Where to Find Poutine Around D.C.

Poutine purists, beware

by Meredith Bethune Updated Nov 19, 2018, 12:57pm EST

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by Meredith Bethune Updated Nov 19, 2018, 12:57pm EST

Junella T/Yelp

It's said the word "poutine" comes from French-Canadian slang for "mess." That describes the look of the dish made up of medium-thick fries, topped with squeaky-fresh cheese curds and a light brown chicken or turkey gravy. It tastes so much better than it looks.

Poutine hails from Quebec, where the warming dish is traditionally served at ski resorts and hockey games, as well as at small town restaurants, bars, and diners. Here in D.C. it's strangely popular at English-style taverns, despite its French-Canadian origins. But, to be fair, the dish that likely inspired poutine (cheese, chips, and gravy) does indeed hail from Great Britain.

Poutine purists, beware: D.C. is also home to an impressive number of riffs on the dish that incorporate ingredients like butter chicken, latkes, funnel cakes, tots, and even steak and eggs. Check out these 17 places to find poutine, ranging from traditional to creative versions.

This post has been updated by Eater staff

Delirium Café USA

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Potent Belgian beers from Delirium Tremens go well with hearty pub fare, so the first American outpost of the brewery-affiliated cafe offers a traditional poutine with brown gravy and farmer’s cheese.

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101 S King St, Leesburg, VA 20175

(571) 291-3470

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Mokomandy

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This Korean-American and Cajun restaurant does a unique spin on the Canadian dish with fries, sausage, and bacon smothered in gravy and cheese curds with a touch of truffle oil.

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20789 Great Falls Plz, Sterling, VA 20165

(571) 313-0505

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Jimmy's Old Town Tavern

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Order a traditional version of this Canadian classic at the landmark Virginia tavern. It's made with thick fries smothered in brown gravy and fresh cheese curds.

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697 Spring St, Herndon, VA 20170

(703) 435-5467

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The Airedale

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The Columbia Heights tavern does a version of poutine with Belgian fries, brown gravy, and cheddar cheese curds.

3605 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

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Satellite Room

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After a show at the 9:30 Club, this bar around the corner offers up Canadian-inspired poutine tots for $6.

2047 9th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 506-2496

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Vinoteca Wine Bar & Bistro

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It's a bit of a stretch, but this "steak and eggs poutine" made with red onion, mojo verde, and cheese gravy is available during brunch.

1940 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 332-9463

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The Commodore Public House & Kitchen

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The Commodore does a "country fair poutine" with savory potato funnel cake, duck confit, and brandy to complement its craft beer selection.

1100 P St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

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Urban Poutine

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Find this food truck roving all over D.C. and northern Virginia, and try the classic poutine or variations topped with meats like andouille sausage, braised short ribs, bacon, duck confit, pulled pork, or chili. Check the website for locations.

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Arlington, VA

GCDC

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This storefront might excel in gooey, high-end grilled cheese sandwiches. But tots also occupy a prominent place on its menu, especially those served poutine-style with cheese curds, gravy, chives, and bacon.

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1730 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20006

(202) 393-4232

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Bar Deco

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Try poutine made with duck gravy and cheese curds during Bar Deco's dinner service. It's also available at a discount from the happy hour menu on weekdays from 4-7 p.m.

717 6th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 774-5867

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Elephant & Castle

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There's nothing traditional about this English pub offering three different poutine interpretations. Try the butter chicken version with curried tomato sauce, curds, cilantro, and yogurt.

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1201 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

(202) 347-7707

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Cheesetique (Multiple locations)

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Head to this cheese shop's Ballston location (or their other stores Shirlington, Del Ray, or Merrifield) for crispy tots covered in Wisconsin cheese curds and brown gravy.