Experience Québec
Going Out in the Village?
Here you go!
Lively and dynamic, over the years the Village has become a popular district much appreciated for the calibre of its nightlife, its stores and its dining establishments. We’ve put together a brief guide to all the right addresses in the Village. It’s the perfect companion... all you have to do is print it out. If you need any other info or directions, the locals will be happy to help.
THE RIGHT LINK
Handy Web Sites
- Québec Gay Chamber of Commerce: www.ccgq.ca
- Tourisme Montréal: www.tourisme-montreal.org
- Mon Quartier.ca: www.monquartier.ca
- Fugues, magazine: www.fugues.com
- Montréal Plus.ca: www.montrealplus.ca
- Réseau Admission: www.admission.com
- Ticketpro: www.ticketpro.ca
SLEEPING OUT?
Online reservations
- Le Alexandre Logan (4 suns)
- Hôtel des Gouverneurs (4 stars)
- Hôtel Le Roberval (3 stars)
- Auberge Le Pomerol (3 stars)
DINNING OUT
Bon appétit!
Visiting the Village is like taking a culinary world tour. In addition to fine French cuisine, you’ll encounter the scents of the Taj Mahal, foods evoking memories of Indochina, the tanginess of Bangkok, the comfort of Tuscany, the spiciness of the bayous and the island breezes of Santorini. The flavours of the world are yours for the tasting. Price guide (April 2005): $: 16 to 30, $$: 30 to 60, $$$: 60 to 80, $$$$: 80 to 120, $$$$$: 120 + – for two people, before taxes and gratuities.Piccolo Diavolo • $$$
• 1336, Sainte-Catherine Est • 514 526-1336 This little devil is sure to tempt you with his sinfully delicious Italian cuisine. Chef Paul Éric Boucher, a slow food and comfort food advocate, defies imagination to delight your palate. Be sure to say hello to the lovely co-owner, Myriam, whose smile and hospitality have made the eatery’s reputation.
Bistro Le Porto • $$$
• 1365, Ontario Est • 514 527-7067• www.bistroleporto.com
An authentic Lisbon bistro right in Montréal. Fine regional cuisine reminiscent of sunny Portugal, some 60 types of port available by the glass and a few rare bottles of this exceptional wine. Neighbouring Grill Barroso serves charcoal grilled delicacies. Grill Barroso $.
L’Armoricain • $$
• 1550, Fullum • 514 523-2551This restaurant serves colourful fine cuisine and takes its name from the Armorica region, which at one point comprised Brittany and the Loire.
Au Petit Extra • $$$
• 1690, Ontario Est • 514 527-5552• www.aupetitextra.com
For years this establishment has been welcoming a clientele composed primarily of regulars who are charmed by both the menu and the ambiance.
Tabla • $$
• 1329, Sainte-Catherine Est • 514 523-6464This new Indian restaurant has lots to boast about.
Dame Tartine Déjeuner Et Dîner • $
• 1652, Ontario Est • 514 524-1134Low prices, no fried foods, so no trans fats! A healthy breakfast is a great way to start your day. Owners Nathalie and Natacha want to you to return in fine form!
Élla Grill • $$$
• 1237, Amherst • 514 523-5553Grilled foods and fish prepared à la grecque and served amid a pristine white décor.
Bangkok • $$
• 1201, de Maisonneuve Est • 514 527-9777Don’t expect a chichi décor—the focus is on what’s on your plate. Savour the tastes and aromas of Thailand, as if you were there.
Phó Viet • $
• 1663, Amherst • 514 522-4116Just steps from Gotha (see below), you’ll enjoy the flavours of Vietnam. Savoury cuisine at really low prices! Bring your own wine or beer.
Miyako • $$$
• 1439, Amherst • 514 521-5329One of the veterans of Japanese cuisine in Montréal. Every specialty you could want served at your table or in the privacy of a tatami room.
Restaurant O’Thym • $$$
• 1112, de Maisonneuve Est • 514 525-3443Bistro cuisine featuring the aroma of fresh herbs. You can bring your own wine. Closed Monday evenings.
Coo Rouge • $$$
• 1844, Amherst • 514 522-4114A nice little terrace in the summertime, quite charming and sheltered from the eyes of passers by. Tex-mex cuisine and a friendly atmosphere.
Village's Sushi Shop • $$
• 1471, Sainte-Catherine Est • 514 529-0888 Choose from fresh pre-packed items or have your order prepared to your liking. In the summer, take your sushi to go and enjoy it at Parc Lafontaine, four streets to the north.
SHOW TIME!
A zest of culture
L’Usine C
• 1345, Lalonde • 514 521-4493• www.usine-c.com
This former industrial building once housed the Raymond confectionery, one of the big employers of the south-central neighbourhood that is now the Village. Today Usine C is a cultural centre run by CARBONE 14, an experimental theatre troupe that celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2004 and is the leader of Québec’s cultural avant-garde.
Théâtre Prospero
• 1371, rue Ontario Est • 514 526-6582• www.laveillee.qc.ca
Another cultural centre dedicated to original theatre, from Québec and elsewhere, the Théâtre Prospero presents new works as well as shows put on by guest companies.
Esapce Libre
• 1945, Fullum • 514 521-4191• www.espacelibre.qc.ca
This one-time fire station, renovated and transformed into a cultural centre, also serves as the headquarters of the Nouveau Théâtre Expérimental and the Omnibus troupe.
Écomusée du fier monde
• 2050, Amherst • 514 528-8444• www.ecomusee.qc.ca
A fine example of 1920s architecture, this former bathhouse is now a museum that explores the history of blue-collar and industrial Montréal.
Galerie dentaire
• 1239, Amherst • 514 523-5535 Different to say the least! A dental clinic that makes space available to contemporary artists. Exhibitions year-round.
Le Lion d’Or
• 1676, Ontario Est • 514 598-0709• www.aupetitextra.com
The home of Montreal’s mythical underground of the 1930s and 40s has been returned to its former glory. Audiences are thrilled by diverse performances and eclectic evenings. Visit its Web site for programming details.
Maison Radio-Canada
• 1400, René-Lévesque Est • 514 597-7787This noble institution, home to public television and radio, offers guided tours of its corridors. Reservations required - group only.
Centre d’exposition La Prison-des-Patriotes
• 903, de Lorimier • 450 472-1005The Pied-du-Courant building is now the head office of the Société des alcools du Québec, the province’s liquor board. Built in 1832, it was a men’s prison until the beginning of the 20th century.
Church of Saint-Pierre-Apôtre
• 1201, de la VisitationBuilt in 1853, this neo-gothic church also houses the “chapel of hope”, the first chapel in the world dedicated to AIDS victims.
COCKTAIL TIME?
Cheers!
Sky
• 1474, Sainte-Catherine Est • 514 529-6969 • www.complexesky.comImmense pub known for its happy hour and, especially, its Sunday “T-Dances” that have Montréal’s DJs striving to outdo one another to keep the crowd dancing all night long. In the summer, the roof becomes a magnificent terrace with a whirlpool and swimming pool.
Le Cabaret à Mado
• 1115, Sainte-Catherine Est • 514 525-7566 • www.mado.qc.ca
Queen of the village and cabaret diva, Mado Lamotte may be Montréal’s kitschiest star, but she’s also the most popular. With their caustic humour and lack of taboos, her drag queen shows attract huge gay and straight audiences.
Gotha
• 1641, rue Amherst • 514 526-1270Slightly off-Village, Gotha is a great little bar lounge where owners Langis and Yvon combine good music with a relaxed ambiance. It’s the ideal spot for enjoying a chat. In the winter, the fireplace enhances the cozy atmosphere.
Le Drugstore
• 1366, Sainte-Catherine Est • 514 524-1960Huge complex located on Rue Sainte-Catherine. Its happy hours are hugely popular among the lesbian community. You go, girl!
GOING OUT DANCING?
Party Time!
Le Parking
• 1296, rue Amherst • 514 282-1199• www.parkingbar.com
Huge club on two floors boasting three distinct ambiances: house music, 1980s retro and alternative. It’s impossible to determine the average age—the club attracts such a varied clientele.
Unity II
• 1171, rue Sainte-Catherine Est • 514 523-2777• clubunitymontreal.com
The average age is 25 and the music is pure house. The club’s mission: to get you dancing. Theme nights with popular guest DJs.
Le Stud
• 1812, rue Sainte-Catherine Est • 514 598-8243• www.studbar.com
Two dance floors, billiard tables and talented local DJs. The clientele’s average age is between 30 and 40. Definitely for the leather and skin crowd!
Stereo
• 858, Sainte-Catherine Est • 514 286-0300• www.stereo-nightclub.com
The Montréal hotspot for house music and all its progressive and alternative derivatives. Stereo is considered to have the best acoustics of any club in North America, so it’s no surprise that the world’s top DJs come here to perform. On weekends you can dance from 2:00 a.m. (yes, you read right) until noon. The clientele is sociable, heterogeneous and hetero-friendly.
Circus
• 915, Sainte-Catherine Est • 514 844-0188• www.circusafterhours.com
Three dance floors, three styles. A hip-hop floor where a young clientele moves to the beat of the genre’s best DJs. Two other floors where house and techno also have partiers grooving until the wee hours. The gay-friendly clientele is a little younger than the people who frequent its neighbour, Stereo.
DRESSING UP?
Time to shop!
Looking to spend or just do some window shopping? That is the question! The Village boasts no fewer than four shopping streets with hundreds of stores ranging from fashion boutiques to shops specializing in nutritional supplements, not to mention antique dealers and a tobacco shop where you can buy Cuban cigars that are impossible to find in the United States. Take your time and explore Sainte-Catherine, Amherst and Ontario streets on foot, for the sheer joy of discovery.
Priape
• 1311, rue Sainte-Catherine Est • 514 521-8451 • www.priape.com
Priape is somewhat responsible for the Village growing to the extent that it has. It’s a large boutique where consumers can find just about anything, with an excellent leather shop in the basement.
Boutique Joe Blo
• 1412, de la Visitation • 514 597-2330Despite its small surface area, this shop has an impressive selection of men’s clothing and accessories that you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere.
LOVE IN THE HAIR
Need a hair do?
Mohawk Barbier Etc
• 1305, Papineau • 514 524-7582• www.mohawkmontreal.ca
Bar, shoe shine, and barber services. They will take care of your beard and hair and shine your shoes and boots! Men’s fashion accessories available.
CELEBRATE?
It would be so fun...
- Le Bal des Boys
December 31 • www.bbcm.org - Cupidonc
Mid-february • www.cupidonc.com - RED Weekend
Valentine’s weekend • www.bbcm.org - White Party Week
Easter weekend • www.balenblanc.com - Weekend Hot & Dry
Mid-may (Queen Mother’s Day Weekend) • www.bbcm.org - Village International Art Fest
Canada Day weekend (July 1st) - Pride Parade Weekend
End of July • www.celebrations-lgbta.org - Divers/Cité (Pride Week)
Beginning of August • www.diverscite.org - TWIST Weekend
July-Divers/Cité : last weekend • www.bbcm.org - Black & Blue Week
Thanksgiving/Columbus Day (USA) weekend, mid-October • www.bbcm.org - image + nation Montréal International Queer Film Festival
November • www.image-nation.org
André Quenneville
Photos: © Tourisme Québec
2009-04-24
