F.H. Buddha
12-02-2007, 01:12 AM
1. Casa del Popolo
Want a taste of Montreal's famously hip arts scene? This small, scruffy joint is the place to be. Just by the door you'll find a cigarette machine that has been transformed into a vending outlet for the work of local artists. (Pop in a $2 coin for a surprise package — like an artsy Kinder Egg.) Grab yourself a stool at the brick-backed bar, while local bands perform on the pokey stage, and you can't help feeling like you're crashing a private party for scene insiders. Not in the mood for the homely veggie food? Then nip across the road for some cheeky tapas at their sister venue, La Sala Rosa.
· 4873 Boulevard Saint Laurent; +1 514 284 3804.
2. Dieu du Ciel
Montreal is famed for its microbreweries, serving up real ale by the barrel load. This is one of the city's most intimate and down-to-earth offerings, situated on the edge of the ultra-trendy Mile End area. Check the pub's website for their constantly evolving menu of brews, along with details on hiring the oh-so-convenient apartment upstairs. (Not having far to stumble could be a definite plus after a night drinking the scary-sounding, in-house favourite, Rigor Mortis.)
· 29 Laurier Ouest; +1 514 490 9555
3. Billy Kun
Another microbrewery, Billy Kun attracts a hipster crowd that's typically aged 25 plus. They may keep up the just-another-night-at-the-pub pretence, but they know they're on to something special. Inside you'll find subtle lighting, chic design, high ceilings and nightly DJs. Secure yourself a seat at a candle-lit table and do your best to masquerade as a nonchalant local, while trying not to be distracted by the bizarre rows of wall-mounted ostrich heads that peer down with beady eyes.
· 354 Mont-Royal Avenue East (nearest metro: Mont Royal); +1 514 845 5392.
4. Le Saint Sulpice
Mark this one down for summer, when the vast terrace behind this converted townhouse comes alive with cheerful chatter. Le St Sulpice is a warm-up bar for many Montreal students, who crowd round the outside tables while countless waiters buzz about, serving drinks and hands-on grub. Get there early if you want to find a seat. When the Just for Laughs festival takes place on its doorstep each July, you'll probably have to camp out the night before if you want to secure that prime, fountain-side spot.
· 1680 Rue St Denis; +1 877 SULPICE
5. Whisky Café
Walk past this place on a cold night and the interior seems to glow. Those with a taste for the finer things in life would struggle to resist the lure of its curved leather booths and a selection of over 100 single malts, which stand to attention against backlit glass shelves. You could certainly do worse than combining your chosen tipple with a gourmet tasting plate of cheese and smoked salmon. This style-conscious haunt oozes sophistication to the point when even the urinals get rave reviews. Seriously.
· 5800 Boulevard Saint Laurent (corner of Bernard); +1 514 278 2646.
6. Go Go Lounge
Drop in for an early-evening cocktail as a springboard for a night of bar hopping down "The Main" (aka Boulevard Saint Laurent, a road once said to divide Anglo and Franco Montreal), or turn up fashionably late to get immediately stuck into the packed dancefloor. The bright, kitsch décor would make Austin Powers feel at home, with menus written on vinyl records and drinks with names such as Yellow Submarine and Pussycat.
· 3682 Boulevard Saint Laurent; +1 514 286 0882
7. Altitude 737
This is a post-work favourite for the city's lawyers and bankers, but don't let that put you off. Altitude 737 offers the best views of the city's striking skyline. There's a stylish lounge bar, nightclub and two terraces to choose from. Time it right and you can catch the sunset over the city's defining peak, Mont Royal.
· 1 Place Ville-Marie; +1 514 397 0737.
8. Brutopia
Brutopia churns out pints of home brew to an appreciative and unpretentious crowd. It's located on the city's busiest nightlife junction, which during the St Patrick's Day celebrations and June Grand Prix becomes one big street party, with countless terraces for people watching. Also on this road are the Jacques Villeneuve-owned Newtown, some very raucous party pubs, and well-loved Hurley's, which is a cut above most similarly themed Celtic outposts.
· 1219 Rue Crescent (between Ste Catherine and Rene Levesque); +1 514 393 9277.
9. Le Sainte Elizabeth
Montrealers love their terraces, and, come summer, this is one of the best, with towering, ivy-covered walls that create a secluded retreat. In winter, take advantage of the roaring fire and panoramic windows to appreciate all the beauty of icy wonderland outside — without succumbing to the killer wind chill. Among the European imports on tap, you'll find Quebec specialties and the pub's own microbrew (try the Ste Elizabeth).
· 1412 Sainte Elizabeth (just north of Sainte Catherine); +1 514 286 4302.
10. La Quincaillerie
This predominantly Francophone joint, with an industrial chic décor, offers rows of long wooden tables that are perfect for group meets. Was it named after an old quincaillerie (hardware store) that used to occupy the spot in the 1930s, or is this a myth dreamt up by its romantic owners? Who cares? The location couldn't be better – in the heart of the ever-fashionable Plateau area and next door to a legendary 24-hour diner, La Banquise — home to the city's best poutine (Quebec's famed concoction of chips, gravy and cheese).
· 980 Rachel Est (Rue Boyer); +1 514 524 3000..
Want a taste of Montreal's famously hip arts scene? This small, scruffy joint is the place to be. Just by the door you'll find a cigarette machine that has been transformed into a vending outlet for the work of local artists. (Pop in a $2 coin for a surprise package — like an artsy Kinder Egg.) Grab yourself a stool at the brick-backed bar, while local bands perform on the pokey stage, and you can't help feeling like you're crashing a private party for scene insiders. Not in the mood for the homely veggie food? Then nip across the road for some cheeky tapas at their sister venue, La Sala Rosa.
· 4873 Boulevard Saint Laurent; +1 514 284 3804.
2. Dieu du Ciel
Montreal is famed for its microbreweries, serving up real ale by the barrel load. This is one of the city's most intimate and down-to-earth offerings, situated on the edge of the ultra-trendy Mile End area. Check the pub's website for their constantly evolving menu of brews, along with details on hiring the oh-so-convenient apartment upstairs. (Not having far to stumble could be a definite plus after a night drinking the scary-sounding, in-house favourite, Rigor Mortis.)
· 29 Laurier Ouest; +1 514 490 9555
3. Billy Kun
Another microbrewery, Billy Kun attracts a hipster crowd that's typically aged 25 plus. They may keep up the just-another-night-at-the-pub pretence, but they know they're on to something special. Inside you'll find subtle lighting, chic design, high ceilings and nightly DJs. Secure yourself a seat at a candle-lit table and do your best to masquerade as a nonchalant local, while trying not to be distracted by the bizarre rows of wall-mounted ostrich heads that peer down with beady eyes.
· 354 Mont-Royal Avenue East (nearest metro: Mont Royal); +1 514 845 5392.
4. Le Saint Sulpice
Mark this one down for summer, when the vast terrace behind this converted townhouse comes alive with cheerful chatter. Le St Sulpice is a warm-up bar for many Montreal students, who crowd round the outside tables while countless waiters buzz about, serving drinks and hands-on grub. Get there early if you want to find a seat. When the Just for Laughs festival takes place on its doorstep each July, you'll probably have to camp out the night before if you want to secure that prime, fountain-side spot.
· 1680 Rue St Denis; +1 877 SULPICE
5. Whisky Café
Walk past this place on a cold night and the interior seems to glow. Those with a taste for the finer things in life would struggle to resist the lure of its curved leather booths and a selection of over 100 single malts, which stand to attention against backlit glass shelves. You could certainly do worse than combining your chosen tipple with a gourmet tasting plate of cheese and smoked salmon. This style-conscious haunt oozes sophistication to the point when even the urinals get rave reviews. Seriously.
· 5800 Boulevard Saint Laurent (corner of Bernard); +1 514 278 2646.
6. Go Go Lounge
Drop in for an early-evening cocktail as a springboard for a night of bar hopping down "The Main" (aka Boulevard Saint Laurent, a road once said to divide Anglo and Franco Montreal), or turn up fashionably late to get immediately stuck into the packed dancefloor. The bright, kitsch décor would make Austin Powers feel at home, with menus written on vinyl records and drinks with names such as Yellow Submarine and Pussycat.
· 3682 Boulevard Saint Laurent; +1 514 286 0882
7. Altitude 737
This is a post-work favourite for the city's lawyers and bankers, but don't let that put you off. Altitude 737 offers the best views of the city's striking skyline. There's a stylish lounge bar, nightclub and two terraces to choose from. Time it right and you can catch the sunset over the city's defining peak, Mont Royal.
· 1 Place Ville-Marie; +1 514 397 0737.
8. Brutopia
Brutopia churns out pints of home brew to an appreciative and unpretentious crowd. It's located on the city's busiest nightlife junction, which during the St Patrick's Day celebrations and June Grand Prix becomes one big street party, with countless terraces for people watching. Also on this road are the Jacques Villeneuve-owned Newtown, some very raucous party pubs, and well-loved Hurley's, which is a cut above most similarly themed Celtic outposts.
· 1219 Rue Crescent (between Ste Catherine and Rene Levesque); +1 514 393 9277.
9. Le Sainte Elizabeth
Montrealers love their terraces, and, come summer, this is one of the best, with towering, ivy-covered walls that create a secluded retreat. In winter, take advantage of the roaring fire and panoramic windows to appreciate all the beauty of icy wonderland outside — without succumbing to the killer wind chill. Among the European imports on tap, you'll find Quebec specialties and the pub's own microbrew (try the Ste Elizabeth).
· 1412 Sainte Elizabeth (just north of Sainte Catherine); +1 514 286 4302.
10. La Quincaillerie
This predominantly Francophone joint, with an industrial chic décor, offers rows of long wooden tables that are perfect for group meets. Was it named after an old quincaillerie (hardware store) that used to occupy the spot in the 1930s, or is this a myth dreamt up by its romantic owners? Who cares? The location couldn't be better – in the heart of the ever-fashionable Plateau area and next door to a legendary 24-hour diner, La Banquise — home to the city's best poutine (Quebec's famed concoction of chips, gravy and cheese).
· 980 Rachel Est (Rue Boyer); +1 514 524 3000..