Montreal bar bonanza

Our Local Expert Says:

Several locations around the city offer up the same breakfast and lunch fare, eggspect eggcellence.

Description:

One of five outlets in Montreal, this restaurant takes the lowly egg and creates an entire menu around it. Set in a renovated office building, the décor features a two-storey space with wrought iron, huge windows and exposed brick. Dishes include two eggs any style with bacon, ham or sausage, toast, baked beans and grilled potatoes and ham and potato gratin topper. Service is cheerful and helpful and breakfast for two, excluding tip, comes to between.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is one of Montreal's most popular tours among tourists and locals alike. For a romantic evening, book the dinner tour and watch the sun set on the city.

Description:

This Parisian-style bateau mouche offers a beautiful way to see the sights of waterfront Montreal. The 90-minute day cruise affords views of everything from La Ronde to the Olympic Stadium. Dinner cruises head further downstream toward the Parc des Îles de Boucherville, providing a romantic and scenic getaway. The meals are catered by the Queen Elizabeth Hotel. All cruises leave from the Quai Jacques-Cartier in Old Montreal.

Description:

The oldest existing building in the city of Montreal, this 320-year-old seminary stands as a testament to the Sulpician nuns, under whose stewardship the fledgling province of Quebec developed. Designed by François Dollier de Casson, salient features include the fieldstone walls, lush gardens and the oldest church clock on the continent, itself a striking piece of work. The building is a sober piece of work, more an artifact of colonial pragmatism than a religious monument.

Description:

Want to explore your adventurous side? Hop on to one of the bikes and hit the road. With every rental you can avail of a bicycle path card, which will allow you easy access. If you're the person who can't find your way around in a new place, then hire one of the professional guides who'll take you through a list of avenues including the Lachine Canal, St. Helen's Island and many more. Enjoy great views of the river, gaze in wonder at the beauty of Mt. Royal, sit back to catch your breath at the Olympic or Boucherville Islands Park. Get yourself some wheels and let the wind blow through your hair as you enjoy a ride through the most beautiful places of Old Montreal.

Description:

Apart from being one of the most historically significant places in the city, this square is also one of the city's most popular and lively. Watched over by Nelson's Column and lined with flowers and gardens, this is where artists, lovers, the hip and the semi-hip meet. It is also the port of entry for most visitors to Old Montreal. The best time to visit this square is in the summer, as it is then a car-free zone. Call or see the website to know more.

Our Local Expert Says:

This 24 hour joint has lunch specials that make you wonder if they are making any money!

Description:

Some might find it strange to have to wait for a table at 2a. If that's you, then you shouldn't come to this Cantonese restaurant in the middle of Chinatown - especially on a Friday or Saturday night. But the late-night/early-morning crowd really appreciates being able to find reasonably-priced food in a place where the atmosphere is upbeat and the conversation stimulating, no matter what time of day or night. The service is attentive and bustling, with college-bound waiters happy to explain the dishes.

Description:

This pub pulls endless pints of its own microbrews to go with rock/pop most nights a week. With several rooms on two levels, a terrace in back, and a street-side balcony, it anchors the raucous southern end of rue Crescent. Chances are you haven't heard of any of the bands, but they keep the tempo up. Sunday is open mic and Monday "Trivia Night."

Description:

A downtown university student hangout since the days of sit-ins and anti-war protests, this is the place for cheap, usually edible food, not to mention phenomenally inexpensive draft beer, amid a rah-rah atmosphere. The seating and décor are as basic as you can get. The fare is also basic tavern, with lots of club sandwiches, hamburgers, fries and bafflingly cheap steak dinners. Later in the evening things can get considerably more rowdy watch for flying wet t-shirts.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you are young and want to get a little hot and sweaty on a dance floor with other college and university students this is the place to be- Wednesday is ladies night, so watch out for the immense lines that form after 10pm. The music is good- classics mixed in with the better of the new stuff.

Description:

Just above McKibbin's Pub you will find what claims to be North America's first Irish dance club. No need to don your galoshes if moving from pub poker to Irish jigging suits you. The music is traditionally Irish. Count the imported beer taps (29 of them), and all are constantly flowing. The ambience is hopping and the mood upbeat. Young or young at heart, here is a chance to show that you've still got it.

Description:

This ideally located hotel offers some of the area's most spacious rooms at extremely reasonable prices. Each features a coffee maker (and daily coffee) and minibar, while business rooms and suites offer large desks, data ports and Jacuzzi baths. Aside from a pleasant décor and professional service, the hotel could otherwise be considered "no frills." Zawedeh offers casual Lebanese fare, while Olio serves grilled sandwiches and excellent coffee.

Our Local Expert Says:

Although the servers live up to their reputation of being a little curt you won't find better smoked meat in Montreal.

Description:

One of Montreal's great culinary institutions, this cramped, somewhat dingy deli, Schwartz's, makes the smoked meat (Montreal's version of pastrami) to which all others are compared. The line can be horrendous on weekends, the service is impersonal at best, and you are likely to be shoehorned into a table with a gaggle of total strangers. That said, the classic meal of a smoked meat sandwich, fries, pickle and a Cott's Cerise Noire cola is a genuinely transcendent experience. If the line seems unreasonable, takeout is a perfect alternative. Only cash is accepted.

Description:

La Ronde is Eastern Canada's largest amusement park. Located in the Jean Drapeau Park one Ile St Helene, La Ronde was originally opened to celebrate Canada's Centennial and the World's Fair at Expo '67, it was a major component of Expo '67. In 2001, the city sold the park to the American-owned Six Flags Theme Park. The company added some 16 new rides including one of North America's fastest and highest rollercoaster, the Goliath. Other new rides combine with La Ronde classics such as the 45-metre Grande Roue Ferris Wheel with its 40 gondolas and the perennial favourite Splash, the 20-passenger boat ride that plunges over a 15-meter waterfall. The family section, Le Pays de Ribambelle, opened in 2005 and has plenty of rides for the little ones. Small children will delight with The Pommes d'Api, the family version of La Ronde's famous Condor ride where you get on board apple-shaped gondolas to take a sky ride as well as the original minirail that circles the park on an elevated track.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great Greek! Mountains of food await.

Description:

One of seemingly dozens of Greek restaurants on Prince Arthur Street, it is easy to confuse this spacious, raucous spot with any number of others that look, feel and taste the same. That said, they all provide quick, hearty food from a menu with something to please everyone, and the Cabane is no exception. Two-for-one deals, a bring-your-own-wine policy, a charming sidewalk patio in summer and the accompanying street scene are major attractions.

Our Local Expert Says:

Remember when you go out on St Denis Street in Montreal: a little bit of scruff is in style.

Description:

St Denis Street is a more upscale shopping and dining street. From Sherbrooke Street to Mount Royal Avenue boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants are packed together; and pedestrians clutter the sidewalks. The keyword here is location. People walk along St Denis Street to see and be seen. There is something for everyone along this street. The overall ambience is of affluent consumerism during the day; however, this merges seamlessly into the traditionally more grungy scene of the Montreal nightlife as the sun sets.

Description:

In summer, the portion of this southern Plateau between St-Laurent street and St-Louis Square is bustling with tourists. They come for the sidewalk cafes, street performers and all-around good cheer. Most restaurants on the street are bring-your-own-wine, relatively inexpensive, spacious enough to accommodate large groups and serve passable if not exceptional food. Culinary standouts include Mazurka, while the Caverne Grecque serves mountains of Greek food every night. Barflies can check out Café Campus and Vol de Nuit, which rock late into the night.

Our Local Expert Says:

Throngs of people mull about with beer and cigs on the enormous terrace in back of this fun pub.

Description:

This converted mansion stakes a legitimate claim to 'King of the Montreal Bars'. Inside, each different room boasts its own unique ambience, music and furnishings, whilst the enormous patio in back is a glorious sight to behold on warm summer nights; empty tables on weekends are needles in an enormous haystack. The crowd is definitely young (few are older than 30) and predominantly French, though it has been more or less discovered by anglophone university students. No one should feel unwelcome here.

Description:

Ensconced here for 40 years, this bleak club on touristy rue Prince-Arthur has hosted The Von Bondies and Galaxie 500 over the years, and these days there are events such as The Johnny Cash Tribute Show. A smaller room, Petit Campus, usually has DJ'd hip-hop. Folks over 35 are probably parents of the musicians.

Description:

This ideally located hotel offers some of the area's most spacious rooms at extremely reasonable prices. Each features a coffee maker (and daily coffee) and minibar, while business rooms and suites offer large desks, data ports and Jacuzzi baths. Aside from a pleasant décor and professional service, the hotel could otherwise be considered "no frills." Zawedeh offers casual Lebanese fare, while Olio serves grilled sandwiches and excellent coffee.

Description:

Lava lamps and other fixtures make it look like the rumpus room of a suburban ranch house in the 1960s, but central to the rep of this goofy throwback that draws folks from 25 to 40 years old is the menu of more than 50 kinds of martinis. Most are flavored excuses for people who don't really like liquor, but the classic gin and vodka versions are stalwarts to be savored. Live music -- merengue, salsa, swing -- usually played Wednesday through Saturday helps fuel dancing and the rollicking good mood that pervades the bar. Other times, there's a DJ.

Our Local Expert Says:

Local crowd-and always crowded: this is always a good sign. This is a brew pub with flair, watch for local art hanging from the ceilings or on the walls, and make sure you try one of the extraordinary flavors of beer that has made this bar so popular.

Description:

Come here to sample Jean Francois Gravel's brewed creations. Jean who? Never mind, let the beer speak for itself. With names like Blond Ale, Extra Special Bitter, Cream Ale, India Pale Ale, Belgian Wit, and more, you're insured a swell time. The pub seats 110 people on any given night. Happy hour, which is between 3p-7p, sees regulars, travelers, students, professionals, and others, who don't mind downing a pint early in the evening. Check website for special summer timings.

Our Local Expert Says:

Relaxed sort of a pick up joint/pub- this place has no clear identity- but that doesn't seem to phaze anyone, and it is always packed on a Saturday night.

Description:

Located on one of the funkiest (and least salubrious) corners in Montreal, namely St. Laurent and Ste-Catherine, this dance club was once known as La Nausée, after Sartre's famous novel. The décor is simple, but the crowd has fun in spite of it. You can't stop the action here, as there is plenty of dancing and you can get some of the cheapest alcohol in the city. It is definitely for the young or young at heart, and the rooftop patio is a major draw.

Our Local Expert Says:

A great night out for the guys or dolls. Ladies can often skip the line up- but guys, never show up with out a girl or they might not let you in at all! Dress for the occasion, but no need to over-do.

Description:

Rouge has become a staple on St-Laurent Street. Intimate, yet spacious and full of energy, this bar welcomes everyone what is called their huge house party every weekend. Dancing and music is top notch

Description:

Crescent Street is the busiest downtown drag West of St. Laurent Boulevard on any given evening. From Thursday until Saturday the streets are crowded from happy hour until the wee hours. Everyone from stumbling beer-drinking youngsters to a more refined and mature crowd can find a place to go out on Crescent Street; but unless you arrive early, you might not find a seat! The pub type joints are found South of Saint-Catherine Street (generally speaking) and the more clubby atmospheres are found between St. Catherine Street and De Maisonneuve Street.

Description:

Maurice "The Rocket" Richard was one of the finest hockey players in the history of the game, but his legacy transcends sports. After retirement he became a powerful but reclusive figure in Quebec society; although his politics were largely unknown, he was widely adopted as a separatist icon. His body lay in state at the Molson Centre upon his death in the spring of 2000, drawing hundreds of thousands of mourners. This museum features memorabilia, photos and interactive exhibits, along with an impressive bronze statue of The Rocket outside. Admission is free.

Description:

The Montreal Canadiens are an institution in this town. Far from being just a sporting event, seeing a game in person can be described by the most passionate fans as an almost religious experience. Always energy-filled it is worth going to see the Canadiens play even if you sit in the back rows drinking beer with the cantankerous old men who curse at the team in words you won't ever hear outside of the province of Québec. Call it a learning experience.

Our Local Expert Says:

Amazing breakfasts, ask for the mish-mash… I dare you!

Description:

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For over 30 years Cosmos has been a favorite breakfast institution for both the residents of NDG, and whole of Montreal. This Mom & Pop restaurant has perfected traditional breakfast fare and it sees a rapid turnover of fully satiated students, hipsters, long-time customers and others who come by to delight in calorie laden greasy-spoon goodness. Run by Tony, his daughter and son, their interactions behind the counter, and with the patrons is so warm and familial it was even in an award-winning documentary about the restaurant called "Man of Grease." True to the film's title, the menu might give one's cardiologist a heart attack but the delectable home-fries are arguably the best...

Our Local Expert Says:

Good breakfasts, busy on weekends.

Description:

The wild hand-written menu is indicative of the overall spirit at this vibrant, popular hangout. Though it's named after its many fantastic fruit concoctions, you will also find patrons enjoying well-made specialties from across the spectrum of American cuisine. Burgers (Le King, a chicken burger with goat cheese,) and club sandwiches are served with salad and roasted potatoes. Like most restaurants on St-Denis Street, the terrace is the place to kick back and watch the world go by.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the best places to get decent food at a decent price.

Description:

It's hard to go wrong at this downscale, trendy, cafeteria-style Italian eatery, which is well-populated morning, noon and late at night. Various pasta and sauce combinations include the tortellini with pesto, eggplant and cheese lasagnas, manicotti and so on. Also on offer are thin-crust pizza, calzones, sandwiches and antipasto, though there is a fair contingent of customers that comes just for coffee and biscotti. Cash only.

Description:

This is one of several delicatessen-bars on the island of Montreal hosting daily lunch specials, nightly tables d'hôte and a weekday "Whoopee hour" from 4p to 8p. The service is brisk and upbeat. Located a few steps away from the Bell Centre, it is perfect for a pre-game meal, business lunch or special occasion. The menu includes everything from buffalo wings to Blackened Chicken and calamari. There is also a weekend breakfast for the after-party crowd.

Description:

This thoroughly civilized café and bar sits in a beautiful 1872 bank building on St-Denis Street. With mirrors, candles, high ceilings, muted lighting and plush booths, this is a fine spot for a casual meal or to while away the night. Specializing in mussels, with 28 different styles, the kitchen also offers an ostrich burger and a caribou ravioli appetizer. The enormous selection of beers includes local microbrews and Belgian imports.