Bread is Pain

If an eatery is open late in an area known to be frequented by college students with no reservations on alcoholic drink consumption, one expects it to serve a certain cuisine suitable to this clientele.  The standard wee hour fare usually takes the guise of grease: poutine, burgers, pizza and the like. Boustan’s offers something different, albeit only slightly.

It’s subterranean charms are not found within its decorum — a rather modest and altogether unremarkable facade — but in its rich history of relished late-night meals and student lunches; the friendly service offered by Mr. Boustan & Co. knowingly remembering you and your order, if not your name, when you return, and perhaps helping you remember other visits due to prior intoxications.  Pictures depicting regular diners to Grey Cup winners to Pierre Trudeau illustrate an institution favored by all walks of life.

Boustan’s offers a little more than the average Lebanese fast food usually puts forth, taking the extra step to grill your pita and stuffing it with crunchier components for a salad that can stand up to the heat.  Their shawarma, doused with garlic sauce, hummus and/or hot sauce, is a delicious and completely sodium-laden sandwich that likely won’t prevent your hangover, but will leave your stomach feeling at least momentarily contented.  An impressive selection of soft drinks will help you rehydrate and wash down your meal.

Your standard fare of tabouleh, babaghanouj, falafel and dolmades are available, but not particularly as noteworthy as their sandwiches.  Unfortunately, a glaring deficit of quality is found in their garlic potato accompaniment, a greasy reheated mess of deep fried and limp chunks of starch that I’m convinced are only appropriate to make whatever fortunate enough to be on the same plate shine in comparison.

Although they offer delivery, there’s rarely a slow moment within Boustan’s doors, and the phone is often left ringing while present customers are being attended to.  In my opinion, it would be best to head down and check it out in person if your hunger deems it applicable.