Montreal’s “skyline,” like that of other somewhat financial cities in North America, is recognizable to a certain extent. It consists of towers against a blue sky, and some have a shape that’s a little different from the others. It looks nice on a postcard.
Of course, at the end, there’s the somewhat iconic Five Roses Flour sign. That looks nice on a postcard, too.
But when you think of Montreal’s recognizable architecture, you think of the Orange Julep. The fast-food restaurant, which looms over Décarie like a sort of sunset made of gleaming concrete, is a familiar and almost reassuring sight. And besides, it’s also one of the city’s iconic landmarks—and a fixture in the collective memory of Montrealers. The Orange Julep’s namesake drink has that vaguely sickly sweet taste of our childhood.
THE CONCRETE ORANGE, THE “SUNSET STRIP,” AND MONTREAL
The Orange Julep was opened by Hermas Gibeau in 1932, named after his “juice” made from oranges and milk. In 1947, the first concrete orange was built on the thoroughfare around which Montreal’s “Sunset Strip” took shape. The restaurant was surrounded by motels, hotels, all-night bars, and themed restaurants (with dreamy names like Ruby Foo’s, Blue Bonnets, and 77 Sunset Strip).
When Décarie Boulevard was built in 1966, the Orange Julep had to move its little fry stand and built the big concrete orange where it stands today. Back in the day, service was provided by waitresses on roller skates.
Today, the Orange Julep sits in the middle of a parking lot where you can park to eat a hot dog and fries and drink an Orange Julep while sitting on the hood of your car, watching the sun set.
PRACTICAL INFO
Where? Orange Julep, at 7700 Décarie Boulevard
When? Open 7 days a week / Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m. / Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m.
What? orangejulep.ca
