4 Stars for being a most enjoyable tourist eatery in the middle of Old Montreal.
Montreal poutine earns it's 4 stars by surpassing our (lowered) expectations. We were looking for a place to relax, where we can unwind with a snack and talk over a couple of pints, a place to bide our time in Old Montreal while we wait for our reservations at a fancy restaurant. Pickings were slim since we didn't want a full meal and other places just didn't have a very exciting selection of beers. We took a leap of faith and decided to venture into this terrasse hidden among souvenir shops.
Service was OK. Not exceptional not awful but OK. We wanted beer and we wanted a snack and they brought these things to us and we were happy.
They have a more diverse selection of beers on tap (about 8 to be precise) than other places we passed along. We had the Fin du Monde (9%) and a Blanche de Chambly (5%) in 20oz pints for a mere $8.04 each. We wanted a cheaper lighter meal so we shared lovely crisp French fries with sauce (like the one they drench poutines in) for $5.
And of course there's a moderate selection of poutines($11-$12). I'm sure their poutines are adequate (their fries are very good) but I would make a point to also try poutine from more storied establishments like La Banquise.
The terrasse is gorgeous. We had a memorable experience sipping our drinks in the open air enveloped on all sides by old stone walls with a giant E.T. looking down on us over the entrance. It felt great to take our time after a day rushing from one point of interest to another, and to spend it in this beautiful courtyard. The ambiance will
The bathroom is on the second floor inside the building. On your way to it look out the windows overlooking the terrasse and enjoy the view of your companion(s) stealing your fries.
Don't expect a culinary revelation or impeccable service and come here on a sunny day.
Take it easy, have a drink, and enjoy.