Restaurant A.A — Restaurant in Montreal

Context. This is a greasy spoon (sans grease) since 1962 by the same owner. He works hard every day never taking a vacation. Everything is scratch made - even the delicious gravy for their delicious Poutine.

The decor is classic period diner and it’s a throwback to the past. This is almost a museum of what great diners in Montreal were like and a cute education for the younger generation - myself included.

There is nothing pretentious about this place. The menu is basic and expected. The pricing is reasonable and the portions are generous.

The place is very clean. Though I didn’t see their washroom so can’t comment there.

I visited this place at 12:30 pm after an evening out on the town and was quite famished. I looked online hoping to find exactly a place like this and actually was surprised to find one in the area and open so late.

The bilingual staff are super friendly and helpful as well as passionate about the restaurant and the food they take pride in serving.

I asked what’s the speciality and the answer was poutine. But, they also make excellent subs (next time I am having the AA sub with onions, pepperoni, green pepper, shaved steak slices, and much more).

So I ordered a small and a toasted hot dog with mustard and slaw.

The poutine was delicious. The gravy flavour was bespoke and hand made and the fries were hand cut, fried twice, and perfectly crisp exterior and fluffy potato interior. Fries topped with a huge portion of cheese, soaked in gravy (as I requested lots of gravy), and all I can saw is wow. I could not stop saying “umm” as I was consuming this cheesy poutine. Every bite was better than the last - it was difficult to control myself from scoffing this rapidly as I tried to enjoy each forkful of crisp fires, gooey cheese with gravy. A definite on future visits. I ordered the hot dog for good posture as this is something that should be a no brainer and wanted to be sure they make a good dog a la “decarie hot dog” level. I was surprised to find that they do not steam their dogs - or at least not at that time of day as I didn’t ask. But what I observed is they take the dog for the fridge and grill it on the flat top along with the bun and it was delicious. The crispy bun texture and somewhat nutty taste elevated the experience. Their slaw was a little different from others as it was just cabbage without carrot or other items and it’s was a creamy version not an oil and vinegar style. I like both so no issue there. It all came together and what a pleasant experience.

They say that some late restaurants will not serve at the same quality level they would during normal day hours. This is not the case. Their standard is high and nothing was prepared without care and attention to make sure the customer enjoys their food consuming experience.

Now that I know of this place I will be coming here as a regular post late evenings when applicable. I will also be keeping this in mind as the best place in the area - especially compared to the long standing restaurant called Greenspot nearby which is also an old diner ish place selling come similar products but at a higher price and with smaller portions. They live off their loud and proud reputation. This place is not loud, though proud, they just quietly do their thing and that seems to be working - since 1962. So, I encourage everyone to help promote this place along with me as they so deserve to be in the limelight too.

Bottom line - you should have no regrets. Atmosphere is classic diner - lovely. Service - friendly and caring. Food - fresh ingredients, made freshly in front of you, great portions, taste and texture. Value - excellent. Conclusion A must return as a regular. ...

Restaurant A.A, nestled in the bustling heart of Montreal, is a culinary shrine for those who crave comfort food at its finest. Don't let the humble facade and no-frills interior fool you, for this greasy spoon eatery is a holy site for devotees of classic, hearty fare.

As you step inside, you'll be greeted by the tantalizing aroma of fried foods and a warm, unpretentious atmosphere reminiscent of Varanasi's busy streets. The decor is simple and unadorned, mirroring the straightforward goodness of the dishes served here.

The standout offering, without a doubt, is the poutine, which many locals (and this reviewer) boldly declare the best in Montreal. In a city renowned for this iconic dish, that's no small feat. The fries are perfectly fried to a golden brown, crispy on the outside yet retaining a soft, fluffy interior. The cheese curds are satisfyingly gooey, providing a delightful contrast to the fries. The crowning glory is the gravy – thick, flavorful, and generously ladled over the dish, it ties everything together in a divine union of taste and texture.

At Restaurant A.A, the staff may not wear robes or speak in hushed tones, but they serve up this comfort food classic with an earnestness that's palpable. They know that for many, this humble dish is a spiritual experience, a taste of home, and a reminder of simpler times.

In the same way that Mount Kailash is a sacred destination for pilgrims seeking spiritual renewal, Restaurant A.A is a haven for those in search of soul-satisfying, unpretentious fare. It may not have the grandeur of some of the world's most famous holy sites, but in its simplicity and authenticity, it offers a different kind of nourishment – one that feeds both the body...

Great place for a very affordable meal with the best quality that money can buy. At only $11, I had a Salade du Chef with grilled chicken. The chicken was well-cooked and seasoned, and the salad was a simple but fresh iceberg with tomatoes and onions with a creamy vinaigrette. My partner got their famously known burger and a side poutine for only $11 as well. The burger as usual was great and simple quality, the patty is always great and on a nice wide bun with all the fixings. The poutine was a classic poutine you can get at most Montreal casse-croutes. As mentioned the prices are unbeatable and the staff are lovely and well-meaning. The dining area is humble but it's all part of the dine-in greasy spoon experience. For what they have, they don't try to cut corners and it's a well-loved local favorite. 4 years they haven't let...