from Mitch S.
Toronto, ON
5/21/2009
When you're in need of some quality fast Labenese food, come to Boustan. This place is open till 4am and offers free delivery, so it's never too far away.
The great thing about this place relative to the others is that the pita sandwiches get grilled; this makes all the difference in the world! Also, there are a couple off menu items that are great such as the creation and crazy juice...try both! -
Review from Elena C.
Montréal, QC
1/5/2010
Montreal has plenty of cheap lebanese fast take out places but Boustan is definitely the best! It's cheap, the service is great, it's open late, they deliver, and the food is delicious! Not much atmosphere to sit and eat in there, but the quality of the food more than makes up for it and you can always get it delivered or take it out.
I have only ever had the shish taouk (or chicken shawarma) but their other options look equally good. I recommend getting it spicy! Their hot sauce is great!
It is well deserving of the great reviews. -
Review from Jennifer G.
7/15/2010
I was so excited to eat here! I remember a really friendly staff and awesome food. I ordered some food to go.
My sandwich was awesome, I really love the veggie option here with spicy sauce. 5 stars to the veggie sando.
However, I suggest not ordering the potatoes to go as they heat them up in the microwave in a Styrofoam cup, I do not like Stryrofoam to begin with, but heated up?!? who knows what is released into my potatoes when they zap that thing in the microwave. yuk. - 2 stars (yes it's that off putting!) -
Review from Michael L.
3/19/2010
This shit is the BOMB, no pun intended because it's a Lebanese place either. Every time I visit Montreal, I make this my first stop, and this time I took 9 other Los Angelino's with me to experience this gastro-phenomenon.
I've had EVERYTHING on the menu at one point or another. I like the way they toast the pita sandwich so that it doesn't fall apart - nice touch. The home fries and mayonnaise is worth the heart attack, and the owner is super nice and friendly.
So the place is a bit dirty, so what - don't lick the walls. Take it to go and eat it elsewhere, but just eat here period. -
Review from Mister O.
Montréal, QC
1/12/2010
Don't go for the dirty trays, the lack of napkins, the visibly overflowing garbage bins, the enormous television, the predictably forgetful counterman with one whole customer standing at the counter ("Was that for here, or to go?" Twice, now.) and the tepid level of heat your tongue inevitably finds at the core of the sandwich. No. Go for the way their beef shawarma *tastes*.
That would be the beef shawarma in pita. With hummus. No white sauce. Go for the unique, alien flavor of it, imparted by Cthulhu-knows what spices they use in the shredded lettuce, and whatever the hell those red pickled things are that they add to the garnish. The taste of the stuff is mesmerising.
Go because the taste of the stuff will send you to some Fritz Leiberish alternate universe. You'll be eating the fast food of Lankhmar. On Crescent. -
Review from Rajesh M.
4/17/2011
We ordered the shawarma plate & a sandwich here during lunch hour for around $13. The food was so-so considering there are a lot of middle-eastern options around the city. The lady at the counter was a pusher - quick to tell you what you "should" order. We also found the ambience a bit dingy for our taste.
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Review from Imran K.
Montréal, QC
4/18/2011
One of the best shishtaouk in town
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Review from Oliver C.
Montréal, QC
1/1/2009
I love Boustan!
The food is great, the guys are very friendly and nice to talk with, it's pretty cheap, and they deliver! -
Review from jennifer l.
7/30/2011
just got in to montreal tonight and ordered after reading reviews on Boustan. i wanted a place that delivered.
i ordered falafal pitas, grape leaves, tabouli. all was really good and i could not believe how fast the delivery was. my hotel is just around the corner, but, when they told me "we'll get there as soon as we can," i expected that could mean a really long time. the food was delivered in less than 15 minutes and it's saturday night. i'm impressed.
cheap, fast delivery and really good for quick, cheap, delivery food. i'd order it again. -
Review from Ted X.
11/24/2010
Perfect for lunch, a quick bit or a quick dinner. The shwarma is amazing and the potatoes are a perfect side. We happened to find this through yelp and it was a great find.
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Review from Maria K.
10/10/2010
Great food, friendly service, yet very inexpensive! I was craving Lebanese food so while in Montreal I decided to check this place out (thanks to other recommendations on Yelp). We ended up going twice (dinner and then lunch the next day). My husband got a beef gyros and I got a vegetarian one and the kids had hummus and tabouli salad. By far, the best meal we had in Montreal!
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Review from Axel F.
12/21/2010
ZOMG! I love this place. When I lived in Montreal, I went there once a week. The food is so good and convenient. The potatoes are awesomely tasty, and the schwarma is to die for.
I go to Boustan every time I visit Montreal now. This place is amazing! -
Review from Jonathan F.
12/30/2010
Good cheap and plentiful. The falafel was among the better I've had in Montreal and the shawarma plentiful. Would enjoy again.
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Review from Jeanne C.
6/23/2009
Right in the heart of the rowdy party area of downtown, Boustan is GREAT lebanese food. Chicken and rice halal is the staple in NYC, but what I find is that Boustan offers quality and taste. Their falafel and chicken schwarma sandwiches come in a very thin pita, which is awesome and doesn't make you want to puke from being too full. At around 1am or so, the place had a decent number of patrons but wasn't packed at all. The wait was short and sweet. I heard the worker/owner tell a guy that he would give him a refund if he didn't think the sandwich was THE BEST IN THE WORLD. Now how can you not go here? I miss it already!
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Review from L J.
5/10/2011
This is great food! A hole in the wall!
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Review from Doug C.
Toronto, ON
11/21/2009 1 photo
I just wrote a review of Sabra in Hermosa Beach and found a photo of Boustan from a month ago on my iphone... So, here I am agreeing with everyone else that Boustan is probably the best take-out shawarma anywhere with Zooba's(renamed Balbeck?) in Ottawa a close second. I think my all-time favourite is still Kababji in Dartmouth NS, but Kababji is a sit-down restaurant at a higher price point.
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Review from Beni D.
Calgary, AB
10/1/2010
Really amazing taste. Get a trio.
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Review from shaun a.
11/22/2008
Come for the shwarma, stay for the falafels. This place is one of my favorite falafel/veggie sandwiches in the world and I've stopped in regularly over the past 15 years. Family run place and you often see the owner's son or daughter working. Quality has gone down slightly when "Mr Boustan" isn't working. But if you go while he's there, action will be high. This place feels like family with everyone in line joking around. Lots of regulars spill out from Crescent. Garlic potatoes also good if you have an appetite. Or after the bars.
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Review from Lisa K.
12/29/2008
I prefer Amir; the meat at Boustan is overly charred for me and the pickled vegetables are too strong. But I imagine Boustan is probably more authentic. Also it always kind of grossed me out that one employee would wear the same purple latex glove for everything - preparing food, taking money, etc etc.
