Montreal Raises the Bar – the Wine Bar that is

November 2009

MontrealWine_600

Known as a sexy city with a European feel, it comes as no surprise that wine culture is an integral part of life in Montreal. With “bring your own wine” restaurants on almost every corner, and a choice of wine bars almost as varied as the grapes they’re made from, Montreal is certainly setting the wine bar high!

Since I’ve spent so many moments kicking back with girlfriends over a glass of grape, here is an ode to my favorite Montreal Wine Bars.

1) BU

MontrealWine_250When I think of European-style wine bars, BU immediately comes to mind. Two authentic Italian mamas, cooking up delicious antipasti such as carpaccio, bresaola and caponata, run this little wine bar in Montreal’s Mile End neighborhood. In addition, the wine list is comprised of some 500 entries, most of them private imports. They have more than 25 unique wines offered by the glass, and the selection changes on a weekly basis. Bu is classic and trendy, upscale but casual.

BU

5245 St-Laurent

514 276-0249

Laurier Metro

2) Pullman

Pullman is divided in three levels of sophisticated, eccentric decor (for example, the stunning chandelier made out of wine glasses). The wine list is audacious and well-traveled and offers more than 300 different kinds of wine, 50 of which available by the glass. Dishes are small and perfect for sharing while you sip your vino of choice.

PULLMAN

3424 Parc Avenue

514 288-7779

Place-des-Arts Metro

3) Bouchonné

Bouchonné is one of Montreal’s funkiest wine bars, providing guests with a warm, comfy atmosphere, red vinyl seats, and an open kitchen behind the bar. What I like most about this place, besides the décor, cozy ambiance and super friendly service is the different formats of wine. Tasting different wines and training your palate is made easy with a choice of 2 oz. or 5 oz. wine glasses, plus 500 ml or full bottles. Although there is a variety of tapas-sized dishes and appetizers, Bouchonné also offers bigger meals for diners with heartier appetites.

BOUCHONNÉ

5171 St-Laurent

514 273-8846

Laurier Metro

4) Buvette Chez Simone

If you’ve been trying to figure out where the artsy advertising and film professionals hang out…search no more. They’re at Buvette Chez Simone, winding down (or up) at this modern, yet rustic wine refuge. The wine list is relatively short and sweet and the menu includes a choice of fine deli meats, cheeses and salads. When you want to let your hair down in a relaxed sophisticated atmosphere, Buvette Chez Simone makes a great venue for an evening out with your girlfriends.

Check out my Sex in the City moment at Buvette Chez Simone!

Buvette Chez Simone

4869 Parc Avenue

514 750-6577

Laurier Metro

5) Pop!

From 5:30 p.m. onwards, cocktails become POPtails at this wine lounge that has a distinct sixties vibe. With Chef James McGuire behind the wheel, Pop is certainly one of my favorite Montreal wine bars. The wine list is amazing and the food here is absolutely delicious! Don’t forget to try the POPtarts, one of their main attractions, in addition to the splendid wine selection and Quebec cheeses served with loads of jellies, jams, toasted nuts and other seasonal garnishes.


POP! BAR A VIN

250 des Pins

514 287-1648

Laurier Metro

Santé! (cheers! en français)

6 thoughts on “Montreal Raises the Bar – the Wine Bar that is

  1. I think you’ve left out one of Montreal’s best kept secrets – Les trois petits bouchons on St-Denis.

    Also, Pop! is nowhere near Laurier metro – just 5 mins from Sherbrooke.

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