I had never set foot in Lachute, this small town in the Lower Laurentians. While planning a short getaway with friends, we settled on this spot. The area was more affordable for lodging and fairly central for exploring the surroundings.
As soon as we dropped off our bags, we headed straight to the charming downtown. The main street is lined with little shops and welcoming restaurants, and the good news is that parking is super easy to find.
I had spotted Brasserie Sir John while doing my research, and I was already pretty sold—it’s exactly my kind of place. Walking past the establishment on this Saturday evening, the lively atmosphere confirmed my impression: it was clearly the place to be in Lachute. Luckily, even without a reservation, there was still a free table on the lovely terrace. Seated on the side, we felt like we were tucked into a cozy little alley.
Wine, Beer and Good Bites
To start, I opted for a glass of Quebec rosé wine. Even though we were at a microbrewery, I felt like easing into things… and I’m glad I did! The wine was truly delicious, though a bit pricey by the glass, so I savored it slowly.
The menu, however, was harder to decipher and I couldn’t make up my mind. I asked our waitress for advice, and she warmly recommended the burgers and tacos. My friend and I followed her suggestions: she went for a smash burger (double, please!) and I chose the tacos. We shared a basket of house fries to round it all out.
A Plate That Feels Like Travel
My tacos were fabulous. From the very first bite, I was transported back to my last trip to Mexico: homemade tortillas, ultra-tender meat, fresh toppings (tomatoes, onions, herbs, a squeeze of lime)… everything was perfectly balanced. Three tacos was the ideal quantity: I left satisfied, but not overly full.
My friend enjoyed her meal as well. Her smash burger was flavorful, though she admitted that a single patty would probably have been enough to satisfy her hunger.
The fries were also impeccable: golden, well-seasoned, and served with two house-made mayos—one garlic, the other Cajun. Hard to resist… though even with two of us, we couldn’t quite finish them!
To accompany the last bites of our fries (and stretch out the evening a little), we went for a second drink. This time, I picked a beer. Since I love sour beers, I went for the only one on the menu, though it came in a smoothie-style version. Not my favorite texture, but it wrapped up the night nicely.
Verdict
If you’re passing through Lachute (just about an hour from Montreal, for reference), Brasserie Sir John is a must-stop. Good food, pleasant atmosphere, friendly service, and a great selection of local products—it’s a winning combo.
Rating:
8/10
What stood out the most from my visit:
The laid-back vibe
House specialty:
Burgers and tacos
Most expensive main dish on the menu:
$24, Mister Poutine
Least expensive main dish on the menu:
$12, Simple Burger
Would I recommend this restaurant?
Yes
Time of visit:
Dinner
Pros:
- Affordable dishes
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Lovely terrace
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Friendly service
Cons:
- Limited selection