Ah, February. As Montreal’s shortest – yet coldest – month of the year, it can be tempting to curl up in front of the TV and Netflix it out. While hibernating until spring may sound like an enticing idea, why not beat the cold by trying out these spots? These places are guaranteed to keep you warm until spring:
Eat
Photo courtesy of Chez Tousignant
At just a few weeks old, Chez Tousignant is already a hit among the locals. This “casse-croûte” takes all that Montrealers love about food – think poutine, hot dogs, rotisserie chicken – and places it under one roof. Opened by Yann Turcotte, Michele Forgione, and Stefano Faita, I visited this joint on its second day and it was already booming. My mom and I snag a seat at the bar right in front of Stefano with a full view of the open kitchen. We see a hot chicken dish coming out, and can’t help but comment on how good it looks. “We’re trying to compete with Saint-Hubert,” muses Stefano, only half joking. What we ate: The burger, topped with traditional condiments, is the newest contender in the race for best burger in the city – hands down. Next, the Tousignant hot dog arrives garnished with bacon, cheese, and pickles, the whole blending perfectly together. Because I was leaving Montreal in a few days, I indulge in a classic poutine. It’s simply executed – exactly how it should be.
Photo courtesy of Rustique Pie Kitchen / by Allen McEachern Photography
Nothing beats the winter cold like pie. Nestled in St-Henri, Rustique Pie Kitchen’s homemade delicacies inspire nostalgia as soon as you walk through the door with a cozy interior and a seasonal repertoire that comprises revisited versions of classic favourites. Try the apple and cranberry crumble this winter and be sure to come back for their Key Lime pie in summer. If you’re like me and can’t decide which flavour to choose, opt for a selection of their bite-sized mini pies – problem averted!
Relax
Photo courtesy of Café Tommy
If you live in Montreal, chances are this new cafe has infiltrated your Instagram feed. I know it’s all I’ve seen on mine since it opened this past summer – and when I finally got the chance to visit, I understood why. Housed in a 19th century National Heritage building in Old Montreal, Café Tommy impresses with its stark white walls and imposing high ceilings. But don’t be intimidated. Opened by the owners of Santos and Dolcetto & Co., this spot calls itself a neighbourhood cafe and that’s exactly what it is: Patrons range from friends meeting for coffee to students and freelancers working on their laptops.
Photo courtesy of Café Myriade / by Richard Baghdadlian
What’s better than shopping on busy Ste-Catherine, only to find Montreal’s much loved Café Myriade nestled in the basement of a clothing store? Located in Club Monaco’s Dominion Square location, you can now stop for a coffee break while you shop! Serving up a brew that comes from 49th Parallel Roasters, expect to also find pastries from Hof Kelsten and local goods that make great gifts (think jam and honey). The standout detail in their impressive decor (pictured) is a wall made up of books from Drawn & Quarterly.
Shop
If you’re familiar with The Richmond restaurant, then you’re probably aware of the fact that they now have an in-house market called Marché Richmond. This gourmet paradise is stocked with a selection of quality products that come from both Italy and Quebec. With over 2000 items that range from wines, to charcuteries, cheeses, teas, herbs, kitchenware, along with a takeout counter, it’s sure to impress all food aficionados.
Play
No winter guide would be complete without a little partying. Open for less than a year now, Soubois is already a favourite among Montrealers who call downtown their stomping ground. This hotspot is where the city’s fashionistas and young professionals come to party. With its lower-level location that harbours a forest-like decor, this nightclub doubles as a bistro that serves elaborate dishes. Whether it’s for drinks, a good meal, or a night out, Soubois is definitely the place to be.
Photo courtesy of Bar Henrietta
Baldwin Barmacie is now Bar Henrietta. Spearheaded by the owners of Dominion Square Tavern and Balsam Inn, this Portuguese, sixties-inspired tavern is inviting with its navy blue facade and dim lighting, as well as small dishes that complement their wine and cocktail list. Perfect for an after work 5 à 7 or a cozy date, we’re happy to have our Laurier street location back.
Have you been to these places yet? Where’s your go-to spot to keep warm in Montreal? Let me know below!
Montreal has always been on my Travel Bucket List _ after reading this I can not wait to visit and now have great places eat, drink and stay warm.
It’s such a great city! Hopefully, you’ll get the chance to visit soon.
I would love to visit Montreal. It sounds like a fantastic place with loads to do. A bit cold though.
Haha, yup winter can be a killer. You’d love it in summer 🙂
Fantastic post! I was in Montreal last month and loved my time there! Wish I had known about some of these places ahead of time, but I still found lots to do 🙂 I spent a cold afternoon at Bota Bota, which was one of my highlights!
I love Bota Bota – great choice! Now you have another reason to go back 🙂
Love this list, thanks for the tips! Every time we hit up Montreal for a weekend, it’s *always* in the middle of a freezing winter, so can’t wait to try some of these places out! 🙂
Haha, you’re brave! Glad you’ll be back to give these places a shot 🙂
I want to Montreal in the Fall so it wasn’t the cold winter yet. I love that city though! It is so beautiful!
You’ll love it in the fall! It’s so beautiful with all the autumn leaves everywhere (be sure to climb Mount Royal to get a gorgeous – and colourful – view!)
Mmmm all that food looks delicious! How cold does it get in Montreal? I’m from Michigan so it gets pretty cold here too.
It’s colder in Mtl if I’m not mistaken! The month of February can easily hit -35°C…and that’s without the wind!
That burger looks heavenly! I will have to keep your recommendations in mind the next time I visit Montreal!
It was! You definitely need to check them out 🙂
I would totally hang out here all the time. Rustique Pie and all the rest.
I know, right!
Thank you! I absolutely love Montreal.
Thanks for the love 🙂
Time to book a trip! I travel based on food experiences. Montreal has made the list!
It should be at the top of your list 😀 Montreal is one of the top foodie cities in North America!
That Rustique Pie Kitchen thing looked so good. Will have to keep that in mind when I come to town.
It is! I still haven’t met one of their pies that I did not like 🙂
Montreal is definitely on my list of places to visit! Maybe when it isn’t so cold though 😉
-Jen
http://www.asipofbliss.com
I’ll admit, I prefer Montreal in summer myself 🙂
I aboslutely love Montréal. I try to get there as often as possible as it is only a two hour drive from Ottawa where I hail from. My favourite spot to keep warm? I have two actually: Holder and Sparrow (Le Moineau)…
Great post!
Agreed! I love Sparrow as well…especially their brunch 🙂
Wow! So happy I found your blog … with two teenagers who have zero free time year-round, I don’t get much vacation time right now. I’ll be spending my time going through your blog and making a bucket list for when they graduate. 🙂 Montreal looks amaaaazing – and your pictures are absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thank you! Planning a vacation takes plenty of research so I’m happy to do the legwork for my readers 🙂 Where are you planning on going? Happy future travels!
Can’t wait to visit Montreal one day! Thanks for sharing these wonderful places! Btw, beautiful blog!
Thank you! That’s so kind of you. Hope you make it out to Mtl soon…it’s a wonderful city 🙂