There’s something deeply comforting about returning to a restaurant that feels like home, and Côte St Luc BBQ – West Island is exactly that. A staple in Montreal’s West Island, this rotisserie gem has stood the test of time, and with good reason. While restaurants often come and go, Côte St-Luc BBQ remains — a true testament to the power of great food, honest service, and tradition that spans generations.
Since 1953, the original Côte St. Luc Bar-B-Q in NDG has been dishing out golden, juicy rotisserie chicken that’s become a Montreal legend. What started as a humble takeout and delivery joint soon turned into a must-visit spot for those craving authentic, tender, smoky chicken with all the classic fixings.
As the appetite for their signature fare grew, so did the brand. In 1987, Côte St. Luc Bar-B-Q spread its wings and landed in the West Island, opening a second location on Boulevard des Sources. This spacious outpost, with seating for 140 guests, has been a fixture in the community for more than 38 years, proudly feeding generations of loyal diners with the same consistency and care that made the original famous.
Both locations continue to serve what can only be described as rotisserie royalty. The chicken? Succulent, savory, and slow-roasted over real hardwood charcoal until it practically falls off the bone. Each bird is basted in its juices throughout the cooking process, locking in flavor and delivering that signature smoky aroma that draws you in before you even reach the door.
My wife and I recently revisited Côte St Luc BBQ – West Island after a few years away, and to our delight, nothing had changed — in the best way possible. It was like flipping open a cherished photo album: the smells, the flavors, the experience — all wonderfully familiar. For us, this wasn’t just dinner; it was a return to a memory.
The Côte‑St‑Luc Bar‑B‑Q West Island menu is a comfort food paradise centered around their legendary rotisserie chicken—available as a quarter leg or breast, a half chicken, or the popular two-leg special. It’s a feast built on tradition, with classic sides like hand-cut fries, baked or mashed potatoes, rice, coleslaw, and hearty homemade chicken soup that add to the nostalgic charm.
The menu goes beyond chicken, offering a wide selection of satisfying options. Sandwich lovers can choose from BBQ chicken (white or dark meat), hot chicken, deluxe clubs, or even a veggie burger. Crispy cravings are covered with chicken fillets, saucy wings, and mouthwatering rib combos.
Lighter fare includes fresh chicken salads and a generous lineup of appetizers—think golden onion rings, gooey mozzarella sticks, jalapeño poppers, and crowd-pleasing sampler platters. Poutine fans are in for a treat with choices ranging from the classic to smoked meat, popcorn chicken, and spicy varieties.
For a sweet finish, indulge in rich desserts like Chocolate Cake, Key Lime Pie, two kinds of cheesecake, Cherry, and Nutella®. Drinks include soft drinks, bottled water, sparkling options, and a touch of liquor for those who like to sip with their meal. And for the little ones, there’s a kid-friendly menu with smaller portions, making it a true family-friendly dining experience.
My wife went straight for her favorite: a juicy, tender chicken breast meal, paired with their signature fries and a tangy dipping sauce that hits all the right notes — sweet, savory, and slightly sharp. For her, the coleslaw is the make-or-break side dish, and Côte St-Luc BBQ delivered in spades: fresh, crunchy, and generously portioned (so much so she couldn’t even finish it). That alone earned rave reviews.
As for me, I went with the club sandwich meal, and let me tell you — this wasn’t your run-of-the-mill, fast food filler. Thick, hearty slabs of moist white breast meat were stacked high between perfectly toasted bread, not overloaded with lettuce and tomato like many competitors do to mask chicken portion size. It was a real meal — satisfying, flavorful, and more than worth the price.
And the fries? Let’s talk about those glorious spuds. These aren’t your average fast-food, straight-from-the-freezer fries. We’re talking about hand-cut red Manitoba potatoes—peeled, blanched, and fried to golden, crispy excellence. Each bite reveals a fluffy, tender interior that’s pure potato bliss. Paired with Côte St-Luc BBQ’s rich, velvety signature sauce, they become more than just a side—they’re a show-stealer. It’s the kind of combo that turns casual diners into devoted regulars.
I was impressed by how spacious the restaurant was. It seats a large crowd comfortably, but it never loses that neighborhood feel. Even picking up an order, you’re met with warmth and genuine smiles. It’s a place where people know each other, and where everyone is treated like family. For those planning business lunches, family outings, or special gatherings, this cozy-yet-roomy spot is perfect. They even offer a 15% senior discount if you eat at the premises — a thoughtful touch that shows their continued commitment to the community.
What sets Côte St-Luc BBQ apart is that it’s not trying to reinvent itself, because it doesn’t need to. The heart of the menu remains true to its roots: real charcoal-roasted chicken, prepped fresh daily, and served with love. They’re one of the last in the city still using traditional charcoal roasting — and foodies know that smoky, rich flavor can’t be faked. It’s the real deal, and it makes all the difference. You can smell it when you enter the premises.
Under new stewardship, the goal wasn’t to modernize or rebrand, but to honor and preserve what people already loved. This isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a living memory. Generations have grown up here, and now parents bring their children to sit in the same booths they once did. That connection? That’s something rare and precious.
Côte St-Luc BBQ has also embraced the times, tightening up combo meals, enhancing portion consistency, and expanding their Family Pack offerings — all while staying true to their roots. With takeout and delivery now a big part of their business, it’s comforting to know the quality hasn’t slipped. Meals arrive hot, fresh, and packed with flavor — just as they would if you dined in.
Simply put, Côte St-Luc BBQ doesn’t just serve food — they serve tradition. They serve history. They serve memories.
Walk in and you’ll smell that charcoal goodness immediately — rich, warm, nostalgic. You’ll likely hear familiar laughter, see regular chatting with the staff, and feel the comfort of a place that’s been part of the fabric of the community for decades. Authentic. Welcoming. Timeless. Côte St-Luc BBQ is the kind of place that reminds you why food matters — not just for the taste, but for the feeling it gives you.
It’s one of the longest-standing restaurants on Sources Boulevard, and stepping inside feels like entering a piece of local history — the kind of place that deserves to be preserved. With its time-honored recipes, warm atmosphere, and deep community roots, Côte St-Luc BBQ isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a legacy that continues to nourish both appetites and memories.
So if you’re craving real charcoal chicken, heartfelt hospitality, and a meal that feels like coming home, make the trip. Reacquaint yourself with an old friend — Côte St-Luc BBQ is ready to welcome you back, one juicy bite at a time.
The Côte‑St‑Luc Bar‑B‑Q West Island location can be found at 4360 Boulevard des Sources (Unit E) in Dollard‑des‑Ormeaux. They’re open Monday to Friday, 11:30 AM to 9 PM and Saturday & Sunday, 12 PM to 9 PM. For inquiries, takeout, or reservations, you can reach them at 514‑685‑5000 and online.