Whether you’re visiting Montreal or have called it home your whole life, this city truly never sleeps. Most locals head out at least once a week to enjoy the arts and grab a bite along the way. While trendy street-food-style spots and new dives offering everything from Korean cheese dogs to budget-friendly Thai fusion keep popping up, only a few spots have earned iconic status of being my top 5 post-show snack spots in Montreal. So shove 2 20s in your pocket and lower your standards for ambiance- you’re hear for the eats not the scenery.

For tourists, it’s wise to carry some cash, as many of these spots don’t accept cards. Budget around $20–$40 depending on your appetite. Conveniently, all of these late-night dive and snack spots are located in downtown Montreal and the Lower Plateau, right where most concerts, ballets, and evening performances take place.

1. Al‑Taib Boulangerie – $ (personal Fave: Cheese zataar manakish all dressed)

Specialty: Lebanese pizza, manakish, pitas, grab-and-go snacks
Hours: 24/7
Price: $ (very affordable, under ~$10)
First discovered: While dating a singer who lived close to it.

2. Boustan (Sainte‑Catherine E) – $–$

Specialty: Shawarma, falafel, wraps  (personal Fave: The Boustan special with hot sauce)
Hours: 11 a.m.–4 a.m.
Price: $–$ (most wraps $10–15)
First discovered: While studying video editing.

3. La Banquise – $–$$

Specialty: 30+ poutine variations (classic to loaded. Fave the one with meat sauce)
Hours: 24/7
Price: $–$$ (classic ~$10, loaded ~$15–18)
First discovered: When I lived in the plateau.

4. Montreal Pool Room – $–$$

Specialty: Steamies, fries, classic diner poutine (All-dressed ho dogs with the bun fried)
Hours: 10 AM – 3 AM
Price: $–$$ (hotdogs & fries ~$6–10, combos ~$12)
First discovered: After clubbing!

5. Dunn’s Famous – $$–$$$

Specialty: Smoked-meat sandwiches, fries, hearty diner fare (The Dunn’s special sandwich)
Hours: 11 AM – 5 AM
Price: $$–$$$ (smoked meat sandwiches $15–20, combos up to $25–30)
First discovered: With family out for dinner as a kid

Tips for Enjoying Late-Night Snack spots in Montreal

1. Go early, or go late: While most dives open late, some get busy quickly. If you want a table or quick service, try arriving just after a show or closer to midnight.

2. Cash is king: As mentioned, many classic dives don’t take cards, so have some small bills ready.

3. Share dishes: Portions at places like La Banquise or Dunn’s Famous can be huge. Sharing is a great way to try more than one dish without overspending.

4. Check hours in advance: Some locations, like Boustan or Montreal Pool Room, may adjust hours for holidays or weekdays, so a quick call or Google check helps.

5. Plan around venues: These spots are all near downtown or the Plateau, making them convenient for post-show snacks without a long walk or Uber.

When I first moved to the old port, like many, all my hard earned $ went to my ridiculous loft rent! So I had to save elswhere. A fave activity I would do is hit Art openings, then grab hot dogs at The Montreal Pool room.