It is impossible to dislike poutine. Yes, I am calling out you liars: it is impossible. Whether it’s in a traditional styrofoam cup leaking gravy onto a picnic table or served with pulled pork, vegetarian gravy, homefries or other creative ingredients, it’s hard not to gravitate to the one menu item guaranteed not to let you down.
With a little help from the polling worlds of Twitter and Facebook, we have found some of Ottawa’s go-to poutine destinations.
1- Sasha’s Chip Wagon. For weeks people have yelled that it is the best without question. Open until 4 a.m., this ByWard Market favourite – tucked between Zaphod’s and Kinki’s is a must at any time of day. The fries are crispy, the gravy is thick and peppery, and the curds are the real, fresh ‘squeak in your teeth’ kind. You may have to wait a bit to get your order (they refuse to serve any fries left out of the fryer a moment too long) but trust me, it is worth every second.
Price – $7
2- The Standard. The Elgin Street hot spot may not be known for their poutine, but it is definitely worth checking out. Known to frequently change up the ‘ad on’ options (they offered a sausage and spices option one summer – to die for) you always have the option to put a little extra into the fairly medium sized appetizer.
Price – $10
Add ons – $5
3- The Smoque Shack. This poutine makes the list for their BBQ chicken gravy, which is unreal. A must try: top it with shaved brisket – you won’t regret that decision for a second.
Price – $10
4- Elgin Street Diner. A huge fan of Montreal’s ‘shoe-string’ fries, I searched Ottawa for a poutine that had the perfect thin potato. Elgin Street filled this gap in the poutine community. Don’t be thrown off by the black sludge looking gravy: it is as thick as it looks, but delicious. At $8.99 it is a little pricey on its own, but add it as a side to a sandwich for only $3.99 and you get more than you can eat.
Price – $8.99 large; $3.99 with a meal
5- Oz Kafé. The token ‘outside the box’ fave. Replacing traditional ingredients with scalloped potatoes, old cheddar and jus and adding toppings like grilled apples, smoked duck and caramelized onions, this “poutine” melts in your mouth. At a great price, all poutine lovers have got to give it a try.
Price – $9; without the duck – $5
And yes, we know these entries are controversial. Make your case for your favourite poutine below – we’re always up for eating more!
