Allen Street Poutine Company

I have been to Allen Street Poutine 3 times now and have had some of the more venturous dishes along with the traditional. Canada (our Northern neighbors where poutine seems to be a food group) is credited with creating this artery clogging concoction. I was excited my first time as I heard the owner was Canadian and my cross border friends have always raved about this dish I never got to try. I did have poutine flavored chips once and was told they tasted very much like poutine. So my I was super excited when I received my first bowl with peas and chicken. I was majorly disappointed, the gravy was bland-​not the seasonings I was told made poutine what it is. The cheese curds did not melt with the luke warm gravy. The fries however were awesome-​crisp and well seasoned and worthy enough fare to be served without the additional toppings.
I left there a bit discouraged but came back again with a friend and the gravy was still, bleh for lack of a better word.
The third time I came I had a few drinks and food always tastes better late at night after a couple of sparkling beverages, right? Sadly, my boozy brain did not trigger my taste buds into thinking this was the best thing I had ever ate (kind of like garbage plates; great when buzzed, terrible sober). I did leave my mark on the wall-​one of the coolest things about this place is you can write on the walls! But it is not enough to satisfy my inner Canadian.

I’m a poutine lover through and through. It was love at first taste on a Friday night (morning?), at 3am, when I decided to take the plunge and finally give in during my sophomore year of college. Poutine is probably the worst food to fall in love with, but I’ve accepted it at this point.
Allen Street poutine isn’t my favorite, but it’s definitely up there. I had a small serving of their traditional poutine and it’s definitely big enough for a meal. Crispy fries, awesome gravy, with lots of ooey-​gooey cheese. Just how I like it. I also had a couple bites of their pulled pork poutine and that was equally delicious. The pulled pork was really tender and the BBQ sauce added some zest and spice.
I would try going here before 11pm so you avoid all of the bar-​goers on Allen, unless you are one of the bar-​goers on Allen. In that case, I’d say grab some poutine, a dry erase marker, and draw all the feels you get from eating their poutine on their massive dry erase wall. NOM.

As a lover of fries smothered in cheese and gravy, I definitely was disappointed.
I ordered delivery. I got the basic– fries, cheese curds and gravy, what I thought was a side of chocolate to dunk any non-​smothered fries and a side salad with the house dressing.
First off, the cheese curds were not melty, but very rubbery. The gravy was tasteless. I had to add a bunch of salt, pepper and garlic. The fries didn’t taste fresh cut, they kinda tasted old… but that could’ve been the heaping of the tasteless gravy.
The salad was fresh, but the house dressing was just a ton of oil, no tangy goodness what so ever.
…and the chocolate lol. It was a box of Smarties. As in, the B-​Movie version of M&M’s. The option on the ordering screen just says: chocolate.
Maybe (hopefully), the other options on the menu are better. I’d be willing to give it another shot as there’s some interesting stuff listed. But as far as this experience goes, I gave 1 star because the food arrived pretty early… otherwise this would’ve received zilch.

Poutine … Cheese, gravy, fries … Had to be good just because. Admit it, could you trust someone who didn’t go mmmmmm at that combo.
Being Mr. Healthy Eater that I am has led me to avoid Allentown’s ode to Mapleleaf land since my return to the City of Good Neighbors just because those ingredients would be food overload.
But not today … Today I needed FOOD! You know how that feels … Work induced headache with stomach growling; there are other options to that condition but most workplaces don’t allow that & you’d need a midday partner.
Checked out the website line-​up and went PULLED PORK w/​slaw poutine. The young lady asked my option of small or large … I think size matters because 24 ounces of poutine sounded like way too much so I said small (16 oz).
I was really impressed when she asked my ETA because it implied that everything would be timed for my benefit.
It is a eat at work day so I didn’t soak in the ambiance of this cool looking fryer joint. But, my food was ready to go.
Yea the aroma was tempting as I drove and once opened the container’s contents enticed me to eat away!
This was a really tasty lunch! There was a little spice to the mix and the gravy was so good that I cleaned it all up with a spoon.
I had expected more cheese and there wasn’t a lot of pulled pork. But, it tasted good and the headache is going bye bye.
My guess is that eating in with a group of friends would be really fun!

I haven’t been blown away with either of my experiences here. The food isn’t bad, but it’s not amazing either. With the lack of poutine competition in the area, I can see why people go nuts over it. Having been to a number of poutineries throughout Canada, I would say that I am a little more picky about poutine. The fries are good, a little on the soft side. Curds are ok, not amazing i like a little more squeak in my cheese. The gravy is the most important part and I find it a little bland. Where I think they shine is their creativity. They offer a variety of unique flavors, sure to intrigue most customers. Nothing has been bad on my visits, so when a friend suggested, I don’t run away… But I’ll never run towards it either. If you need to poutine, give it a shot. If you like it go to Canada and get the real stuff.

Been here a few times. We always enjoy it and sometimes take out of towners here late night. The food is always fun and so is the place (game tables upstairs and adult-​oriented cartoons on downstairs). You can’t go wrong w the basic poutine, it’s well done. My husband had a brisket in his and some pickles, he enjoyed it.
Never had their non-​fry food, but I would like to try. :)

Allen St Poutine serves up some of the best poutine I’ve had in the states. They have a variety of poutine that they offer, however I decided to stick with the traditional, and it was a great choice.
It’s a quiet place but there weren’t many people when I was there. They do serve beer so it’s a great place for a late night place for some food and drinks.

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One day, about 2 years ago, my boss came in from the weekend squealing about the «best, but most-​worst-​for-​you food» he’d ever eaten. He proceeds to describe this magical dish. «Imagine this, guys. French fries. Smothered in gravy! And then, I’m not done — there was cheese all over it. But like, those cheese curds things. Can you imagine?!»
I was dumbfounded. Not because it sounded amazing (of course it did), but because, somehow, this man who lived in WNY for a huge amount of his life, had never had poutine. Nay, had never even HEARD of poutine?
What a tragedy, I thought. How could such a fate befall such a man? And then it hit me — I didn’t know where to get poutine in Buffalo. Could I? Had I been so blind? What was I doing with my comfort eating sessions?!? I walked the streets, in a daze, for months. Sure, Jack Astor’s served poutine, but why did they put all that weird stuff on it? Let Americans taste the glory that is real, tradition poutine before getting all fancy on us!
Then, like a snow owl in a traffic camera, out of the white abyss appeared ASPC, clad in full Canadian Tuxedos. «Here, taste this bowl of food with only 3 things in it. Curds. Fries. Graves. Mmm. You like. We know you like. Now proceed to try all 43 other varieties and tell us which is best.»
I’ll let you know my favorite once I get through them all. But in short, if you haven’t had it before — go traditional. If you have, get crazy!

Allen St Poutine Co is a great (newer) addition to the Buffalo food scene.
First, I’ll just start off by saying that every time I’ve been to this place, the guys working are amazing! Super friendly and always willing to help with selections.
The menu is perfect. Not too much to choose from but definitely an oddly delicious variety. I’d say the original Poutine is actually my least favorite (still pretty good), just because all the specialty ones are on point!! Seriously, try the General Tso Poutine and you’ll see what I mean.
Of course because it’s on Allen St, it becomes a «drunk food» spot but it’s a thousand times better than eating Jims Steak Out, drunk or sober.

Our last stop on our trip to Buffalo was Allen Street Poutine Co. The place is small but cozy. Very friendly people there.
My daughter had the bacon cheeseburger and fries. But it’s in a bowl, no bread. I had the Montréal smoked meat sandwich and fries. Food was really good. I wish I found this place earlier because I would have definitely come back to try other dishes

Yummy Poutine — I mean, that’s all there is to say, I suppose.
They do have a vegetarian gravy which allows us vegetarians to have poutine and enjoy just eating french fries, cheese, and salt to our heart’s content. Most people I know get something other than the basic poutine — the pulled pork one being some of my friend’s favorites. I would advise for something like that unless you’ve never had poutine before. Get a baseline first.
I will say that it’s not like how I enjoy poutine — with a little bit of a greasier fry and a tad more comfort food. The restaurant is hip and I’m sure is hopping on bar nights, but it’s not a homey place where you want to curl up with warm, fattening food and just feel comforted. Every time I’m in the space I can’t wait to leave due to the neon lights and odd red colors that flavor the walls and décor.

This is one a my favorite places to eat on Allen. I love its location just a few blocks from where I live. I tired poutine here for the first time and although I cant say I have much to compare it to, I love it. I’ve tried at least a third of the menu and I haven’t gone wrong once. They also serve beer on tap and Hard Cider.
Occasionally on Wednesday nights I come for their South Park Trivia. at 10pm we watch that week’s new episode and then compete in teams on SP trivia. Some of the questions are easy but some are also really tricky! With the final question being a wage your points question its really anyone’s game.

A true gem, not to be missed.
Location is attractive inside and has plenty of nearby street parking.
Great beer selection, had a few on tap I’d never seen as a non-​local. Got the Pulled Pork Poutine and was thoroughly impressed. The poutine itself was excellent and the pork tenderloin accented it perfectly with its richness. The coleslaw was a fantastic touch, it broke up the richness and cleansed the palette.
Service is typical counter service bit was exceeding friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back when I’m in the area. Best of luck to the business, great concept.

My first time here back when the place first opened was my first time trying poutine. I had heard about poutine, but had also heard it should be authentic and done right. Next thing I know, Allen Street Poutine opened up in my neighborhood! I had to come check it out.
I have to admit I’ve only tried the pulled pork poutine. Pulled pork is one of my favorite foods to eat anywhere I go. If it’s on the menu, I order it. This was no different. I ordered it and have been coming back for it ever since. Once they added the coleslaw on top, it was even better.
I love that they do take out also. They always ask how long it’ll take for me to get there so they don’t make the poutine too early because it would get soggy and cold and not taste as good. Definitely a good customer service extra.
All in all, a great place to have some delicious food.

So. Alan Street Poutine. This is definitely a thing that Buffalo needed. Some good old fries, curds, and gravy from our friends north of the border.
And it has a legitimate pedigree. Granted, the owner isn’t from Montréal, but he knows plenty about what goes into a good poutine and has also elevated it to another level.
The restaurant is pretty small, with mostly friendly-​encouraging long tables for seating. There are a few additional tables in the loft area, along with a ping pong table. They serve a number of Canadian beers on tap, including some micro-​ish selections (Mill Street is rapidly becoming a non-​micro, but they’re still good for now.) They also feature local beer, which is great.
I was able to personally view their kitchen during a Unilocal event, and not only is it spotless, but they use a hand cutter for cutting their fries, as long as plenty of real ingredients. There’s no bagged gravy here!
Are you going to pay a little more for that? Sure. But it’s totally worth it. They’re also making their own Montréal Smoked Meat for sandwiches and poutine, and while I am not the expert on this, I have to say that it is incredibly delicious, smoky and tart and buttery.
On my most recent visit, I had the pierogi poutine, and Lee had the Quesadilla poutine. I tried some of his and was happy to discover they’d improved it since they unveiled it at their Unilocal event. The chicken wasn’t dry, but was nice and plump and delicious. Lee really enjoyed the twist as well.
After that we spent at least an hour working off our lunch by playing ping pong, which isn’t something that I’m very good at, but a fun time was had.
I’m glad I don’t live closer, or I’d eat here every night! This is a must-​visit spot in Buffalo, in my opinion.

We went to an event at Kleinhan’s, so it was a good excuse to eat dinner at Allen Street Poutine Company first. For me it was like a trip down memory lane because many, many years ago when I was a single woman in my 20’s, I lived directly above this place. Right above here is a 1 bedroom apartment that I, and my cat, called home for a while. My cat found living above Allen Street to be a fun experience, she always had weirdos on the street to watch. My husband enjoyed reminiscing about how terrible it was for him to park here when he would come visit me. As my normal, I digress… let’s talk poutine.
My husband is actually Canadian, so he’s my resident poutine expert. We got here around 5-​ish and I was pleasantly surprised it was dead inside. I was afraid it would be packed. The listing for this place is actually incorrect in saying they take reservations. When I called earlier in the day they told me they did not. I didn’t see any signs about how to order and no one tried to seat us, so we took a small table next to the wall and sat there a few minutes wondering if we order at the counter or if a waitress would come. No employees were out during that time, so we had no one to ask. After 10 minutes with no waitress coming over we figured it must be order at the counter. Not a huge deal but they should probably have better signage saying that. If there is a sign, I didn’t see one and I was looking. I was a bit crabby though because it was HOT in here, it felt like a sauna and we were sweating.
At the counter a petite woman came out and we gave our order, I ordered a salad with chicken on it and my husband ordered the large original poutine. A few minutes after that, the counter woman came out to us and apologized and told me they actually did not have the fixings to make me my salad (apparently no one gets salad at the poutine place, go figure) but offered to get me something else at no extra cost to me. I chose a pulled pork sandwich. My husband had some beer here, I would have gotten something alcoholic to drink too but I only saw beer and I don’t like beer. A few minutes later our food came.
HOLY FUCKING YUM. My pulled pork sandwich was delicious, it came with some of those delicious salted fresh cut french fries. I’m actually trying to eat healthier but yes, I did eat some fries. They were like heaven in my mouth. My husband gobbled down his poutine and then ate most of my fries too. He tried my sandwich, it was a mountain of tender pulled pork in a zesty BBQ sauce and then a tangy slaw on top of that. My husband grew up with a German Grandma who would bark at him in German while force feeding him cabbage, he’s not a slaw fan. But he loved this sandwich, slaw and all!
Since there is no real waiter/​waitress service we bussed our own table, not a big deal. It got busier while we were in there. Not packed, but picking up. If I was rating this place on food alone it would be a solid 5 stars but the intense heat of the restaurant combined with the weirdness of no direction on how to order was annoying to me. The counter woman was nice when she did help us. They have South Park trivia nights, I encouraging my husband to attend because I swear on all things holy that man has seen every episode at least 3 times. I would come back here again, especially because now I know how to order.

Shame on Morgan for thinking this was anything less than a five star establishment.
ASPC is unique in it’s own right because Jake was the first one in the region to make poutine stand out. And this poutinerie does everything right to stand out.
First of all, Jake (the owner of Allen Street Poutine) is a sweetheart. Secondly, his parents are awesome. Hi Mom and Dad *waves* You can tell from Jake that he was raised well because he’s so personable and makes an effort with every individual that he comes across. Plus, meeting his parents, it all kind of clicked together. Especially when they started cleaning up after all us Unilocalers after the most recent event (Aww).
Secondly, the location is perfect for their needs. As the Friday and Saturday night crew come stumbling along from the bars or Hardware, poutine is obviously the best food choice after all of that. Despite throwing up after each drunk night, I still think it’s awesome. Those cheese curds though, they make the tummy hurt. :(Yet even after many weekends of drunks noisily coming into your establishment week after week, I’ve never seen them lose their patience.
Thirdly, the crew is fantastic. Dusty is funny, the guy-​who-​did-​south-​park-​quiz-​that-​one-​time was funny and quite enjoyable to hang out with. The kitchen staff is great too and I give them a nod for all the good times.
Fourthly, their menu is gr88888. As Jake was explaining to me (swoon), they change it up every few months and take off some of the things that weren’t coming across as big sellers and then adding different things to the menu. So the menu is constantly rotating to fit everyone’s needs. I’ve tried the Quesadilla (from the Unilocal event), pulled pork, nacho, but my favorite is certainly the traditional. Just plain gravy and fries makes my world go round.
I love Allen Street Poutine. I had never even heard of what that was before I went there for the first time in April, so I had nothing to judge it on. I think for Buffalo to have a poutinerie in the first place, that makes it fantastic just for that. To bring a different, new food to Buffalo’s taste buds really changes the game. I’m excited to see what this place has in store for it’s future. :)

Overall I give APC (just abbreviated it) a 5 because the food is amazing and they’re pioneering the first poutine based restaurant in buffalo which deserves major kudos. The poutine is amazing and filling– the portions are LARGE. All poutine is made with the freshest and mostly local ingredients, and the dishes they serve up pair nicely with local brews. The cheese curds are made by the local Yancys Fancys and the potato fries are handcut.
One of my favorite parts of the my first experience at Allen Poutine Co was meeting the owner and seeing his passion about sharing his love of good food and beer with the people of Buffalo. He’s created a unique atmosphere that meshes perfectly into the Allentown scene.
The only downside is the size of the dining space– kind of small but utilizing the community tables provides an opportunity to make friends. I think I found my new favorite late night spot!

Allen Street Poutine Company brings back every wonderful memory of my summers in Canada growing up. The beer selection is top notch for complimenting the poutine. Muskoka Harvest Ale was on tap with a Muskoka chair at the top of the tap handle. Seriously, you can’t get more Canadian than that. I could practically envision myself sitting on a Muskoka chair on a cool summer evening watching and listening to the waves of Lake Rosseau crash into the dock.
Now let’s get to the poutine. It was perfect. Fresh cut, warm fries, smothered in homemade gravy, and loaded with cheese curds. Allen Street Poutine Company nailed it. This was better than some poutine I have had in CANADA. You are mistaken if you think you have had poutine elsewhere in Buffalo. I’ve had it and it’s not pretty.
This place has a fun feel to it inside and is pretty casual. Canadian Tuxedos are not required. The atmosphere, combined with the fantastic poutine and a great beer selection makes me want to go every day. EVERY SINGLE DAY. I was at Allen Street Poutine Company two nights ago and I still can’t get it out of my head. I’m already looking forward to going back. I have no problem breaking all Paleo rules to eat there.
I wouldn’t be surprised if I saw a signed picture of Prime Minister Stephen Harper on the wall saying how much he loves Allen Street Poutine Company the next time I go in. If he knew about it, he’d be there. He’d feel Allen Street Poutine Company made Canada proud.

Delicious, delicious, delicious! Nothing really needs to be said about this establishment, the food speaks for itself.
Fresh fries, home made gravy, food made in house. Beer is awesome, local and Canadian breweries rule here. The Unilocal event I went to was awesome meet the wonderful owner and staff. Certainly a place to frequent. Very fun and welcoming atmosphere that anyone will love!