Gibeau Orange Julep

Gibeau Orange Julep is one of Montreal's most iconic and beloved landmarks, and visiting it with kids is a rite of passage for local and visiting families alike. The building — a massive three-story concrete sphere shaped like an orange, sitting in a parking lot beside the Décarie Expressway — has been a Montreal institution since 1945, and the Orange Julep drink it is named for has been served since 1932.

The appeal for kids is immediate and obvious: it is a giant orange. The spherical building is 12.3 metres in diameter, painted bright orange, and visible from the highway. Kids spot it from blocks away and start asking to go. It is the kind of place that turns a mundane fast-food stop into an event.

The menu is straightforward — burgers, hot dogs, fries, poutine, corn dogs, and the famous Orange Julep. The food is basic, honest fast food, not gourmet. But that is not the point.

You come here for the Orange Julep drink, a foamy, sweet, orange-flavored beverage made from a secret recipe that has remained unchanged for over 90 years. It is served ice-cold, slightly frothy, and unlike any orange drink kids have ever had. One sip and they are fans for life.

The atmosphere is part of the charm. There is no indoor seating in the traditional sense — you order at the counter window and eat at outdoor tables in the parking lot or in your car. On summer evenings, the lot fills up with families, teens, and occasionally classic car enthusiasts who gather informally.

The vibe is nostalgic, fun, and completely unpretentious. The restaurant maintains a no-alcohol policy, making it unambiguously family-friendly.

Gibeau Orange Julep is not a destination you plan your day around. It is a 30-60 minute stop that adds a fun, uniquely Montreal experience to your itinerary. It works perfectly as a snack stop between activities, a cheap family meal when you are tired of restaurants, or an after-dinner treat on a summer evening.

For families who value quirky, authentic local experiences over polished tourist attractions, this is essential Montreal.

The restaurant is open from 8 AM to 3 AM from April through November, with reduced winter hours (call ahead). Kids' meals are available. The food for a family of four runs about $35-50 CAD — one of the cheapest family meals in the city.