Patati Patata

Situated in a fairly high profile location at the corner of St. Laurent and Rachel is an easily passed over eatery. Patati Patata, seating merely a dozen or so people at full capacity, isn’t even large in comparison to a hot dog cart. Overlooking it would be a mistake however, as anyone who does is missing out on what is widely regarded as one of the best purveyors of both poutine and burgers in this city.

The kitchen and dining room are separated only by a counter, where you will place your order. If things are busy, grab a pencil and begin filling out your order yourself, the numerous toppings and selections are outlined on a little order sheet. Your burger is customizable completely to your liking, and everything is made fresh. Nothing gets sliced, diced or hits the grill before you decided you wanted it to be. It is the freshness and quality that makes these little burgers all they can be.

Yes, the burgers are little, but the prices match. M:Brgr this is not, and a sandwich can be purchased with the change you found in the sofa, not your recent paycheck. The fries are little too, which can be frustrating for those who wish to dunk them in mayo, but make the perfect bed for a poutine. The little shreds of unpeeled fries have an earthy potato flavor and are easily punctured by the prongs of a fork, whether smothered in fresh cheese curds and gravy or simply with salt.

Your waiter stops to take your order and then resumes duties as chef. Moments later, your food is cooked, bagged up and ready to go. Across the street is le Parc des Amériques, or as the staff affectionately call it, the terrace. Occasionally hosting live performances, its benches are a popular location for most of those who order from Patati Patata, as finding a vacant seat inside is unlikely. Despite indoor availability, business is good and will continue to be for some time as Patati Patata consistently delivers fantastic food for very affordable prices.