A good poutine almost stands on its own: fries, squeaky cheese curds, generous gravy. But let's be honest — we often want to round out the plate. The real question when it comes to poutine sides is finding what to add so the meal feels complete without leaving you stuffed.
At Casse-croûte Pierrot, on 1st Avenue in Limoilou, we see all kinds of orders come through. Here are our combo suggestions that actually work, tested and approved by neighbourhood regulars.
What to drink with poutine
The brown gravy is salty and hearty, the cheese is rich — you want a drink that refreshes and cleans the palate between bites. The classics always deliver:
- A well-chilled soft drink, the most natural pairing — the bubbles cut right through the richness of the gravy;
- A large glass of ice water, simple but effective for keeping the palate fresh;
- A citrus or ginger-flavoured soda, whose acidity wakes up the taste buds.
The idea is balance: something bright and cold to contrast with the comforting heat of the poutine.
Salty sides that complement without weighing you down
If poutine alone won't cut your hunger, we have a few snack bar classics that pair beautifully. The trick is to pick a side that brings a different texture or a touch of freshness.
- A hot-dog: steamed or toasted, it's the ultimate companion. Light beside the poutine, it completes without repeating;
- Coleslaw: its crunchy, tangy character cuts perfectly through the richness of the gravy — a must for lightening the whole meal;
- Onion rings: for those who love crunch, great to share in the middle of the table.
The right side is the one that brings contrast: cold against hot, crunchy against soft, acidity against richness.
Building your combo around your appetite
It all depends on how hungry you are. For a small craving, a poutine and a cold drink are more than enough. For a bigger appetite — a game night or after a long day — add a hot-dog and a coleslaw, and you're set.
Want to mix it up? Take a look at the snack bar menu to see all the classics that pair well with a poutine. And if you're eating at home, most of these combos travel very well.
The regulars' favourite combos
After seeing so many orders go by, we've noticed certain combinations keep coming back from the neighbourhood faithful. On game night it's often poutine, hot-dog and a soft drink — the winning trio for making it through the whole match. On weekends, we see a lot of people sharing a big poutine in the centre of the table, with onion rings on the side for everyone to grab from. And for a late-night craving after a night out, nothing beats a poutine on its own, piping hot, with a cold drink alongside.
The best part is there's no wrong answer. A snack bar is made for building the meal that suits you, based on your hunger, the moment and what you feel like that day.
Craving something? We've got you covered.
Poutine, snack bar classics and prepared meals — dine in, takeout or delivered in Limoilou and Québec City.
What is the best side for poutine?
There's no single answer, but coleslaw and a cold soft drink are reliable choices: they bring freshness and crunch to balance the richness of the gravy and cheese.
Can you order poutine and sides for delivery?
Yes. At Casse-croûte Pierrot, we deliver to Limoilou and several areas of Québec City. You can put together your combo and have it delivered hot to your door. See our delivery page for details.
Is poutine enough as a full meal?
For most people, yes — it's hearty and filling. But if you're really hungry, a light side like a hot-dog or coleslaw rounds out the meal perfectly.