Last Thursday, Le Boucan redeemed itself in my books. This was my second visit to the smokehouse-inspired restaurant serving up Southern BBQ in Montreal’s Griffintown, and I am happy to report that things are looking up since my first visit. Way up! The service was friendly and efficient, the ambiance was fun and laid-back and the food was literally finger-licking good.
Le Boucan on Notre-Dame West in Montreal's Griffintown.
Le Boucan – Visit #1
My first visit was for mine and my friend’s birthday celebration a year-and-a-half ago. Although we were delighted to be able to reserve the entire restaurant to ourselves and even inaugurated the terrace that night, the service was disorganized and they ran out of ribs… Of all things, you don’t want to run out of ribs if you’re running a smokehouse! In the staff’s defense, Le Boucan had just opened. If you watch Food Network and saw the episode of The Opener about Le Boucan and its bumpy road to grand opening, it pretty much says it all! Check out the interview the Food Network did with the chefs a few months after filming the episode. Much better!
Le Boucan – Visit #2
What a difference on our second visit! We made a last-minute reservation and were able to snatch up the three last seats at the bar. Have I mentioned how much I love bar seating? It’s my new thing. Be warned though – the very hot bartender may cause your fellow male diners to drool. I, on the other hand, was drooling over the food. The ribs were so meaty, they could have been dinosaur. They were tender and slathered with the best tangy-smoky-sweet barbecue sauce I have ever tasted. What, What?!!?? Yep, I said it: THE BEST BBQ SAUCE.
Le Boucan's full rack of ribs - make sure you have a serious appetite.
The pulled pork guedille sandwich was hard to put down. I hoovered the juicy pulled pork meat mixed with barbecue sauce on what tasted like a butter-toasted hot-dog bun. It was dirty goodness. The canjun fries suffered the same fate. I can’t resist spicy fries… In fact, I can’t resist fries at all but the spice mix brings it to another level.
Pulled pork guedille. $13 well spent!
The Bottom Line
Prices: Total cost of our meal for two, including drinks (2) and beers (2) and mains (no entrees) was $75, excluding tip. Full rack of ribs: $26, pulled pork guedille: $13.
Ambiance: Very good. Lively, but not fancy. Young, trendy crowd mixed with locals.
On the + side: Good less expensive option to other restaurants with same vibe.
On the – side: After my second visit, the only concern I’d share with someone who’s thinking of going to Le Boucan is consistency. I’d need to go back a third time to be sure they can consistently deliver a good overall experience.
Would I go back? After my second visit? Hell ya!
After 10 years of writing corporate speak as a communications specialist for large companies in Montreal, I’ve finally given into my self-indulgent desire to write my way and share my love for food. Writing and cooking are my creative outlets. When I do them right, they help me relax and comfort me...
