The best bars and cafés Canada

Putting a café in a laundromat, that's what we call combining business with pleasure! One of the few laundromats in the neighborhood, and not just any laundromat. While your laundry is spinning in one of the self-service machines, you can enjoy a delicious coffee with a carefully selected blend or a dish made by the Italian chef. Every day, the room is scented with fresh market produce, so it doesn't smell so much like a laundry room. The big plus: the garden in summer, and you don't need to have laundry to come!

The all-graffiti sign is both intriguing and vaguely scary. The atmosphere is electric and friendly, and the live concerts energetic (check the website for the program and the theme nights). Well-known place of the punk-rock scene, the bar is frequented by a rather young population. A classic place to party until late (3am-4am, which is rare in Toronto!) and listen to good "indie" sound. Sneaky Dee's also serves a tex-mex cuisine as copious as cheap.

A few years ago, Barraca got a facelift, from a more vibrant decor to a new façade, a tropical-looking backyard and a new logo on the outside. In the glass and on the plate, more change. While the rums are still the big star of the place, the cocktail station (many of them tiki style) is just as popular. To accompany your drink, cod acras, tacos or Cuban sandwiches will satisfy your appetite, many of which are also offered in a sharing format.

We no longer present this veritable cocktail laboratory, which now has four addresses. Here, everyone will find what they are looking for. The list is long, but the staff will be happy to guide the choices, according to each person's tastes and mood. Let's mention the Hurricane, a blend of Bacardi Superior rum, passion fruit purée, lime juice, demerara syrup, homemade grenadine and orange juice... delicious! For those with a thirst, cocktails can be served in a Mason jar to double the pleasure. A convivial and well appreciated place!

Housed in the InterContinental Montreal Hotel, this lovely absinthe bar is named after Sarah Bernhardt, Queen of French Tragedy, who gave a memorable performance here in 1880. More than 140 years later, this woman is immortalized here. Absinthe reigns supreme here. For those who will not be tempted by the "green fairy", other cocktails are on the menu, to be accompanied by a selection of Provençal bites finely prepared on the premises. An address to discover for a drink at the end of the day.

Ideally located on the banks of the Lachine Canal, this brand new microbrewery offers a very pleasant setting to spend a good evening with friends. Although the kitsch decoration may not be to everyone's taste, the real asset of this bar is in the relaxed atmosphere that reigns there. And the numerous self-service games are not for nothing. Ping-pong tables, table soccer, arcade games, air field hockey or even board games, the place was created for the children in us to have fun freely. Well, kids who drink (good) beer anyway...

Opened a few years ago just above its big brother, the Khao San Road Thai restaurant, Bang Sue Bar specializes in cocktails and craft beer (mostly from Ontario). It also serves Thai and Asian-inspired snacks like fish balls with yellow curry sauce and fried chicken with sriracha hot sauce. Oysters are also featured on the slate on a regular basis. Mention should be made of the décor with its colorful lighting and the large mural by artist Jimmy Chiale. An address to discover!

If you want to have a drink away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist industry and meet some locals, this is the place to come! All wood and brick, with a vintage touch here and there, this little place is pretty cool and quiet when it opens before getting crowded later in the evening during live shows. We tasted craft beers and house cocktails, all to the sound of an excellent local band that made us stay up late... A huge favorite for this new address off the beaten track!

There's nothing like a good craft beer to reward your efforts after a day out in the great outdoors. And it's just the thing, because a great craft brewery set up shop in the village a few years ago. On the menu: house beers such as Juste Sabro, an American IPA, Kiraz, a red cherry sour ale, and Montagne Noire, an oatmeal stout. In summer, La Confrérie's food truck sets up in the beer garden to satisfy both small and large appetites (snack menu also available year-round).

For the record, EtOH is a contraction used in medical and scientific circles to refer to ethanol, a molecule with intoxicating properties so sought-after and present in all alcoholic beverages. On site, about twenty lines of barrels serve delicious homemade nectars as well as beers from other Quebec microbreweries. You'll also find a fine selection of ciders, meads, liqueurs and spirits from Quebec and elsewhere. Sandwiches, a variety of tartars, sharing boards and other small dishes are also on the menu.

A pub devoted entirely to the pleasures of play, with a collection of over 1,000 table games. The concept is simple: pay a small entrance fee, take a seat, and the entertainment team will suggest games according to the knowledge and motivation of the group. What a pleasure to have the rules of the game explained in detail! You can also enjoy a bite to eat on site, with dishes to satisfy both young and old appetites, accompanied by a good microbrewery beer or a signature cocktail.

A charming tavern with a retro look, now the headquarters of the Little Burgundy neighborhood. On offer: a fine selection of scotches, wines, cocktails and beers (including Ste-Q blonde and rousse), as well as snacks and more substantial dishes made with local produce from the Atwater Market, just a few steps away. The atmosphere is friendly, and fans of alternative and progressive indie-rock music will be delighted.

Open since the winter of 2018, this microbrewery is worth checking out. Located near the train station, straddling the Walkerville and Ford City neighborhoods, Chapter Two has set up a small tasting room adjacent to its brewing facilities. Among the house brews are its English ale with a malty flavor and a sweet caramel twist, and its West Coast IPA with citrus notes. Bonus: a gourmet menu and live entertainment.

An address in the spirit of Val-David, renowned for its musical shows by established artists, its excellent coffee and its gourmet menu which includes, among other things, good dishes for vegetarians. We recommend without hesitation the poutines for which the house is famous, notably the General Tao poutine, well garnished with succulent crispy chicken. Its terrace near the water is pleasant to have a drink at the end of the day.

Cameron Ewen and Heather Williams, two passionate beer enthusiasts, are the founders of this well-known Microbrewery of Saskatchewan. Nearly different beers are covered there, including the emblematic Crazy Farm Ale (Belgian season) and the rotating seasonal season. A gourmet menu perfectly adapted to beer completes the experience.

When you set foot inside, you feel like you're in a beer garden, with large wooden tables and small white lights hanging from the ceiling. Actually, that's pretty much the concept. In this spirit, it is not surprising to see the long list of beers from Canada, the United States and Europe. And, of course, a nice selection of homemade sausages is on the slate for both small and large appetites (vegetarian options available). A nice place to go out, which we recommend

The trendy address of La Petite-Patrie, Yïsst (from the word "yeast" in French) has a common denominator: the famous yeast, found in beer, wine and bread, among other things, the stars of the place. First of all, the homemade beer, brewed in collaboration with the Branch in the MaBrasserie's facilities, but also a menu of guest nectars. Then the wine, by the glass or bottle, including some organic wines and a local selection. Finally the bread, like the tasty flatbreads on the menu. Another nice address to try!

The idea here? A nice trip to the Russian capital in pre-revolutionary times. A small, intimate place that is both a café by day and a bar in the evening. Le Kabinet specializes in cocktails, many of which are Russian vodka-based, of course (it's the place to sip an excellent Moscow Mule), and Amaro liqueurs (more than twenty at the bar). From Thursday to Saturday, at 10pm, its neighbour, the bar Datcha, opens its doors and dance floor for an even crazier evening to the sound of the electro music of the moment.

Since 2016, this café-bar has been floating on the waters of the Lachine Canal, a stone's throw from the Atwater Market. Housed in a superb vintage barge, the place is peaceful and intimate: there are only around 30 places available (first come, first served) to enjoy aperitifs, beers, wines, cocktails and tutti quanti. Entirely glazed and open on the sides, with an abundance of flowers, you can sit on a banquette, a little bistro chair or even in the roof terrace area. The setting is definitely worth a try!

To find the entrance to this secret address, you have to look for the little duck as far as the little Saint-Amable street, perpendicular to Saint-Vincent street. This very famous bar in town took up residence in a basement that was a cold room in 1877, hence its name. People come here for the excellent cocktails, the atmosphere and the impeccable service. Building on its success, the speakeasy has opened a new venue right next door: El Pequeño Bar, designed as a "waiting room" when the first one is crowded, transports visitors to Cuba for a drink.

Oenophiles have found their address in town! In this cozy little bar-resto, the wooden shelves showcase a fine selection of wines, from Tuscany to small European producers. The kitchen offers a few dishes, such as raw kanpachi (lime) fish, that pair perfectly with the tasty elixirs. All wines are selected with love and are available by the glass. A big plus, which allows to vary the pleasures, without ruining oneself.

Named after the famous fake jazzman, played by Sean Penn in Agreements and Disagreements, The Emmet Ray is a place for jazz and whiskey enthusiasts. On the menu: a selection of 230 bottles. It must be said that the owner knows all about it. The whiskies come from all over the world. To satisfy a small hunger, try the famous Ray Reuben sandwich, a real delight. Whether it's in the lounge, near the big glass window overlooking the street, or in the small back room, where the different bands play, it feels like home.

The formula is simple: take a bunch of friends, a passion for food, wine and beer and you get Boxcar Social, one of Toronto's trendy coffee bars. This Riverside location, just before Leslieville, is the second spot opened by the trendy little company. You'll find a nice selection of draught beers, as well as a beautiful wine rack, which has replaced the books in this former bookstore. Beautiful design and a love of doing things right are ingredients that work quite well. Other locations in Toronto.

One of The Annex's best craft beer spots, Crafty Coyote offers a great selection of beers, mostly from Ontario microbreweries, on draft or in cans, as well as house beers, ciders and a slate of gourmet dishes. The latter is in the style of pub food, offering burgers, fish & chips, grilled meats, poutine and deli meats with sides. Without a doubt, a very popular place in the neighborhood. To be discovered!

Tallboy's claims it has one of the largest selections of Ontario beers. And we have to admit, that alone would be enough to convince us to pay a visit. But that's not all. The bar is located in the rapidly changing Koreatown neighbourhood, which the owners make a point of celebrating. Try their great Koreatown-style burger and follow the advice of these beer enthusiasts.

This friendly café offers a wide range of coffees, to be enjoyed in the dining room or on the terrace, or to take away. The place is warm and inviting, with a number of different objects and artifacts as decoration. At the start of the day, opt for the Brise du Matin (breakfast), served daily until 11am. Then it's on to the à la carte menu, featuring salads, gourmet sandwiches, pizzas on naan bread, mac & cheese and other delicacies. To be accompanied by a Gaspesian beer, of course!

L'Albion produces English-inspired beers (modern, old and forgotten), all brewed according to the rules of the art. Some are also barrel-aged. L'Albion also offers a cuisine section, focusing on local products cooked in the traditional way. Finally, there's a small concert hall where musicians of various styles and other artists frequently perform. New: tasting room and boutique in Sainte-Mélanie.

Installed in the summer of 2013 in the heart of Little Burgundy, this soberly decorated wine bar has captured the hearts of an eclectic clientele. One goes there to discover good natural and organic wines, presented by a team of connoisseurs. In the kitchens, local vegetables are honored, wonderfully highlighted in small plates, conducive to sharing. In summer, the terrace at the back is very pleasant. A very good address for a drink at the end of the day... and more if affinities.

Fans and connoisseurs alike agree: Sawdust City's beers are a pure gem! From the West Coast IPA to the Baltic Porter, the Pilsner and the Best Bitter, they'll take you on a journey through a fabulous world of flavors. To discover them, take a tour of the tasting room, nicknamed the Saloon. There is a constant 18 cask lines (house and guest beers) as well as a pub-style gourmet menu and a food truck in season. Bonus: live entertainment is presented every Saturday night at 8pm.

Although there are a few beers and cocktails on offer, the Rouge Gorge's trump card is its excellent selection of world wines, particularly those imported from France. It's an opportunity to share a simple glass by the bottle with friends in a contemporary, convivial and subdued setting, with the expert advice of a very attentive staff. There's also a selection of inexpensive "à la tirette" (i.e. cask) wines to accompany a plate of charcuterie, cheese or oysters. In the basement, the former cocktail bar now offers the same menu as above.

The credo here? Sobriety. The tables are arranged in front of the large openings, the wooden bar spins for several metres, with its twenty or so barrel lines in the background, while works by local artists adorn the walls. The slate displays homemade beers (Pilsner, American Pale Ale, West Coast IPA, Café Rico Breakfast Stout, etc.) as well as nectars from other Quebec microbreweries, but also cocktails, selected wines and spirits for those who love more robust products. On the kitchen side, the chef puts Quebec on your plate by sourcing, as much as possible, from local producers. A great HQ for beer and food lovers!

Those who know Stone City Brew Co. won't be too disappointed. Three friends, who run Something in the Water microbrewery in Toronto, have taken over the small Kingston brewery to make it their^second location. It has the same employees as the Stone City brewery and many of the beers that made it famous. In addition to the house beers, the new team has also started distilling with its Canadian whisky.

The jewel of Little Italy, just a stone's throw from the Jean-Talon Market, Birra is a brewery in 2.0 mode. Birra's in-house beers are the result of a unique and resolutely local collaboration: the recipes are developed and brewed on site. All you have to do is enjoy the atmosphere, with a glass of Ginette or Saint-Laurent in hand, inside the establishment or on the sunny terrace. And on Monday evenings, it's music quiz night, a joyful rendez-vous!

One could almost miss the entrance to this bar, which is located in the heart of the entertainment district. Just a few steps from Sainte-Catherine Street, you have to take a small street to be able to take advantage, in summer, of the superb terrace that makes the reputation of the place, surrounded by walls covered with climbing plants and dotted with trees. The atmosphere is very warm and the space, whose decoration is reminiscent of London pubs, is spread over two floors. Always a pleasant place, especially during the day when the bar is less crowded.

Located in Marché Bonsecours, BreWskey is divided into three entities. First, there's the pub on rue Saint-Paul, with its great food(mac & cheese, ribs, etc.), in-house beers and, above all, an incredible selection of whiskies. Then there's the taproom of the craft brewery (rue de la Commune), with some thirty keg lines and a slate of local spirits, all on a beautiful terrace overlooking the Old Port. The annex is the latest addition: a Prohibition-themed boutique and bar (rue Saint-Paul).

Siboire Saint-Laurent, the third Siboire branch to open, is located in a century-old building in the heart of the lively Plateau Mont-Royal district. With a constantly evolving selection of house beers and a varied bistro-style food menu, Siboire Saint-Laurent is sure to satisfy the beer lover in you, and provide a first-rate brewing experience thanks to its unique atmosphere. The big plus: the terrace, which stays sunny for much longer than its neighbors!

In a neighbourhood where bars are not legion, the Palco reverses the trend. The place is beautiful, all white, black and wood dressed. White light bulbs and subdued lighting in the evening, mezzanine, small space for various services and a fairy-tale inner courtyard. Homemade cocktails, microbrewery beers and privately imported wines are popular, as is the gourmet menu (some vegetarian and vegan options). The beautiful socio-cultural program and the atmosphere make this neighbourhood bar a very pleasant place for exchanges and gatherings.

We can't ignore the breathtaking decor of Blossom, all signed by designer Guillaume Ménard: a futuristic Japanese atmosphere in the middle of which is flanked by a beautiful cherry tree in bloom. In the glass, the largest selection of sakes in Montreal from private importation as well as wines and cocktails, while on the plate, we bet on the concept of Handroll Bar with a menu that honors the country of the Rising Sun (makis, dishes to share, etc.). Sophisticated and exotic to the max!

Open since May 2017 in the upscale Mount Stephen Hotel, the Bar George immediately seduces with its sumptuous décor rich in woodwork and simply magnificent architectural details. In this historic setting, you can sit down with friends or talk "business" with a glass of wine or a cocktail in hand. For lunch and dinner, the address offers an English-inspired menu featuring Quebec products. The weekend brunch is well worth the detour, accompanied by a mimosa, Bloody Caesar or English coffee. A chic address!

The name of the bar leaves no doubt: kitsch decor - without going overboard - and vintage, extravagant rum-based cocktails and Polynesian-inspired cuisine revisited are here to be found. No need to fly south to feel out of place, the atmosphere there will do the job! Originally located in Little Italy, the bar has moved to a hidden room in the Idole bar. It regularly hosts theme evenings and special events. Optional Hawaiian shirt, or not!

A small cousin of the Dominion Square Tavern and the Balsam Inn, this beautiful two-story neighborhood bar offers a slate focused on privately imported wines, many of which are natural and organic, and house cocktails, as well as a few beers from Quebec microbreweries. A gourmet menu inspired by Portugal is also offered with, among others, fresh oysters, roasted octopus, cod brandade, batata au gratin, Portuguese sandwiches... without forgetting the famous pasteis de nata. A place to discover for a gourmet happy hour.

A nice café, not far from the waterfront, Tamp Coffee offers a nice selection of hot drinks and clever mixes for coffee cocktails. If dairy products are not your cup of tea, it is possible to have your drink with almond or soy milk. Small pastries, pastries and sandwiches are also on the menu. You can sit by the windows and watch the people go by in this trendy part of Burlington. Another location on Brant Street.

Wondering where the locals can go in such a touristic place? Here is your answer. This microbrewery, located in an old church, offers a friendly, rather young and relaxed atmosphere. The kitchen is installed on the altar, the church benches have been requisitioned, the barrels are wedged under the large stained glass windows. But not everything is only in the decor: Silversmith also wins awards for its superb selection of homemade beers.

Clearly our new favorite place in town to enjoy a good craft beer, Counterpart Brewing is a refreshing new addition. Open since 2019, this microbrewery, set back from the hustle and bustle of Niagara Falls, concocts tasty nectars with a clear penchant for IPAs. You can accompany it all with a gourmet dish with generous portions such as a fried chicken sandwich, grilled fish tacos or one of the daily specials. Bonus: there's a store on site where you can take home hop souvenirs.

Located in the heart of James Street, where the city's best addresses are located, the Merit microbrewery is worth a visit. We like the tasting room with its large wooden tables that we share with the other guests. In the glass, house nectars that go from Imperial Stout brewed with Ethiopian coffee from the Detour Coffee roaster to the cold hopped Saison brewed with orange peels and Indian coriander. It is accompanied by a tasty dish such as mac & cheese or homemade sausages.