The best bars and cafés Quebec

Charming cultural café-bar in the heart of the village, in a beautiful period house. We come here for our pastries and muffins, accompanied by a mocaccino made with homemade chocolate milk, not to mention our tasty dishes (salads, soups, paninis, pizzas, nachos, succulent desserts...). In the afternoon or evening, you can opt for a beer from a Quebec microbrewery or another of the province's craft spirits, often punctuated by musical performances, a slam/poetry evening or a foosball tournament. Give it a try!

Le Naufrageur's brewery is located in the dining room or on the terrace, where you can savour our home-brewed beers and hard seltzer, accompanied by small or large gourmet dishes. The menu's watchword in all seasons: the use and promotion of local ingredients. A fine program of events, including musical performances that draw large crowds. Also worth discovering: the micro-market and its artisanal products (open in summer), as well as the La Mie Véritable bakery-pastry shop and the La Mie d'en haut café.

This bar in the Faubourg has a real surprise in store for those who venture into its lair. The glass roof and the charming terrace in the inner courtyard inspire more than one person (additional glass roof on the terrace to enjoy it in winter). They even make its reputation! But Le Sacrilège is also a program of shows and events of all kinds, a fine selection of Quebec spirits and snacks for the hungry, not to mention the chartreuse which is very popular here. A true institution!

This friendly bistro-brewery in the Saint-Roch district offers quality craft beers brewed according to traditional methods, as well as a gourmet menu made up mainly of local seasonal products. In fact, La Korrigane wishes to promote local and regional agri-food businesses, and more specifically, small artisanal producers. The company's mission also includes a cultural component (great program of activities and events) and a social component. To be discovered!

Siboire's Dépôt and Jacques-Cartier branches in Sherbrooke embody the dynamic spirit of the local brewing scene. At Dépôt, the relaxed atmosphere and original brews invite discovery. As for Jacques-Cartier, its warm atmosphere and inventive cuisine blend perfectly with the selection of craft beers. These two emblematic Siboire establishments offer an authentic experience, bringing together beer lovers and food enthusiasts in a friendly, festive setting in the heart of Sherbrooke.

It's hard, if not impossible, not to fall under the spell of this magnificent two-hundred-year-old house, with no neighbors, overlooking the river with a breathtaking view and terrace/backyard. What sets this microbrewery apart is its wood-fired brewing process. Unique in America! Small snack menu, too, including mixed nuts, dry sausages, arancini with forest mushrooms and local cheese, organic fougasse and other delights.

Open since 1996, the illustrious artisanal brewery on Saint-Denis Street has acquired a loyal clientele thanks to the quality of its products. Always striving for excellence, the owners have drawn inspiration from German and Czech styles to develop their beer menu. L'Amère à boire specializes in the brewing of low fermentation beers (lagers) and also offers several ales. The bistro style dishes (nachos, burgers, poutine...) go perfectly with the slate beers. A must in the Latin Quarter.

Stylish deco, a pleasant atmosphere, specialty beers, a kitchen "on the thumb", including a assiette of Quebec cheeses, exhibitions of visual art and other events… one will quickly understand why this place is so popular.

Home to the La Chasse-Pinte cooperative brewery, this is a marvellous place, with the warm atmosphere of a small old-fashioned house where the works of local artists take pride of place everywhere. Its gourmet menu features the great classics of bistro cuisine, as well as market dishes that vary according to harvest and arrival. And, of course, it's all accompanied by one of our house beers. As for atmosphere, musical performances by emerging and established artists are held here every week, as well as improvisation evenings.

The owner of Le Baptiste never expected to be so successful when he decided to "revamp" this institution, which has borne the same name since the 1930s (branch on Mont-Royal Avenue). His gamble paid off, creating one of the most popular pubs for 20-40 year-olds on the Plateau and in New Rosemont. Despite its popularity, the place has managed to retain its "people's bar" feel, a merit that the owner attributes to his staff. The friendly program includes Monday quiz nights, which attract regulars and the curious alike.

Well-established in the heart of Chinatown, Le Mal Nécessaire is an exotic cocktail bar with a tiki connotation and an eco-responsible facet. Nearly twenty cocktails are available, such as Fresca 3.0 (Bombay gin, cucumber, coconut water, lemon and Thai basil) or Painkiller (bacardi cuatro rum, pineapple, homemade coconut cream and orange), served by the glass or in a pitcher. Possibility to order small dishes of Cantonese specialities, prepared by the restaurant le Fung Shing, located upstairs.

Le Deux22 is clearly one of the gourmet and festive hotspots of the Saint-Roch district, and we always spend at least one evening there on our trips to the Quebec capital. On the food front, the menu offers tasty Mexican specialties, which we like to accompany with a microbrewery beer, tequila, mezcal or mojito. On weekends, the place is popular for its gourmet breakfasts, which are served until 3pm. Bonus: DJ evenings and an indoor courtyard (covered and heated in winter).

Corsaire was the first microbrewery in the region. You can enjoy homemade beers, including seasonal surprises that vary according to the harvests and the brewer's mood. For thrill-seekers, a wide selection of imported whiskies is available, not to mention rum. A complete bistronomy menu, made up of fresh local produce, will perfectly match your pint of hops. The whole is crowned by a cultural program including tastings, shows, exhibitions of works by local artists and more.

This craft brewer offers a wide range of beers from Belgian white to orange peel and coriander, as well as forest IPA and imperial stout. For those who would be curious to discover the backstage, the microbrewery can be visited on weekends. Here, the dishes are also homemade: meat or fish tartars, burgers, sandwiches and dishes cooked with beer. And what about the home-made fries that are worth the trip alone! A friendly atmosphere is guaranteed and, as a bonus, a huge terrace in summer.

Brutopia has become a small institution on Crescent Street. We go there for its tasty homemade beers, but also for its pleasant atmosphere. For the little ones, take a look at the gourmet menu (dishes to share, burgers, etc.). Should we mention the many free shows, the "open mic" Sundays, the heated terrace at the back? The small business encourages the local economy while promoting respect for the environment in each of its operations.

Occupying one of the oldest houses in the village, this pub offers a warm, rustic atmosphere that makes you want to spend the whole day here. Excellent gourmet dishes (those in the smokehouse are worth discovering), a fine list of spirits (try the Gin du Jardin from the Distillerie du Square) and an always pleasant atmosphere are the key to success! If you're feeling greedy, we recommend a stop at the pub's "little sister": Biscotti & cie, a café-boutique a stone's throw away, offering a host of homemade sweets and on-the-go dishes.

The interior is a small museum dedicated to beer, with thousands of old and new items. On the hop side, dozens of beers are brewed annually or in limited editions, not to mention the brewer's apprentice series and the grand cru series. Lovers of stronger products will be delighted by the selection of Single Malt Scotches, which includes some excellent references. Sandwiches, nachos and other snacks to fill the small hollows.

The Hébert family cultivates its land and produces grains for the production of top-fermented beers, refermented in the bottle and made entirely from natural ingredients. Whether you're from the region or just passing through, the microbrewery's tasting room is a must-stop for discovering them. A menu of nibbles, salads, nachos and sandwiches is also available to satisfy the munchies. A boutique is also available at the family farm in Saint-Félicien (1070, rang Double).

Part wine bar, part café, Supernat is a trendy place to hang out all day. White and green tiles, colorful chairs, wood and brick all combine to give the place a nice dose of charm. Specializing in natural wines as the name suggests, good bottles are uncorked every evening, and Asian-inspired snacks such as the very good sando sandwich are offered to accompany them. You can also come for a coffee, a cookie, a cocktail... A lively place that brightens up the neighborhood.

Double's is inspired by the dive bar, a type of bar that comes to us from the United States, small, dark and a little gloomy. Here, we've kept the atmosphere and the small, dark room, but it's not shabby at all. On the contrary, the semi-basement space attracts all the hip locals. With a pool table, jukebox and sports on the screens, there's plenty to get you through the evening. And from the counter, you can order a smash burger or a cocktail from the small but efficient menu. You're truly immersed in the USA... with a Montreal twist, of course.

Open since the end of 2017, this microbrewery attracts crowds in a decor reminiscent of the tropical atmosphere of the islands: pastel colors, green plants everywhere (up to the ceiling), wallpaper with palm trees.... In the glass, for example, a Berliner Weisse with raspberries and cherries, a juicy NEIPA, a well-malted Porter or a gin barrel-aged Pale Ale. On the plate, gourmet dishes, many with international inspiration. Cheers!

It's a Mecca for scotch, rare scotch that can fetch upwards of CAN$100 a glass. But lovers of a sweeter malt are not left out, and have only to choose from the selection of cask ales. The pub also offers a wide selection of gins. If you want to take it easy on a sunny afternoon and enjoy the trendy decor with your favorite alcoholic beverage in hand, L'Île Noire really is the ideal destination. For the evenings, you'll need to arrive early and hold on to your chair, or be prepared to elbow your way to a seat.

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!

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.