Poutine Passion: Canada’s Ultimate Comfort Food

By: Carolyn Hall | April 4, 2024
Unhealthy Delicious Poutine with French Fries and Gravy

Poutine, a dish that hails from Quebec, Canada, has become a Detroit delicacy. This delightful concoction of fries, cheese curds, and gravy is more than just food; it’s a symphony of flavors that brings comfort and joy to those who enjoy it. Metro Detroit, known for its vibrant and diverse food culture, hosts a range of establishments where poutine shines brightly on the menu. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to explore how restaurants have turned this Canadian classic into a local favorite.

FIREBIRD TAVERN

419 Monroe Street, Detroit

4845 Rochester Road, Troy

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Firebird Tavern offers traditional poutine, embodying the classic dish so many of us enjoy. With its first location nestled in the historic Greektown neighborhood, Firebird Tavern is a cozy, inviting space where locals and visitors alike gather for a taste of meticulously crafted dishes. Partner Owen Burke shares, “Since 2013, we’ve aimed to provide locals and out-of-towners with a warm, lively, and inviting spot to meet, dine, drink, and dance.” Their poutine is a testament to their commitment to quality and flavor, featuring hand-cut fries, rich, savory, house-made brown gravy, cheese curds, and herbs. It’s a dish that pays homage to the classic while in a location that is so distinctly Detroit-based. Pair it with a daily soup, seasonal salad, or any of the sandwiches available, like the Diner Burger.

plate of poutine served with a beer
Photo courtesy of Firebird Tavern

MERCURY BURGER & BAR

2163 Michigan Avenue, Detroit 

Mercury Burger & Bar embraces the classic soul of poutine while infusing it with a dash of Detroit flair. Located in the bustling Corktown district, Mercury is a haven for burgers, but you can certainly get poutine to pair. Choose from personal or sharing sizes, and you can get poutine as a specialty fry option, or even poutine tots. That’s right folks, delicious gravy and cheese curds over tater tots. Perfect to accompany burgers like the French Onion or the Shroom Burger, these fries are a must-try. 

BROOKLYN STREET LOCAL

1266 Michigan Avenue, Detroit

Brooklyn Street Local stands out with its authentic approach to poutine, deeply rooted in the owners’ Canadian heritage. Deveri Gifford, co-owner, shares, “Brooklyn Street Local is a cozy neighborhood spot for breakfast, lunch, and brunch featuring vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore options. We work with Detroit and Michigan farmers and prioritize locally sourced ingredients. Owned and operated by two Canadians, we are known for our authentic poutine and took home the People’s Choice Award for poutine at Canadiana Fest last year.” This commitment to authenticity and local sourcing elevates their poutine, making it a true taste of Canada right in Detroit. You can order the classic with hand-cut fries, organic cheese curds, and your choice of mushroom or beef gravy. Add on caramelized onions and a protein for the BSL version, or a sunny-side-up egg with protein for breakfast poutine. Ordering the vegan option? You’ll get vegan cheese and mushroom gravy for your dish.

breakfast poutine from brooklyn streel local with bacon, scrambled eggs, jam, and toast
Photo courtesy of Taylor Higgins Photography for Brooklyn Street Local

REGALE CRAFT FOOD & DRINK

48810 Hayes Road, Macomb 

Regale Craft & Food Drink also takes a unique approach to poutine. Situated in a charming, laid-back setting, Regale is the perfect spot for those seeking to enjoy an elevated version of this hearty dish. The menu consists of global-inspired shared plates. Their poutine is prepared with Kennebec fries, beef brisket, cheese curds, fried onion, demi-glace, and sour cream. The result is a plate of crispy fries, delicious sauce, and fresh cheese curds that meld together in a celebration of flavor and texture.

GREEN DOT STABLES

2200 West Lafayette Boulevard, Detroit 

Green Dot Stables is known for its creative and eclectic approach to cuisine, and its poutine is the perfect side. This establishment takes pride in offering a menu that’s as diverse as the city itself, and its poutine reflects this philosophy. From Philly Cheesesteak, Fried Polish, and Korean sliders to New England Clam Chowder, Green Dot Stables serves up food inspired by the world, and orders of poutine that reflect its origins are no exception to this delightful menu. 

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