© Two Food Photographers
A vegan address in the Village
Tendresse is the latest bistro to open on Sainte-Catherine Street in the Village. This eco-friendly establishment serves bistronomic vegan food and 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.
© Alison Slattery
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.
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. It offers a wide range of collections for the different communities it serves: 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
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.
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 drinks and 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.
© Eva Blue
Librairie Drawn & Quarterly
Librairie Drawn & Quarterly is more than just a bookstore (or two bookstores, with La Petite Librairie Drawn & Quarterly across the street, dedicated to kids’ books). In addition to offering an impressive array of books in French and English, this Bernard Avenue 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.
© Two Food Photographers (Alison Slattery)
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.
Ping Pong Club
Located on boulevard Saint-Laurent at the corner of avenue Bernard, Ping Pong Club is the perfect place for an aperitif in Mile End. In addition to being a monthly meeting point for LGBTQ+ women, the bar organizes numerous parties throughout the year to offer inclusive and diverse events. Numerous DJs provide a truly festive atmosphere on Thursday nights and weekends. Ideal for a tête-à-tête or a night out with friends.
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 LGBTQ+ community’s top talent. Plus, it’s a safe space where you can let your true colours shine.
