Some Truly Excellent Happy Hour Places to Check Out in Le Vieux

Summer is in full swing, and you’re ready to take full advantage of your vacation days or go somewhere to unwind after a busy day of work. How should you spend your time? For an authentic vacation feel, stop the clock for a bit and sip on a cocktail or fresh beer in an exotic ambiance. Le Vieux is THE absolute bottom line in the matter; here are some of our favourite vacation-style watering holes!

El Pequeño is the smallest cocktail bar in the neighbourhood, and in all of Canada, for that matter! Inside their mere 150 square feet building, you will totally feel like you’re in 1920’s Cuba. Our suggestion: ask the bartender for a personalized drink – no matter who you talk to, their staff is all very creative and able to satisfy any palate!

Its very, very close neighbour, Coldroom is also a surefire success. When you figure out where to knock to gain entrance, their service entrance-style entry will have you feeling as if you’ve been plunged into a movie. When you get to the very clean and confidential basement, its charm will start working on you. But wait until you see their glasses – they’re a solid experience from start to finish.

Pretty much right across the street, off of Saint-Paul Street, Taverne Gaspar offers a comfortable pub ambiance. Don’t miss their Happening Gourmand event, taking place from the 3rd to the 30th of August 2020: an entire delicious meal for $25! This table d’hôte menu is available until 7:30 p.m. Plus, on Mondays through Fridays, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., you can enjoy a great, fresh beer (why not their famous Gaspar?) for only $6 a pint! Do you prefer wine? Taverne Gaspar didn’t forget about you, and is offering an 8 oz. glass of wine for the price of a 5 oz. glass.

St-François-Xavier Street also holds a well-kept secret: Le Boho. It’s a totally underground chic world with a Mexican velvet side, where you could almost expect to run into Frida Kahlo, certainly in the middle of sipping on Boho’s signature cocktail, the Oaxaca Sour. Please note that this “hidden bar” is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Always ready for a bit of adventure and exoticism? Head over to Nhậu on McGill for a warm and exotic atmosphere. Its ceiling-hung lanterns and warm semi-darkness make a great setting for fans of Wong Kar-Wai-style ambiances. No need to book a ticket for Asia when you’re feeling those vacation blues, it’s all happening right here!

Le 409, also on McGill, is a contemporary Indian brewery with London influences. On Wednesdays to Sundays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., you can sip on a glass of wine or beer, or treat yourself to one of their signature cocktails, like the Dussehra (Hendrick’s Gin – Dry Vermouth – Cardamom Syrup – Fig – Lemon Bitters) or our favourite, the Sunny (El Jimador Tequila – Mezcal – Ginger Syrup – Mango Juice). This is a great place for cocktails and food.

© Photos Credit : El Pequeño