A vegan address in the Village

Tendresse is the latest bistro to open on Sainte-Catherine Street in the Village. This eco-friendly vegan establishment is owned by Isabelle and Marc-Antoine, who also run Le Palco in Verdun and Bar Renard in the Village. As if good food weren’t enough, the décor alone makes stopping in worthwhile. Tendresse is open for brunch, lunch, cocktails, dinner and late-night bites.

Brasserie Harricana

Artisanal brewery, dining room, lounge and boutique, Brasserie Harricana is all this and more. Marie-Pier Veilleux and Cynthia Santamaria got it right when they opened the business in 2014; nothing attracts attention like a girl-powered microbrewery!

Not only have they been brewing their own suds at their Jean-Talon Street location since 2015, they’ve also produced tantalizing menus for brunch, lunch and dinner. The down-to-earth atmosphere was inspired by the original brasserie run by Marie-Pier’s father in Amos, Québec —and it’s without a doubt the key to their success. Brasserie Harricana is a must-see (and must-drink) destination to add to your Montréal itinerary.

L’Euguélionne

L’Euguélionne is an independent bookstore established by a Montréal collective back in 2015. Their idea was to promote feminist ideas and women’s literature. The bookstore is an accessible space where you can read, sip coffee or chat with others.

L’Euguélionne offers a wide range of collections for the different communities it serves. There are new and used books with feminist essays, theoretical works, youth literature, comics, art and specialty magazines. Book launches and readings also happen here.

Dépanneur Le Pick-Up

Dépanneur Le Pick-Up is a snack bar set inside a convenience store in Mile-Ex. Owned by Bernadette Houde from the band Lesbians on Ecstasy, this casual joint becomes the neighbourhood hotspot on weekends, when locals are hungry for brunch. From the breakfast taco to the chipotle club, you’re sure to find lasting satisfaction on its menu. And since Le Pick-Up is staffed by an extremely inclusive bunch, you can expect to feel right at home here.

Never Apart

At Never Apart, the mission is to bring about social change and spiritual awareness through cultural programming. Located in Mile-Ex, this 12,000-square-foot space includes galleries, a music studio and several other creative studios.

The centre is open on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., as well as during scheduled events posted on its Events page. Admission to the gallery and permanent exhibits is free.

If you have a penchant for contemporary art and LGBT+ issues, pencil in some time for Never Apart.

Ritz P.D.B.

Up for dancing? Ritz P.D.B. offers something for everyone with a diverse calendar that includes dance parties, 2000s theme nights, touring indie bands, drag queen and drag king shows, and much more. It’s the perfect spot for getting together with friends for a pint while seeing some of the LGBT+ community’s top talent. Plus, it’s a safe space where you can let your true colours shine.

PING PONG CLUB

Located at the corner of Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Bernard Avenue, PING PONG CLUB is one of the best watering holes in Mile End. In addition to hosting the monthly rendezvous of the city’s LGBT+ women, the bar organizes a variety of inclusive and diverse events all year long. On Thursday nights and over the weekend, DJs heat up the ambiance and set the tone for fun. Stop in for a drink or stay all evening.

Notre Dame Des Quilles

Notre Dame Des Quilles (NDQ) is half bar, half bowling alley, and all fun! Since 2012, the establishment has been serving up comfort food in a retro ambiance. This diverse destination is a choice spot to catch a queer movie or dance the night away to disco tunes. From country-western to karaoke, its programming is pretty eclectic! This institution has a hard-earned rep and deserves your support.

Librairie Drawn & Quarterly

Librairie Drawn & Quarterly is more than just a bookstore. In addition to offering an impressive array of books in French and English, this Bernard Street hub organizes a multitude of literary events for the Montréal community. Specializing in literature and graphic novels, it’s a spot where you can while away weekend mornings after brunch and run into friends and people you got to know the previous evening.

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Drawn & Quarterly recently opened La Petite Librairie Drawn & Quarterly at 176 Bernard Street West. This new location is devoted to graphic novels, literature and games for children and showcases local and Canadian illustrators, writers and editors.  

vinvinvin

vinvinvin is the newest brainchild from the women behind the above-mentioned Brasserie Harricana. But this time around, the new concept from these two passionate restaurateurs focusses on wine, not beer. Go there to enjoy natural wines from organic and biodynamic farming, accompanied by locally sourced nibbles. It’s one of the city’s hippest spots, and a great place to rub shoulders with artists and oenophiles.

Bikurious MTL

Formerly located on Atateken Street, Bikurious MTL has now set up shop on Ontario Street near Saint-Laurent Boulevard. A bike store first and foremost, Bikurious is also a place where people can just pop in without feeling judged or pressured to purchase. As its founder Marissa explains, “It’s a place that offers support to all the people who are normally marginalized by the cycling community.” Sports and community – a veritable Montréal tag team!