Coffee, Lunch, Dinner, Dancing: Enjoy Old Montreal Like a Local

You liked the suggestions made by our Gens du Vieux about where to eat and what to do in the historic neighbourhood so much that we’re presenting part two of our Old Montreal residents’ and workers’ reccs. Try out their favourite places and tell us what you think!

We love Franklin’s Subs and Suds for their creative and classic sub sandwiches (bring us that dreamy Philly Cheesesteak) and their creamy milkshakes, though we’d probably leave the kids at home, lest they see the Playboy magazine wall here too early. Manager Jean-Philippe mentions that their terrace is perfect for young ones and experiencing their gourmet menu - one that is not to be missed!

For coffee: Micro-espresso Café and their best-seller, the vegan Third-wave Orange blossom slush (we’ve tasted it, and wow!), as well as the iced lattes, ever-popular in the summer. Here you’ll see a disparity in their clientele between tourists and ultra-focused coffee fans.

Going out: Philemon on St-Paul Street is sure to be a hit. The last cocktail I had there? It was a gin lime mare chino liquor… yummmm!

For lunch or dinner: Marcella opened up recently on St-Paul. It’s perfect for a night out with friends or on a date.

Going out: The incomparable vibe of La Voûte, who does everything big, is definitely an address you need to hit in the Montreal nightlife scene.

What they like about Old Montreal: I like being able to take the metro to work, and it’s super friendly here. I particularly love the summer when there’s a festive vacation feel. It really relaxes the general ambiance of the neighbourhood.

Olivia, hostess at Pincettes, loves her student work that lets her meet a lot of people in a setting she loves. When you first enter this restaurant, it feels a bit like a little piece of the northern coastlands, but in the middle of downtown. It brings with it the allure of vacation, and Olivia proudly announces that her two best selling cocktails are the Aperol Spritz and the Bloody Pincette, garnished with a crab claw - obviously a must-try!

For lunch: For Olivia, Olive et Gourmando is the clear winner!

Going out: the Bars/Restaurants on St-Paul or St Antoine Streets are always sure hits.

For evening fun: You absolutely need to watch the fireworks, especially when sat on the terrace at the aptly named Terrace sur l’Auberge!

With kids: Taking the kids ziplining at the one and only Montreal Zipline, and then to the Pirate ship - those are her best recommendations

What she likes about Old Montreal: It’s very clean! I also love its small town feel, where you always feel safe, and I love the colourful streets when all the terraces are out!

Gen, heading up the register at Mandy’s, was all smiles when asked to share her favourite addresses. We have to say that the lovely, colourful place she works at sells some of the most creative salads in the city, and it's impossible to not be in a good mood when eating them. As it so happens, whether you’re going there to eat, or just to take home some candy, sauces, recipe books, or tote bags, there’s always a good reason to leave Mandy’s with hands and stomachs full. Even if you’re not stopping by, Gen loves her neighbours.

For coffee and gourmet eats: Le Petit Dep! For me, I love their half-caff vanilla iced latte! I also come here for a nice pastry when I want a bit of a snack!

For supper: You’ll usually find me at Jardin Nelson, who has this sangria that I love, and they oftentimes have live music! On the menu, I like getting either the Gamberi pizza with dill-marinated shrimp and cream sauce, or their Jack Daniel’s and maple syrup braised ribs!

Making the most of summer: I like picnicking outdoors with my coworkers, and we always pass by Ca Lem for some ice cream. Then we go to a shady bench at Place d’Youville to eat them.

What she likes about Old Montreal: There’s always something to do in the neighbourhood, and always something going on! I love walking the streets and going to the ephemeral shops in le Vieux - I bought a nice ring from one recently - and there are also food trucks with super friendly folks at the register…

The manager and owner of “bistronomic” restaurant Délices et Rhum, one of the new arrivals to the neighbourhood this year, has already found herself a few places:

For coffee: Olimpico, true to the original Montreal institution, is a place for everyone, settled on the corner of St Vincent and St Amable Streets. The coffee here is great both hot and iced (okay, the coffee cream is the star of the summer).

For lunch: The smoked meat from the second floor.

Going out: The Bonsecours Terraces have the advantage of being both a restaurant and a night club open every day from noon to… really late at night! We love the seasonal aspect of this place that has really become synonymous with the meaning of summer!

Florian, valet at l’Auberge Vieux Port – an old warehouse from the 19th century turned into a flagship hotel-boutique of the historic neighbourhood, perfect for meetings, business travel, and enjoying your Montreal vacation in a well-placed and charming location – has some places near and dear to his heart!

Eating and going out for lunch and dinner: It’s hard to choose from all the bars and restaurants on St-Paul Street! I should say that it is just as fun to sit down and eat as it is to walk this typical Vieux street…

A delicious option: Beavertails - I love their Nutella specialty… Nothing like a classic that both young and old can enjoy, and that will replenish your energy when you visit!

What he likes about Old Montreal: The outdoor areas, the wonderful views, the great perspectives, and the activity in the streets, especially now the tourists have all returned.

Olivier, manager of Sauvage - an unmistakable place on the beautiful St-Jacques Street that is often busy but always trendy - has two places to recommend that you might just run into him at.

For lunch: “Paquebot on St-Laurent! I’m a regular there, and I always get the cubano.” Their menu has much more than that, but at least you have an idea of what to try. And if you like coffee, then luckily, you can grab a bag of it for yourself.

Going out: On Notre-Dame Street, Jiao Dim Sum Bar - known for both its “cool underground” décor and its Chinese tapas - is its top address. “I love going out here, I know everyone and they know me!”

What he likes about Old Montreal: I love the festive ambiance and I’m really happy to come back to life after the pandemic!

N.B.: Are you also one of the Gens du Vieux and want to share your rituals in other places within the neighbourhood? It can be for health and wellness, sports, pets, grocery and more… Write to us at info@sdcvieuxmontreal.com and we would be happy to complete this article with your recommendations!

Photos:

1- Mandy's

2- La voute

3- Olive et Gourmando