TLDR: Heading to Montreal 🇨🇦 for the first time soon and would love some recommendations!

I’m really into specialty coffee, music, vinyl, guitar, and just generally cool/nice spots with a good atmosphere. I’m also into cocktails and definitely plan on checking out some of Montreal’s bars. I’ve heard about places like Doubles and Bar Pompette, but I’m open to anything.

For coffee, I’ve heard about Café Olimpico, Micro Espresso, and some of the other specialty coffee spots around Mile End/Plateau.

Also interested in record stores, guitar/music shops, interesting neighborhoods, restaurants, cocktail bars, or just places you think are worth wandering into.

Looking for places that feel distinctly Montreal rather than just the usual tourist recommendations. Thanks!

Question

TLDR: Heading to Montreal 🇨🇦 for the first time soon and would love some recommendations!

I’m really into specialty coffee, music, vinyl, guitar, and just generally cool/nice spots with a good atmosphere. I’m also into cocktails and definitely plan on checking out some of Montreal’s bars. I’ve heard about places like Doubles and Bar Pompette, but I’m open to anything.

For coffee, I’ve heard about Café Olimpico, Micro Espresso, and some of the other specialty coffee spots around Mile End/Plateau.

Also interested in record stores, guitar/music shops, interesting neighborhoods, restaurants, cocktail bars, or just places you think are worth wandering into.

Looking for places that feel distinctly Montreal rather than just the usual tourist recommendations. Thanks!

Jeanine Nault · Answer

Bota Bota Spa: Perfect way to unwind!

Kyle Curry · Answer

Nouveau Palais: This is the best burger in the city! Hands down! My friends and I used to go here quite often and it always hits. The crowd is also non-touristy, just truly sexy Montrealers haha. You’ve got to have a burger and martini moment while in Montreal, it’s the only way! 🫶 there are a lot of great restaurants/bars in the Mile End area of mtl, as well as the plateau but the plateau can get a bit studenty. Vinvinvin is also a really cute wine bar to check out.

Michael · Answer

St-Viateur Bagels: Montreal has its own distinct style of bagels (thinner than NY). St-Viateur and nearby Fairmount in the Mile End area are where to get them.

Lisa · Answer

Vin Papillion: Sit at the bar for wine and small plates, and then walk to a bar or take a loop by the river.

Leilani · Answer

Schwartz's Deli - World Famous Montreal Smoked Meat: Get the smoked meat and black cherry soda for classics, and ask for a fatty cut if that’s your thing. Take a pound of spices for a souvenir if you have room.

Leilani · Answer

Crew Collective & Cafe: Crew! Great spot to work or people watch. The smoked salmon bagel is so good in a city with excellent bagels.