Magnan

Description:

• Montreal might be famous for its Smoked Meat, but ask any real Montrealer where to get the best Roast Beef in town, and they will all say the same thing; "Magnan." Le Restaurant et Taverne Magnan is a Montreal institution. Since 1932, they have been by the old canal, on Saint Patrick Street, just south of downtown (actually a really quick cab ride from downtown) and people have been coming from the entire island of Montreal for their roast beef—you determine how thick you want it. While the glory days of Magnan have long past (it used to be the place Prime Ministers would dine when in Montreal and to this day the wall is adorned with photos of old and new celebrities) it hold the traditions tightly of being an unassuming tavern and family style restaurant. The menu has many alternatives to the beef, which seems to be why most people dine at Magnan's, there's muscles and fish and salads to choose form, but again, most people don't. Critics have said that the restaurant is not living up to its heyday but it's hard to compete with a reputation that spans 80 years. While it may no longer be the top restaurant in the city, it is priced accordingly and mort everyone has a great time. There is now a beautiful terasse in the summertime that overlooks the Lachine Canal (which now has pleasure boating) and bike path, in fact, if you wanted to do it completely guilt free, you could consider renting bixis or other bikes and getting onto the bike paths at the old port where the canal starts, and all the way to Magnans (less than 5km). But even if you just get there by cab, or drive, after your meal the canal is a beautiful little walk… to fully let the whole Magnan experience sink in.
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