After a long day of work, it’s great to go for a drink with friends or colleagues. And if you can snack or even enjoy some delicious dishes at the same time, that’s even better. Here are several suggestions for the perfect way to end the workday.
MAISON CLOAKROOM
Located on De la Montagne Street in a beautiful building, Maison Cloakroom houses a tailor shop offering high-end ready-to-wear clothes, a British-inspired barber shop, and a speakeasy-style bar. This establishment, which opened in 2015, offers high-quality made-to-measure artisanal cocktails. Whatever your tastes, Andrew Whibley, renowned mixologist, will happily concoct a cocktail with your preferred alcohol, adding ingredients made in-house and perhaps some freshly pressed citrus fruit. The ice, hand-carved to the dimensions of your glass in a single piece, will keep your drink nicely chilled. Cocktails served beginning at 3:00 p.m, with 25 seated spots available.
www.maisoncloakroom.com
BAR GEORGE (LE MOUNT STEPHEN HOTEL)
Positioned at the heart of the prestigieux Le Mount Stephen Hotel (see our article in this issue), Bar George opened its doors last year in May. It offers a British-inspired menu in a sublime decor, in the heart of downtown. Seared mackerel, Icelandic cod, beef Wellington: these dishes are perfectly executed under the leadership of chefs Anthony Walsh and Kevin Ramasawmy, who creatively combine British cuisine with the flavours of Quebec. On the cocktail side of things, the menu was placed in the hands of acclaimed mixologist Maxime Boivin (La Fabrique à Boire). Also inspired by the British, the beverages are an absolute delight, like the Golden Square Mile Sour, named in homage to the historical district once populated by British aristocrats, where the building is located.
www.bargeorge.ca
BAR FURCO
Located downtown in a former fur warehouse, Furco is an ideal bar for unwinding after work with colleagues or friends. Itserves organic wines and cocktails of all sorts. The bar also has a varied menu, which chef Joëlle Trottier changes every week. Roasted duck heart, gilt-head seabream tartare, braised veal shoulder, or a platter of cold meats: everything is delicious and the servings are generous. The kitchen is open until midnight, and there are a hundred seats available.
www.barfurco.com
ATWATER COCKTAIL CLUB
Located behind the Foiegwa diner at the centre of St-Henri, this local bar with a muted, welcoming ambiance has a seasonally-inspired menu that includes around twenty cocktails developed by chef and co-owner Christophe Beaudoin-Vallières. You can also taste a selection of dishes offered by Foiegwa (croque-monsieur, croque-madame, rib steak with fries, cheeseburger, etc.) as these two establishments share the same kitchen. Aunique location to discover.
www.atwatercocktailclub.com
DOM PÉRIGNON BAR (RITZ-CARLTON MONTRÉAL HOTEL)
Unique in Canada, the Dom Pérignon Champagne Bar is mainly dedicated to Champagne. Enthusiasts, take note! It offers awide selection of Rosé and Brut Dom Pérignon champagnes, by the glass or by the bottle. It also offers delicious cocktails, spirits, and tapas-style hors d’oeuvres made in-house. Located in the Ritz-Carlton’s famous Palm Court, its decor is enchanting and its ambience is stylish and laid-back.
www.ritzcarlton.com
LA CHAMPAGNERIE
A bar but also a restaurant, La Champagnerie offers a wide variety of cocktails and bubblies (cavas, Champagne, sparkling wine). It is renowned for its sabering performance upon the purchase of any bottle of bubbly; this ritual, presented in the traditional manner by an experienced waiter, is worth the detour. Once the bottle is sabered, you can even keep the cork as a keepsake or put it on the well-populated wishing wall. The establishment regularly welcomes groups, which are offered a choice between a light cocktail supper (five to six morsels per person) or a heavier one (ten to thirteen morsels per person).
www.lachampagnerie.ca
THE KEG STEAKHOUSE + BAR (PLACE VILLE-MARIE)
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar opened the doors of its first restaurant in Vancouver in 1971. Having expanded throughout Canada and into the United States, it now includes more than 100addresses. Although its name and decor have changed through the decades, the fine dining experience has remained the same. The Keg always offers exceptional service and quality meals in a pleasant environment. The specialty of the house is its offering of tender aged steak. Also on the menu: classic cocktails, superb starters, seafood and a wide variety of wines.
www.kegsteakhouse.com
NACARAT BAR (FAIRMONT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH)
Nestled in the heart of the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, which reopened its doors this summer after a complete renovation, Nacarat Bar serves appetizing cocktails in a glam rock decor, with a unique view of Place Ville Marie’s esplanade. Mixologists allow their inspiration to run wild in crafting stunning drinks. Behind the counter, these artists are the masters of liquids just as chefs are of ingredients. The menu includes a vast selection of local beers. Inventive small dishes are also offered according to the season. Last but not least, cocktail lovers have the opportunity to practice their skills by taking one of the courses offered.
www.barnacarat.com
Text: Diane Stehle
Cover: © Maison Cloakroom
