The best bars and cafés Montreal

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Le Cheval Blanc is the first brewery to obtain a brewer's licence, in 1987. In addition to brewing excellent beers and offering a fine selection of privately imported beers, the place offers a special place for emerging artists. Shows, launches and exhibitions of works by local artists are among other things part of the program. In addition to being culturally active, the brewery emphasizes regional products in the design of its menu. A true Montreal institution!