The best bars and cafés Canada

Tucked away in the British Empire Building (late 19th century), Tommy Café wows anyone who sets foot inside. A beautiful historical stamp with mouldings galore, huge windows and an impressive ceiling height, different levels, nooks and crannies, greenery, mismatched chairs, carefully chosen objects... The result is superb! Both a café and a bar, it is as much an address for early risers in search of caffeine and a good croissant as for colleagues who want to have a drink after work.

The team behind this micro-torreactor strives to source its supplies from the source by visiting one of its producers every year. It also carries out private imports and collaborates with cooperatives in different coffee-growing regions of the world. The criteria are simple: no pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and a fair wage for the producers. The nectars can be discovered in one of the Saint-Henri cafés, via the online shop or in one of the many points of sale. Courses are also offered to the general public.

On the banks of the Lachine Canal, an unattractive vacant site has given way to this open-air bar adjacent to the Canada Malting silos. On site, there is an ice cream food truck as well as Café Malté offering cold brew nitro coffees, homemade iced tea and all the typical classics of a^3rd wave type café. You can also grab a bite to eat (pizza, salmon tartar, etc.) and have a drink. A lot of parties with DJ, musical shows and other festive events are organized there. A top address!

Born as a street truck, this popular micro-torreactor now has three branches. The emphasis is definitely on coffee and everything related to it in this uncluttered premises. Here, everything from the bean to your cup is done responsibly and fairly, and the team is happy to discuss and even demonstrate. Bags of coffee beans or ground coffee are also available for home use. The place also serves all sorts of goodies to get you in the mood.

When you enter, you'd think you were in a plant store; that's normal, that's the case. In addition to being for sale, the numerous plants create a particularly cosy atmosphere in this hybrid place. Bachata classes, openings, live model classes or open-mic nights, the events follow one another. The rest of the time, it's simply a café where it's always pleasant to come and rest. And on Sundays it's brunch day, with music please! A jazz concert is played for the occasion, in the middle of the plants...

You'll probably hear about it before you get there. It's THE spot in Tremblant for après-ski and partying. A typical mountain decor and atmosphere, five bar counters, a dance floor, a beautiful terrace... What more could you ask for? They also serve several appetizers as well as gourmet dishes and even a menu specially designed for the youngest. Add to that musical shows, parties and the famous Caribou Cup, and you'll understand why the place is always busy.

The café, opened in 2022, has already undoubtedly its place in the neighborhood. The retro decoration is composed with second hand furniture. The atmosphere is soft and warm. The menu presents many creations to drink as varied as original such as the coconut coffee or even the mango coffee. The sweet snacks are unfortunately not made on the spot but they come from Montreal pastry shops and bakeries. You can spend a pleasant moment in one of the sofas, surrounded by plants and antiques.

The ambition of Dave Longbottom, owner of this microbrewery open since 2017, is to share his experience as a great traveler and beer lover. In this former garage converted into a bar, he offers a nice variety of house beers such as his Northeast IPA, his dry-hopped sour beer or his Imperial Stout (a store corner allows you to fill up to take away). There is also a gourmet menu with perogies, duck confit, pan-fried cod, etc., all topped off with delicious desserts such as the white chocolate cheesecake.

Luc "Bim" Lafontaine, former brewmaster at Dieu du Ciel in Montreal, opened his own brewery in east Toronto after spending some time in Japan. The country of the Rising Sun is the inspiration for several of the brews (green tea IPA, yuzu Saison...), while the gourmet side of things is provided by the Italian restaurant Mattachioni. The microbrewery has also developed a nice range of Czech lagers. As for the decor, it is resolutely industrial with a few nods to Japan, of course.

Probably the best place in town to taste craft beers made in Ontario. More than 20 different beers from the province are on the menu, always including at least one cask beer. You'll find little gems from Bellwoods, Bench, Blood Brothers, Godspeed, The Exchange and Wellington, among others. For those who are a little peckish, a gastro-pub type menu is offered with a nice selection of regional or homemade products. A nice address to discover!

Part grocery store, part café, part refreshment bar, the place imagined by Lara and Dimitry has become an essential landmark in the life of the neighborhood. Open non-stop, people drop in both to stock up on great local produce and to enjoy the adorable surroundings. Breakfast is served in the morning, followed by sandwiches for a quick lunch break, then hot drinks, fresh juices and sweet treats. On Fridays, Super Boogie DJ set evenings are organized where natural wines and microbrewery beers share the spotlight with the turntables.

Located just a few steps from Kensington Market, this little place is worth a visit. During the day, it's mainly for its good specialty coffees and gourmet dishes (cheese platter, sandwiches of all kinds, Tex-Mex nachos, etc.), while in the evening, the place transforms into a cocktail bar with a selection that will surely please the amateurs. Ontario craft beers and privately imported wines are also offered, to be consumed on site or to take away. Small boutique corner with gourmet products.

A proud representative of the Quebec brewing industry, Le Balthazar will appeal to beer lovers and neophytes alike. With a fine selection of hand-picked beers on tap and in bottle, it may take you a while to make up your mind. But don't worry, the team will help you discover the best Quebec has to offer, including non-alcoholic vintages. To accompany all this, the pub offers a menu of local products, with a fine selection of beer dishes.

This craft brewery in Old Rosemont brews more than fifteen beers: Czech Pilsner, Kölsh, Weizen, IPA, Porter, Imperial Stout... The slate also displays some imported brewery jewels, ciders, several whiskies and gins, wines and cocktails. For the little ones, the menu puts the emphasis on regional products. We love the impressive ceiling height, the furniture built by a local cabinetmaker and the superb custom-made painting by artist Renaud Hébert. A beautiful place where you want to put down roots!

The inhabitants of the district and the thirsty bièrophiles for novelties welcomed this first artisanal brewery of the south-east of the island, opened in 2012. On the menu were homemade beers and a fine selection of Quebec beers that changes with the seasons. The warm place also hosts various events and exhibitions. Good to know: you can find some of their beers in cans (produced all year round) and limited editions in bottles (brewed once a year).

This hop headquarters opened its doors on the site of Marguerite d'Youville's original religious congregation, the Grey Nuns. It serves a range of draught beers, all brewed on site, as well as wine and cocktails. On the food side: quesadillas, tacos, tapas and comfort food (hot-smoked salmon, crispy chicken burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, ribs with BBQ and maple sauce) or plates to share for a touch of conviviality.

With its eyes riveted on the St. Lawrence and Île d'Orléans, this microbrewery is a first on the road between Quebec City and Charlevoix. On the slate, house beers and four-glass tasting palettes are available to maximize discoveries. A bistro menu is offered, ranging from nibbles to more substantial dishes such as tartes flambées, grilled sandwiches, cheese platters... A great home base in the Quebec City region!

Housed in a beautiful ancestral home, Bonté Divine is the best place in town to enjoy a coffee prepared according to the rules of the art. In addition to a full range of specialty coffees, teas, herbal teas, hot chocolates and a variety of iced drinks are also on the menu, not to mention snacks such as viennoiseries, bagels with cream cheese and croque-monsieur. Coffee accessories are also available. Bonus: Bonté Divine has three other branches, in Lévis, Montmagny and La Pocatière.

The ultimate speakeasy experience. Out of nowhere, a member of the family greets visitors and seats them in this tiny, dark room. There's no menu here. The bartender on duty asks several questions and concocts tasty cocktails, inspired by the tastes and desires of each guest. A dream place for those wishing to escape noisy happy hours, this secret bar has only a few seats and the music volume is simply perfect. In short, it's a no-brainer!

It is a French couple who opened this café which quickly became a comforting place for all the inhabitants. She is in the kitchen and he is at the counter. The homemade pastries and cookies are created according to inspiration and are always a hit. Cookies, cheesecake, scones... just like grandma's! Sandwiches and savory snacks are also prepared daily. Sit down at one of the tables in the room (or on the terrace) and you'll probably see all the regulars from the neighborhood coming in for a coffee or a chat.

Just outside the offices, this bar in Old Montreal with its clean style is full of colleagues who meet there for happy hour. They come here to drink a beer, nibble on a plate of deli meats or a plate of Quebec cheeses, just enough time to remake the world after a hard day's work. Some people go there in the evening, with friends, to drink a cocktail or a glass of wine and discuss the hours leaning at the bar or comfortably seated on a couch. A friendly and relaxed atmosphere and a cheerful service.

In Old Dublin there are nearly thirty cask beers and 200 scotches and whiskies, including some "single malt" aged around thirty years. During the day, the place is mostly frequented by business people, but in the evening, students and young professionals take over the pub to chat over a drink and a burger and listen to the music bands that play there almost every day of the week from 9.30 pm. Enjoy your meal... and cheers!

Its name reminds us of a small neighbourhood bar, but make no mistake about it, Buvette Chez Simone is at the cutting edge of fashion. This old-fashioned name appeals to the clientele of young professionals who like to get together outside the office for a friendly happy hour, a good glass of wine in hand, and a few snacks to nibble on the table. The prices are not cheap, but the atmosphere makes up for it. In the evening, the atmosphere is resolutely bistro-resto, friendly and cheerful, with plates for all tastes. In short, a neighbourhood classic to try!

Located on the second floor, Stogies welcomes a business clientele in their 30s. From the top of the terrace, you can watch the surrounding crowd come and go on a street where the main activity is relaxing in a bar from 5pm. A glassed-in room holds plenty of cigars, and the martini menu boasts no less than 101 different choices, plus an impressive selection of scotches. Customers can also bring their own cigars. Note that the prices are not inflated and are retail prices.

A bistro with a contemporary decor that contrasts with the more traditional establishments in the area. You can sit down at the large bar to remake the world over a good glass of wine, beer (a selection of Quebec microbrews), or a more than respectable cocktail. The ambiance has a je-ne-sais-quoi that makes you want to spend more than one evening there. The gourmet menu is well worth the detour, with platters to share, tartars and gravlax, mac & cheese and other delights. An address that perfectly illustrates the growth of the Old Rosemont district.

Spread over three floors, the Pullman welcomes its guests in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. It shares a common passion: the love of wine and all that goes with it. The wine bar offers over 400 wines on its menu, mostly available by the bottle. Enough to make wine lovers happy! To accompany your glass, the bar offers tasting platters (charcuterie, cheese, salmon gravlax, etc.), savory and sweet amuse-bouches, and bistro-style dishes.

The decoration, designed by Zebulon Robert Perron of Materia Design, gives an air of refinement and good taste in a friendly and unpretentious space. The alcohol list is well stocked, including signature cocktails, scotches, wines and bubbles. Appetizers are also available, such as duck rillettes, salmon gravlax, a plate of charcuterie (organic Charlevoix meats) or cheese (3 types of cheese). When summer arrives, its pretty back terrace, green and far from the noise of the avenue, becomes the place of predilection.

To start the day on the right foot in Percé, a break at Tempête Café is a must. And the staff here REALLY know their stuff when it comes to specialty coffees. Roasters such as Tambour Café, Brûlerie du Quai, Monark Micro-torréfacteur and Fantôme Café are proudly represented here, to drink on site or take away. Bonus: viennoiseries to accompany everything and a terrace area to enjoy the view of the sea and Bonaventure Island. Next door, in the same building, you'll find Côté Mer Espace Boutique, a charming home decor boutique.

Housed in the former convent of the Petites Franciscaines de Marie, and next door to the Auberge des Balcons, this coffee shop is our best bet for a good start to the day. In addition to divine caffeinated nectars, the solidarity cooperative also offers a wide range of delicacies, including delicious grilled cheeses made from local produce. The café also serves as a boutique, with countless board games and various items for young and old (over 150 self-service games available for a small fee).

A microbrewery that definitely lives up to its name, judging by the two-masted sailboat (ketch) at the entrance. A maritime welcome just the way we like it! Come and savor our house nectars like Rafale de camerises, a sour wheat beer with local cherries, or Brume du littoral, a Double NEIPA with Vieux Moulin honey. A slate of tasty dishes is available for lunch and dinner, with a few snack options available at all times. And best of all in fine weather: the terrace/backyard just a stone's throw from the river.

Located in Yorkville, the chic Windsor Arms Hotel has been offering the famous afternoon tea ritual for almost a century. A true gourmet tradition, it offers a superb selection of teas, including fair trade and/or organic, but also infusions, cocktails and even decaffeinated teas. As far as delicacies are concerned, the great classics are on the menu: tasty scones, home-made pastries, small sandwiches, etc. And what about the two superb rooms where you can enjoy everything!

If you have to elbow your way through the small space, you'll soon be compensated by the excellent atmosphere and, above all, by the menu of craft beers (scotch and whisky lovers will also be pleased). More than twenty beers on tap are offered, most of them from Ontario. The menu also includes a nice selection of bottled beers, including several private imports. On the plate, there are snacks, dishes to share and flavours from around the world, not to mention the oysters at $1 CAN on Monday and Tuesday.

A family-owned and operated nanobrewery since 1985, Volo is one of the pioneers of Toronto's craft brewing scene (St. Nicholas Street). It is joined by Birreria Volo in the Little Italy neighborhood. Nearly 30 beers are on tap, mostly from Ontario. But its big asset is its beer cellar called Cantina where you can find many great beers from Europe (Belgium) and the United States in private importation. On the food side, the house serves a variety of small dishes inspired by Italy.

The fine team behind the project could not have chosen a better location for their gastropub: the Pourvoyeur is in the heart of Little Italy and the Jean Talon market, one of the liveliest and most gourmet places in the city. And it would be a shame not to try one of the house dishes. Also to be discovered: the very large selection of gins that is the specialty of the place. The list is (very) long and original. A neighborhood pub with a great festive atmosphere day and night. Another address on the Fleury promenade.

In a small street that doesn't look like much, the Furco has set up its penates in what used to be a fur shop. Behind the glass front and its light Bar Furco inscription, a crowd of people enjoy happy hour. The stylish space, both raw and sophisticated, invites you to sit down for a drink or even a tasty meal. The atmosphere rises a notch in the evening and really makes you want to stay there. The place welcomes DJs and shows. A well-kept secret and praised by the regulars.

Careful, the door of that cafe is a time machine... Heading back to the 1950s with its plastic furniture, kitsch lamps and various gadgets. A small, simple and efficient address for lunch, with a large choice of croques, grilled cheese and sandwiches, served at the counter. The place is also conducive to a work session with a hot drink because the atmosphere is not too noisy. Good to know: events are sometimes organised on site. A real little neighbourhood address without fuss.

Get Well specializes in Ontario craft beers, with about 15 types on tap, not to mention a menu of bottled beers with North American and European vintages. We would like to say that the list of bottles is really long and well stocked, despite a few vintages from large industrial breweries that we could have done without. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a vintage decor and a section of old arcades that will please the nostalgic. Mention should also be made of the succulent homemade pizzas.

Founded in 1986, this craft brewery was a pioneer in Ontario and is definitely a must for your night out. In addition to the beers brewed on site, the long list of single malt scotches and whiskies will amaze you. They also offer simple, generous and oh so delicious dishes! Burgers, sandwiches, grilled meats, fish & chips and other specialties of the place will gladly be accompanied by a glass of house beer. To be enjoyed in their superb backyard or on the front terrace in season!

This brewpub in the Distillery Historic District is a must-see, especially during the summer months. One part of the building houses the brewery and pub, while the other, the Beer Hall, was added about ten years ago. It features an open kitchen (pub-style menu, brunch on weekends) and a large modern room that doubles in size with a lounge terrace in the summer. A perfect stop for an aperitif during your stroll in the neighborhood. Guided tour of the facilities available upon reservation ($10 CAN per person). Store on site.

The Beer Bistro is a trendy place where business people flock at lunchtime and at the end of the day, but it takes on a whole new look as the evening begins. As its name suggests, the house specializes in beer in all its variations, and its menu travels to the four corners of the globe. It's enough to make the connoisseur dream! And let us tell you that the staff is knowledgeable, a big plus! If you're fluent in the language of Shakespeare, take a look at the descriptions of the beers written by a connoisseur.

Open since 2012, this microbrewery has carved out a nice place for itself in the capital's brewing landscape. A large tasting room, flanked by a magnificent and enormous mural, is attached to the brewing facilities to allow guests to taste the house vintages. To top it all off, the place also offers a menu for those who are hungry, starting with all sorts of succulent meats smoked on site. Want to bring back a souvenir? The store sells the beers, but also the Beyond the Pale merchandise.

In January 2012, Mill Street Brewpub, already present in Toronto, moved to Ottawa, along the Ottawa River, in the historic Thompson-Perkins & Bronson mill mill. There are about artisanales beer on site, including special editions, only available in this branch. Visit of the brewery offered every day and shop on site.

Opened in 2017 by three young women, this cooperative is a breath of fresh air in the western part of Hochelaga. The social café offers simple, good and fairly priced drinks and small dishes. It regularly hosts events in association with neighbourhood organizations. The mismatched furniture and the children's play area make the place particularly welcoming. The team is committed to making everyone feel good... and it's a success!

The little sister of the excellent Faux Bergers restaurant, Buvette gentille is a relatively new, intimate address in the heart of Baie-Saint-Paul village. Its concept is inspired by European wine shops, where fine vintages and dishes to share with local flavors take center stage. As a result, Quebec products - but not only - shine here in the glass as well as on the plate, with even a little locavore touch. You can also choose to take your products to go. In short, an address that's easy to fall in love with!

We love this café in the lively street of Kensington, installed in a pretty turquoise house typical of the neighborhood. Quite a contrast with the Scandinavian-inspired interior. In summer, you can enjoy its beautiful terrace. In winter, its large bay window allows us to observe, in the warmth, the colorful crowd of Kensington Market. The coffees and pastries are excellent, as well as the sweets that make you want to overindulge (mention the Mardi Gras Semla). A nice little place to get away from the bustle of the neighborhood.

Definitely our best place in Windsor for coffee. Anchor sources coffee from Canadian roasters including Chance Coffee (Windsor, Ontario), Monogram and Phil & Sebastian (Calgary, Alberta). The place also concocts sweets (scones, cookies, etc.), some homemade breakfasts like the frittata, the scone-sandwich with fried egg or the vegetarian bagel, as well as on-the-go lunches (soups, salads, sandwiches, etc.), always fresh from the day. Accessories and coffees for sale on site and online.

Here is an unpretentious, artisanal brewery that reflects the growth of the Mile End neighbourhood. The HELM, for Houblon-Eau-Levure-Malt, encourages the local economy by relying on Quebec's local products: artisanal beers brewed almost exclusively with local grains and hops; good small dishes such as poultry rillettes, burgers or poutines. The décor, both raw and sophisticated, the large central bar and the subdued lighting make the HELM a convivial place, conducive to discussion and encounters.