Montreal might lack solid infrastructure, capable leadership, an honest police force, etc. But hot damn, there's no shortage of coffee shops (hipster or otherwise). Our city is a smorgasbord of cafés that suit every possible need. How do you narrow down your favorites?
I've always been a creature of habit and convenience. I'm also staunchly brand loyal. After one or two of pleasant experiences, I'm usually hooked forever. Let's start with my neighborhood, and preferred haunts therein. Get your travel mugs ready.
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| LE PETIT BRULOIR (8485 ST. LAURENT BLVD.) |
Le Petit Bruloir
Moderately random location and a teensy space, Le Petit Bruloir was my go-to coffee place when I worked in the area. The northbound 55 bus basically drops you off at their front door. I guarantee you're not finding better coffee for blocks and blocks. But that isn't even the point, because their coffee is genuinely GOOD anyway. They make tasty, creamy lattes. (I'm an oat milk person. You?) Hot or iced, you're in for a satisfying caffeinated beverage.
Bonus: Their scones are incredible. Never knew scones could taste like anything but chalk and crumbs. LPB proved me wrong with their soft, chewy, buttery confections. Different flavors are prepared fresh each day :)
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La Distributrice
La Distributrice might be my favorite spot in the city.
This literal hole in the wall offers all the essentials (espresso, americano, latte, dairy and non-dairy milk) without the fuss of a larger walk-in establishment. I love the efficiency of their curbside counter. You're served right on the sidewalk, through their window. (Which makes for an easy impulse purchase if I'm out with Reggie.)
As for the coffee, I've only ever been super pleased. Not the bitter, borderline sour variety normally found in third wave coffee places. I also tried macadamia milk for the first time here lol.
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| CAFE MYRIADE -- LE PLATEAU (4627 ST. DENIS) |
Myriade
Reggie loves this place. I'm not trying to be funny -- he actually leads us to their entrance when we pass by. He'll even try crossing the street if we're on the wrong side of St. Denis. (It's happened multiple times.) His fandom is hardly a problem because I really like it here, too! Their coffee tastes good, the service is friendly, they offer a decent selection of baked goods, and I can almost always find a spot on their patio out front. And if you didn't already guess, they're fairly dog-friendly. It's perfect.
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| CAFE NEVE -- FRANK & OAK ST. VIATEUR (160 ST VIATEUR EAST #105) |
Neve
This choice might be controversial. Cafe Neve has a solid fan base that sprouted around its original location on Rachel St. Saying you prefer an offshoot in a clothing store could be considered sacrilege. I respect that. And yet... This spot is my favorite of the chain. Good coffee, legendary chocolate chip cookie. They are dog-friendly, too. (During the summer, there's usually a water bowl by the door.)
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| CAFE LARUE & FILS -- JARRY (405 JARRY EAST) |
Larue
Another favorite from my days of working in the area. Larue was often my port in the storm after a long day (and what felt like an even longer walk from the office to Jarry metro). Cute space. Smooth, very tasty coffee. Also, for a minute, this was the only place I could buy Oatly by the carton. My hero!
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HONORABLE MENTIONS
I'd be remiss to leave these guys out...
Caffe in Gamba (5263 Parc Ave.) for being open early on weekends so we can get coffee while walking Reggie.
Noble Cafe (430 Laurier E.) for their Flotteur.
Cafe Eclair (12 Maguire) for serving kouign amann by the slice.
Le Cafe Melbourne (4615 St. Laurent) for opening a curbside coffee counter during the pandemic. They also make a Lucky Charms Latte -- I'm obviously super excited to try it.
Do you have a favorite spot in this neck of the woods? Or anywhere else in Montreal, for that matter? I'd love to hear about it :)
Image credit (Le Petit Bruloir 1): Th3rdwave
Image credit (Le Petit Bruloir 2): Camille Campeau
Image credit (La Distributrice): Twitter
Image credit (Cafe Neve): Eater
Image credit (Cafe Myriade): Perfect Daily Grind
Image credit (Larue): Pinterest (please reach out to me if you know the source)
