We all know the joys of poutine; the anticipation as you see that gourmet gravy poured on a heap of crispy tots, the cheese curds tumbling down the mountain of goodness that’s about to go in your belly. And that first bite? Wait, what’s that? The fries are cold, and your hot mess of a meal has just turned into a soggy, chilly pile. Been there? Us too. That’s why we made this list of unreal poutine places that won’t only serve your poutine piping hot, but they’ll also create a dish bursting with flavour. Never again will you have to face a disappointing basket of fries. From the classic gravy and fries to elaborate takes on your favourite dish that’ll excite your taste buds — you better be hungry.
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1. Black Dog Tavern
69 Brock St.
Duck Confit Poutine
This gourmet French favourite isn’t the first place one would think of going for a messy meal of fries and gravy but get ready to be pleasantly surprised. Ever heard of boujee poutine? Now you have. Black Dog Tavern serves up frites with triple cream brie, shredded duck confit, green peppercorn, and cognac jus.
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2. Harper’s Burger Bar
93 Princess St.
Some Pig Poutine
When you’re done with your juicy burger (meat-free or meat-full), why not follow up with a little poutine? And because it’s Harpers, they are making their poutine as innovative and unique as their burgers; get ready for their Some Pig Poutine. Fries, ‘Black River’ cheese curds, gravy, and pulled pork will keep your taste buds intrigued all night long.
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3. House of Donair
394 Princess St.
Donair Poutine
House of Donair is a poutine favourite for its filling, satisfying grub. They offer shawarma-style poutine giving you the best mix of Canadian and Middle Eastern cuisine. However, we recommend the Donair poutine, it comes with hand-cut fries, shaved donair meat, cheese curd, and gravy. But don’t stop there, ask for a drizzle of donair sauce to get that full east coast donair experience.
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4. Copper Penny
240 Princess St.
Copper Penny Poutine
It’s no wonder that Copper Penny is celebrating over 40 years of business; with gourmet comfort food and a prime location right in the middle of downtown, it’s a local favourite for the books. Their Copper Penny Poutine is simplicity at its best: warm fries, homemade gravy, and blended cheeses. Want to amp up the poutine experience? Try the Chicken Fajita Poutine with Cajun chicken, blended cheese, sauteed onions, peppers, salsa, sour cream and — oh right, fries and gravy.
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5. Dianne’s FIsh Shack & Smoke House
195 Ontario St.
Seafood Poutine
Poutine and seafood? Yes please! This Thai-inspired poutine is sure to satisfy any poutine extremist. It’s served with fries, coconut green curry, shrimp, calamari, mussels, haddock, queso fresco, and scallions. It’s the east coast kitchen sink of poutines and we are living for it!
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6. Melt & Grill
369 King St. East
Mac & Cheese Poutine
Yup, you guessed it! Melt & Grill is making a traditional poutine with gravy and cheese curd even more Canadian by adding Kraft Dinner on it! If that wasn’t enough to catch you attention, how about trading in those french fries for waffle fries? Not your style? No worries, they have 7 other tasty poutines to choose from.
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7. Whiskey & Rose
125 Brock St.
Dirty Bird Poutine
New to the block is Whiskey and Rose! They are taking Kingston by storm with their gluten allergy-friendly restaurant by using local and seasonal ingredients. It only makes sense that Chef Amanda Finkle would provide us with such a treat. The Dirty Bird Poutine comes with Yukon gold potatoes, rosemary salt, cheese curds, mushroom gravy, fried chicken thigh, poblano mayonnaise, and scallions. I’m not drooling, you’re drooling!
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8. Otter Creek Kitchen
2792 Princess St.
Braised Wagyu Poutine
How could we not put Otter Creek on the list of best poutines! If you have had the pleasure of hitting up their food truck in the summer or stopping by their new west-end location, then you know they mean business with their poutine. Not only do you get fresh cut fries and Wilton cheese curds, but you get slow braised wagyu beef with a real house made beef gravy created with the braising juice. How could you not want to order it
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9. Bubbas Poutine + Pizzeria
349 King Street East
The Original Poutine
No Kingston poutine list would be complete without Bubba’s famous poutine on it. There are Greek and Italian options, but if this is your first—or last—attempt, go for the classic Quebec Style Poutine. The curds are thick and salty, the gravy is dark and rich, and the fries are sturdy enough to withstand and soak up all that cheesy and messy deliciousness.
The honourable mention
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Red House
369 King St. East
Kimchi Fires
Okay, so not quite poutine but we will allow it! The Kimchi fries are a work of french fry art in Kingston. It is a must for those fry connoisseurs! Fries smothered in kimchi with kewpie mayo, scallions, and sesame seeds. For the love of foodie heaven please don’t shy away from adding the pork belly and fried egg! We promise you won’t even miss the gravy when it comes to this one.
