Four New West poutine picks

When it comes to poutine, our city has some incredible only-available-in-New-West choices. This delicious dish, which has roots in Quebec, includes hot gravy and melting cheese curds over freshly fried French fries. 

The good news is there are many options—and variations on the classic—in New West, and we’ve got four to get you kickstarted on your poutine pilgrimage. 

Anny’s Dairy Bar

We’d be remiss to not include Anny’s Dairy Bar on this list, since it's one my husband and I go back to over and over again.

Located in Uptown New Westminster, Anny’s doesn’t have a website or an Instagram account, relying on word-of-mouth from locals. (Do look up #annysdairybar on Instagram if you've never been. You won't be sorry.)

Anny's maple twist cone isn’t the only thing with origins in Quebec: the poutine is made the classic way, with cheese curds, gravy, and fries. We have enjoyed the variation with smoked meat when we are very hungry. 

My favourite meal at Anny's includes a cheeseburger and a poutine. We pay ahead for a maple twist cone, and it's easily a delicious dinner with a homestyle feel. 

If you want to take Anny’s poutine goodness home, you can often purchase the cheese curds and gravy at the restaurant. 

Spud Shack

Spud Shack is all about Belgian-inspired frites, and while you shouldn’t pass up their classic poutine, the Shack is the place to go if you’re looking for something that eats like a meal. You can find them on the second floor of the New Westminster SkyTrain station. This was one of the first places I visited when I moved to New West, and we bring my in-laws here when they're visiting from Salmon Arm since it's highly requested fare.

For a while, I could not stop ordering the Gaucho, which is an Argentinian take on poutine. I love that the onions are just about charred—but never burned to a crisp—so the dish has a nice smoky flavour to it. I've since broken the Gaucho streak with The Night Market (the ginger beef and kimchi on this one are a magical combo) and The Baked Potato, which are both delicious in their own right. 

There are plenty of meat options—including the Squealer (pulled pork, cilantro slaw, barbecue sauce) and the newest edition to the menu, the Meatball Mario (meatballs, tomato sauce, pesto mayo, fried capers)—but the Big V is one you won’t want to miss. It’s smothered in the Shack’s signature vegetarian chili, and it's light yet flavourful.

Spud Shack is also great for a variety of size options: you can order a small, medium, or large. 

Burger Heaven

Don’t let the name Burger Heaven fool you.

While you can get almost any kind of sandwich or burger that you can dream up at Burger Heaven, you can also get a classic poutine. You'll also want to come hungry: this dish include a half pound of Burger Heaven’s signature wedges, smothered with cheese curds and gravy. I have never been able to finish my burger and a poutine, so I will sometimes split a burger with my husband.  

My favourite way to enjoy a poutine at Burger Heaven? With a chicken cordon bleu burger. Is it a lot of cheese? Sure. Do I have regrets, especially as someone who is lactose intolerant? Never. 

The Thirsty Duck Pub

I love the Thirsty Duck's poutine, and I suspect most people aren't probably thinking about it when they think about this 40-year-old spot. Everyone always says to get the wings, which is true—if you've never been here before, definitely get the Thirsty Wings.

Back to the poutine: this is another one you’ll want to bring your appetite for. The Thirsty Duck offers a classic poutine, with a massive serving of fries, curds, and gravy. 

We were definitely defeated by the duck after adding pulled pork to the dish: the pulled pork is incredibly tender and juicy, and takes the entire thing to the next level. It rarely happens, but I was unable to finish the entire thing, and I didn't order anything else.  

What are your favourite places for poutine? Drop us a line at [email protected], and we’ll be sure to share your suggestions with the community.