Finally, Montreal has woken up from its winter coma. Festivals are beginning, Bixi bikes are on the road, and patios are open. As a city known for its summer spirit and diverse array of bars and restaurants, there is no better place to spend the weekend than on one of Montreal’s noteworthy patios. For people-watchers, partiers, or those in need of an ambient escape, there is a spot for all.
For Clubbers
Enjoy a private loft-like setting on Tokyo Bar’s rooftop patio or heated terrace. Located on the trendy Boulevard Saint Laurent, this Asian-infused destination boasts a mixed crowd of scenesters and university students. Take a break from the indoor dance-floor and grab a drink at the elegantly rounded outdoor bar before sitting down to soak up the city view. 3709 Saint Laurent Blvd, 514-842-6838.
For Pub-goers
Perhaps the perfect outdoor oasis beer enthusiasts, Le Saint Elisabeth European pub boasts fourteen-foot ivory-covered walls that create an open but private forest-like atmosphere in the middle of the city. With seventeen beers on tap, living in the woods has never been so handy. 1412 Sainte Elisabeth St., 514-286-4302.
Suits and Jackets
For those who work downtown, Boris Bistro is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the Monday to Friday grind for a secluded lunch or dinner. Located in Old Montreal, the restaurant can come off a little cold — check out the intimidating grand metal doors — but that’s only on the outside. Once within, the cobblestone ground, beautiful wooden tables and elegant white umbrellas welcome all guests. Food and drink are on the pricier side, but it’s well worth it for the terrace’s elegant charm and convenient location. There are live jazz and Latin acoustic performances every Wednesday and Friday from 5 – 8pm. 465 rue McGill, 514-848-9575.
High Capacity
Since opening its doors as a small bar-terrace in 1980, Le Saint Sulpice has grown both physically and in popularity. Starting in the basement, the bar now occupies all three floors of the century-old Victorian house it inhabits and seats about 1,500 people. As one of the largest and most frequented bars in Montreal, Le Saint Sulpice has expanded its once small terrace into a two sprawling terraces — a people-watcher’s dream in the front, and a quite shady retreat in the back. Choose from a variety of local and imported beers and enjoy great deals on pints and pitchers. 1680 Saint Denis St., 514-844-9458.
The Alternative
A Latin Quarter hidden gem, the House of Reggae really comes alive in the spring and summer months. The bar sports a medium-sized terrace facing the beautiful rue Saint Denis. Drinks are economically priced and the clientele is purely local. The music, of course, favours reggae, with live bands every Friday and Saturday from 10pm-3am, as well as other events like comedy shows and DJ performances during the week. 1693-A, St-Denis St., 514-223-6233.
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Image courtesy of François Hogue.
Destination: Patio, Montreal
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