This spring break, I had the pleasure to travel to Montreal, Canada. Unfortunately, my stay wasn’t as long as I would have liked, but I was able to travel around Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal) and sample a few different restaurants. Here are just a few of the places you should try if you visit Vieux-Montréal:
Crêperie du Marché
This creperie is located in Marché Jean-Talon which is a farmer’s market located in Little Italy. (Okay, okay... it's not Old Montreal, but it's definitely worth the trip!) The market sells fresh produce and is home to many small restaurants including Crêperie du Marché. The creperie is located just inside the market and has indoor heating during the winter months. Its food is reminiscent of food-truck-style, and all crepes are made from gluten-free buckwheat flour. There is also a clear concern for the economy, as all of their disposable tableware is made out of a corn-based plastic and is easily compostable. The employees are so friendly and speak English, although there is a thick French accent. The atmosphere was so welcoming! I split the mushroom – béchamel sauce – ham – cheese crepe with my travel buddy (who was my dad), and we both were stuffed after finishing ½ of a huge crepe.
BEVO Pizzeria + Bar
Bevo is located in Old Montreal and is a local favorite. The restaurant is split into two halves: the right side is the bar and the left is the pizzeria. (There is a top level, but I wasn’t able to view that since it was closed for a private party.) You can watch the chef make your pizza at the brick-oven located next to the downstairs dining area. It is a sit-down eating experience, and the wait-staff is extremely helpful in explaining their menu. My dad and I split the salame pizze (salami pizza) and each had a pint. There aren’t too many beers on tap, but the selection is wonderful.
Brit & Chips
It’s a little taste of England in Old Montreal. This fish and chips place offers a variety of different ways to try the battered classic. There are six different fish to try and one fish of the month. Each fish is fried in a different batter. For example: Cod is fried in a Burgundy batter, while Haddock is fried in a maple syrup batter. Frying Haddock in a maple syrup batter creates a Canadian twist on the British staple. The entire staff is so friendly, even the customers are too! There’s more than just fish and chips, as well. There are pasties, pies, sausage rolls, salads, and “nibbles,” which are like appetizers.
La Cage Brasserie Sportive
This is the classic sports bar (in Canada, this is known as the classic hockey bar)… but with, in my opinion, better food. There’s more of a selection than our normal sports bar, and all of the beers were what you would normally find at a bar. The atmosphere felt more inviting than an American sports bar – it might have been because there wasn’t a live CHL (Canadian Hockey League) game on that night. The staff was enjoyable, the food was fantastic, and the bread pudding bites were to die for. I would definitely recommend the blitz burger with a pint of Stella Artois. Don’t forget the poutine!
If you can't find the will to travel outside of the States, hopefully this (or this) gets you to apply for your passport and hit the road (to the border or the airport)!
