Uptown Poutine Fest
Let’s face it, winter’s best moments are made with hot, delicious comfort food. And nothing says winter in Canada like poutine!
Every January, Uptown Poutine Fest brings Uptown Saint John BIA restaurants together to celebrate this classic dish with their creative twists. Whether you love the classic combo of fries, curds, and gravy or crave bold, inventive flavours, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Get Ready! Uptown Poutine Fest 2025 runs from January 27 to February 2!
A crisp winter day is the perfect excuse to stroll through Uptown’s historic streets, visit our delightful locally owned shops, and enjoy delicious poutine creations with friends or family. Whether it’s a cozy date night, a workday lunch, or a fun foodie adventure, come celebrate the charm of winter with us Uptown!
Here is the list of participating Uptown Saint John BIA Restaurants for Winter 2025 Uptown Poutine Fest – AND, the delicious menus!
We share menus as participating restaurants submit them; some menus may still say “Menu Coming Soon,” & look for “See Menu Here” for the ones that have submitted menus. Be sure to check back often, as new menus are added right up until the fest begins!
Please note: Restaurants provide menu details, including pricing and ingredients. For specific questions about ingredients or dietary options, we recommend contacting the restaurant directly.
BARRED ROCK “TACO ROCK”
Hand cut fries, armadale curds, Taco Beef, Salsa Fresca, pickled jalapenos, queso cheese, poutine sauce hand cut fries.
ROAST BEEF DINNER POUTINE | $19
Shaved Roast Beef Covering Seasoned Potato Wedges, Topped with Cheese Curds, Poutine Sauce and Crispy Shredded Carrot.
JAMBAYALA POUTINE | $19
Crispy Coated Fries Topped with Pan-Seared Shrimp, Chicken and Chorizo Sausage, Finished with Cheese Curds and Tomato Creole Sauce.
MEXICAN GARDEN POUTINE (WITH BACON) | $18
Fresh Green Onion, Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Jalapenos and Bacon Bits (optional). Served on Top of Crispy Fries, Covered in Cheese Curds, Poutine Sauce, Guacamole and Sour Cream.
DESSERT POUTINE | $11
Shoestring Pastry Fries Tossed in Sugar and Cinnamon. Topped with White Chocolate and Warm Caramel Sauce.
JERK CHICKEN POUTINE | $16
Pan seared chicken breast marinaded in Jamaican jerk rub on our crispy fries with curds and gravy. Topped with julienne carrot and micro greens. sauce.
BBQ PULLED BRISKET | $24
Fries, pulled brisket, beef gravy, BBO drizzle, pickle onions, cheese curds
DILL PICKLE POUTINE | $22
Fries, pulled chicken, dill pickle, garlic dill infused white sauce, white cheddar cheese curds
CHICKEN WAFFLE POUTINE | $24
Southern chicken, waffle fries, sriracha mayo, maple syrup, chicken gravy
TURKEY POUTINE | $24
Turkey, stuffing, citrus cranberry, cheese curds, turkey gravy, green onion
IRISH POUTINE | $22.50
Rosemary Parmesan Fries / Shepherd’s Pie Filling / Savoury Gravy / Honey Sriracha Aioli / Beer battered Cheese Curds
Mac Daddy Poutine | $21
Rosemary Parmesan Fries / C&K Chicken Bites / Chicken Gravy / Secret Sauce / Cheddar / House Pickles / White Onions / Shredded Lettuce
BBQ Burnt Ends Poutine | $21
Rosemary Parmesan Fries / Bourbon BBQ Burnt Ends / Maple Bacon Chipotle Baked Beans / Savoury Gravy / Cheese Curds / Honey Sriracha Aioli / Pickled Jalapeños / Onion Frites
Philly Cheesesteak Poutine | $22
Rosemary Parmesan Fries / Shaved Beef / Sautéed Peppers & Onions / Cheddar Cheese Sauce / Green Onions
LOBSTER BISQUE POUTINE | $30 Opening Act / $37 Showstopper
Lobster “Bisque” Gravy / shucked Atlantic Lobster / Quebec Cheese Curds / Crispy Parsnip / Preserved Lemon / Herbed Fries
BLUE CHEESE BUFFALO CHICKEN POUTINE | $21 Opening Act / $28 Showstopper
Spicy Fried Chicken / Crumbled Blue Cheese / Chicken Gravy / Spring Onion / Pickled Curly Carrots
SHORT RIB BARBACOA POUTINE | $22 Opening Act / $32 Showstopper
Slow Roasted Beef Rib / Chipotle Beef Gravy / Fresh Salsa / Crumbled Havarti / Cilantro / Lime Taco spiced fries
ECB POUTINE | $18
Roasted Chicken Gravy, Cheese Curds, Crispy Shallots, Fresh Herbs
FRENCH ONION POUTINE | $20
Beef & Onion Gravy, Cheese Curds & Gruyere, Caramelized Onions
TACO POUTINE | $20
Seasoned Fries, Queso, Avocado Crema, Red Onion, Cilantro, Crispy Corn Tortilla Chips
THAI CHICKEN FRIES | $20
Shredded Lemongrass Chicken, Spicy Peanut Sauce, Pickled Carrot, Crushed Peanuts, Cilantro
NACHO BEEF POUTINE | $23
Taco beef, cheesy nacho chips, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, shredded lettuce, taco-lime sour cream, gravy, signature fries
BAM BAM POUTINE | $26
Slow roasted half rack pork ribs, smokey bbq sauce, green onion, cheese curds, gravy, signature fries
NASHVILLE CHICKEN POUTINE | $24
Buttermilk ranch fried chicken, nashville hot sauce, green onion, cheese curds, gravy, ranch drizzle, signature fries
SEASIDE SHANTY POUTINE | $20
Classic poutine elevated with crispy beer-battered cod, bright chives, and zesty lemon. Served with a side of tartar sauce.
GRANNY BURGER POUTINE | $20
Loaded Poutine featuring shredded cheese, beef gravy, and savory beef crumble, topped with crispy bacon, two onion rings, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo and BBQ sauce. Served with a tangy pickle.
IT’S TENDIE TIME POUTINE | $20
Savory Poutine with crispy chicken tenders, smoky bacon, and sweet corn, all piled high on seasoned baby red potato wedges with cheese curds and homey turkey gravy.
CLASSIC POUTINE | $17
Hand Cut Fries, Fresh Cheese Curd, Poutine Sauce
MUSHROOM POUTINE | $19
Hand Cut Fries, Fresh Cheese Curd, Roasted Mushroom, House Kimchi, Miso Mushroom Sauce
SMOKED HAM AND PEA POUTINE | $21
Seasoned Hand Cut Potato Wedges, House Cured Smoked Ham, Fresh Cheese Curd, Poutine Sauce
KUNG PAO FRIED CHICKEN POUTINE
Szechuan gravy, cheese curd, crispy fried chicken, sesame seeds, green onions and a chili oil drizzle.
LATTICE POTATO DELIGHT | $19
Crispy lattice-cut potatoes topped with rich beef gravy, melted cheddar cheese curds and a sprinkle of fresh scallions. Finished with a drizzle of tangy lobster aioli for that authentic East Coast Flair.
SWEET POTATO ACADIAN BLISS | $19
Golden sweet potato fries smothered in a velvety maple-infused gravy accompanied by creamy goat cheese and cheese curds and a hint of sage. Garnished with candied pecans for a touch of sweetness.
POUTINE RAPEE | $19
Classic Acadian – style poutine rapee featuring a blend of grated potatoes and ground beef topped with demi glaze and a generous helping of cheddar curds. Served with a side of homemade cranberry sauce for a tart contrast.
VEGETARIAN MARITIME GARDEN | $17
Hearty roasted vegetable poutine made with crispy fries, topped with a medley of of seasonal vegetables, smothered in a rich vegetable gravy and finished with melted mozzarella and curds. Garnished with fresh herbs and burst of flavor.
SMOKED SALMON POUTINE INDULGENCE | $21
Crispy fries topped with a luxurious smoked salmon and cream cheese blend drizzled with dill infused bechamel sauce and sprinkled with capers and chives. A perfect blend of land and sea inspired by the East Coast’s culinary treasures.
BRAVAS POUTINE
Bravas sauce with cooked chorizo sausage and salsa verdé aioli
CURRY KATSU POUTINE
Japanese curry with a Corn Flake crusted pork loin and pickled radish
EGGS BENNY POUTINE
Marjorie’s hollandaise sauce with a soft poached egg and your choice of ham, hot smoked salmon or spinach & mushroom.
All on our house-made French fries and cheese curds.
TBD | $ (Dietary Options)
Details TBD
HOT TURKEY SAMICH
Local roasted turkey, Armadale curds, hand cut fries, Texas toast, peas and gravy
BBQ PULLED PORK
BBQ pulled pork house cut fries tossed in butt rub, Armadale curds, pulled pork, house bbq sauce, poutine gravy, slaw, pickle chips.
BIG BRISKET
Armadale curds, hand cut fries, red wine gravy, topped with pickles and sliced white onions
TBD | $ (Dietary Options)
Details TBD
NASHVILLE FRIED CHICKEN DELUXE POUTINE | $20
Pepper gravy, tater tots, ole cheddar, green onions
BARRED ROCK “TACO ROCK”
Hand cut fries, Armadale Curds, Taco Beef, Salsa Fresca, Pickled Jalapenos, Queso Cheese, Poutine Sauce.
CLASSIC POUTINE | $8 (Vegetarian and Gluten Free)
Fresh cut fries, cheese curds, gravy
LOADED POUTINE | $15 (Vegetarian and Gluten Free)
Fresh cut fries, cheese curds, gravy, sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, green onion
DELUXE POUTINE | $15 (Gluten Free)
Fresh cut fries, cheese curds, gravy, Out & About BBQ Breaded Chicken Bites, Bacon, Candied Jalapenos
TBD | $ (Dietary Options)
Details TBD
BBQ BRAISED BEEF POUTINE | $19
Want to be extra cozy & warm while you’re here for Uptown Poutine Fest? Stay & Shop Uptown and find all your warmth and snugness essentials at our Uptown Retailers!
Uptown Poutine Fest FAQ
General Uptown Poutine Fest Information
What is Uptown Poutine Fest?
Uptown Poutine Fest is an annual week that celebrates all things poutine! This page features restaurants located in the Uptown Saint John Business Improvement Area (BIA), each offering unique takes on this classic Canadian dish. From traditional poutines to bold, inventive creations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this week-long fest.
Wondering when the next Uptown Poutine Fest is? The date will be updated about a month before.
How do I find the menus?
The FAQ section is located below the menus, so start by scrolling up to view the list of participating restaurants. Each restaurant has a dropdown menu where you can find their submitted poutine details.
The menus you see here are the ones we’ve received from participating restaurants. If your favourite restaurant is listed but doesn’t have a menu yet, we encourage you to check directly with them for updates.
Do I need tickets or reservations?
No tickets are needed to participate in Uptown Poutine Fest! Simply visit the participating restaurants to enjoy their special poutine creations.
Menu prices vary by restaurant, so be sure to review their menus for pricing and details. For busier times, such as lunch and dinner, making a reservation (if the restaurant accepts them) is a good idea to ensure your spot.
What types of poutines can I expect?
Restaurants offer a mix of classic and creative poutines. You’ll find everything from fries, curds, and gravy to bold and exciting flavour combinations with unique ingredients. Check the menus to see what’s available, and don’t forget to check back for updates!
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Menu details, including dietary options, are provided by the restaurants. If a restaurant has shared vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, we’ve included that information in their menu dropdown. Please contact the restaurant directly for specific questions about ingredients or dietary needs.
How do I stay updated during the fest?
For the latest menu updates, highlights, and more, visit this page often or follow us on Instagram @uptownsjEats We’ll be sharing some of the featured menus and creative creations on our Instagram Stories throughout the week!
Helpful Tip:
Menus are updated frequently as we receive them, so check back often to discover the newest creations. If you have questions about a specific menu or restaurant, it’s best to contact the restaurant directly for details.
Getting To & Around Uptown
Where is Uptown Poutine Fest?
The fest takes place at participating restaurants throughout the Uptown Saint John Business Improvement Area (BIA). While you’re Uptown, explore local shops, enjoy the historic streetscapes, and make the most of winter!
📍 Looking for more places to eat, drink, and shop? Click here to see a map of all the amazing spots Uptown has to offer!
How do I get to Uptown Saint John?
There are many ways to get to Uptown Saint John! Whether you’re walking, driving, or taking transit, planning ahead will help you make the most of your visit.
🚶♂️ Walking: Follow Harbour Passage, a scenic trail that runs from Douglas Avenue to Uptown, offering beautiful waterfront and city views. Find a map here. Once Uptown, explore by strolling the sidewalks, take in the historic streetscapes, and discover great places to eat, shop, and enjoy.
🚗 Driving: On-street parking is managed by the City of Saint John and is free on weekends, holidays, and from 6 PM to midnight on weekdays. Hourly rates apply Monday to Friday 8 AM to 6 PM and paid parking is available through meters, pay-by-plate, HotSpot App, and QR codes. Prefer covered parking? Market Square, Brunswick Square, and Peel Plaza offer convenient indoor garages.
Need parking details? Visit the City of Saint John Parking page or call 506-658-4455.
🚌 Transit: Saint John Transit makes getting Uptown easy! Check routes and schedules on the City of Saint John Transit page.
Car ride services: Uride operates via their app. For taxi services, visit the Yellow Pages and search for available companies.
🚲 Biking: Ride Uptown and take in the sights, plan your route for a scenic arrival! Visit the City of Saint John’s Biking & Cycling page to learn more about the trails & see the bike route map.
Reminder: If driving, please be mindful of residential areas, as many locals rely on street parking.
How mobility-friendly is Uptown Saint John?
Uptown Saint John is a beautiful and historic area, but its historic design can present some challenges for mobility. While some locations are accessible to those using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers, some areas may have uneven sidewalks or varying weather conditions that can impact ease of movement.
Outdoor Spaces:
Most public spaces and sidewalks in Uptown are generally mobility-friendly, but conditions may vary. We encourage visitors to plan ahead, especially during winter, and take their time exploring the area.
Indoor Locations:
Some spots like the City Market, Market Square, and Brunswick Square offer accessible entrances for those using mobility aids. For specific accessibility details, it’s recommended to contact locations directly prior to visiting.
Note: The pedway connecting Market Square to Brunswick Square is now open and has stairs and an elevator.
Do you have some helpful accessibility tips to share? Check out AccessNow, a crowdsourced map where visitors can find and add accessibility reviews for restaurants, shops, and more. Sharing your experiences can help make navigating and enjoying Uptown easier for everyone.
Please note: AccessNow is an independent platform that self managed.
Accessible Transportation:
- Saint John Transit: Offers low-entry buses with ramps for curb-level boarding. Check routes and schedules on the City of Saint John website.
- Saint John Accessible Transit: Available through Independence Plus Inc. for residents unable to use standard public transit services.
- Handicapped parking spots can be found on the City of Saint John Parking Map
We recommend planning ahead and enjoying the charm of Uptown at a pace that’s comfortable for you.