Microbreweries to try in Montréal
Craving a tasty hand-crafted brew and some toothsome nosh to go with it? You’re in luck, because both are staples of Montréal’s thriving microbrewery scene. Discover our refresher on where to sip a delicious glass by itself or paired with culinary treats.
DOWNTOWN AND QUARTIER DES SPECTACLES
Benelux Brasserie artisanale
245 Sherbrooke Street West and 4026, Wellington Street
The downtown location of Benelux Brasserie artisanale has been a steady Montréal beer hub for the past 15 years, while the Verdun pub has one of the prettiest patios in the city. Delicious brews for all tastes, a well-informed and congenial staff and tasty snacks have all made its reputation.
Le Saint-Bock
1749 Saint-Denis Street
The big dreams of this micropub’s management have quickly put Le Saint-Bock on the map. It offers a wide array of on-tap beers and a huge choice of private imported bottles. One-of-a-kind events are also organized in this popular downtown destination.
L’Amère à Boire
2049 Saint-Denis Street
Traditional beers are gaining traction these days and that’s good news for l’Amère à Boire, which has been carving out its niche for over 20 years now. Tourists, students and discerning palates unanimously agree that its house beers are to die for. The menu is spot-on too, and it all rolls out in a beautiful and casual wood-and-brick décor.
Le Cheval Blanc
809 Ontario Street East
Montréal’s brewpub pioneer, Le Cheval Blanc, has aged extremely well, thanks to its superb hoppy creations by current brewer Isaël Dagenais. The eclectic crowd that congregates here almost every evening goes for its laid-back feel with a hint of vintage.
PLATEAU AND MILE END
Le Réservoir
9 Duluth Avenue East
Réservoir has been a little lower profile than when it first opened several years ago, but its spot-on location on the Plateau, amazing rooftop terrace, refined cuisine featuring a number of vegetarian options and great beers brewed on site make it a must for starting-out and seasoned beer lovers.
Siboire
5101 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
On the heels of the success of its Sherbrooke pubs, a few years back Siboire decided to try its luck in Montréal on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. The pub is huge, friendly and light-filled, and is matched by a constantly-evolving choice of beer and a delicious bistro-style menu.
Boswell Brasserie artisanale
2407 Mont-Royal Avenue East
Boswell Brasserie artisanale is a neighbourhood bar on the Plateau East, offering friendly service, craft beers brewed on site, inspired and inspiring cuisine and a selection of natural wines, funky ciders and festive bubbles. Looking for Sunday entertainment? This pub offers quiz nights, an ideal opportunity to test your knowledge and have fun.
HELM Microbrasserie
273 Bernard Street West
A darling little Mile End brewery, HELM Microbrasserie boasts a streamlined and chic décor, with brews and a unique cuisine that attract a flavor-seeking fauna. A variety of events showcasing exclusive products are regularly organized here.
Pub Pit Caribou
915 Rachel Street East
Ever since this adored Gaspésie brewer opened a franchise in Montréal, Pub Pit Caribou has continued to attract beer fans from far and wide. The accent here is placed both on beer and food—with products purveyed from the far corners of our beautiful province. An array of events involving internationally-renowned brewers have largely contributed to this pub’s success. A Plateau must!
Dieu du Ciel !
29 Laurier Avenue West
Definitely the Québec brewer whose star shines the brightest worldwide, Mile End’s Dieu du Ciel ! offers a vast selection of its creations (classics) as well as rare or experimental batches, much to the delight of new enthusiasts and picky palates. Its artfully refined menu pairs wonderfully with the house glasses.
Projet Pilote
980 Rachel Street East
In the heart of the Plateau, a few minutes walk from Parc La Fontaine, the chic Projet Pilote is a craft brewery, a distillery and a spirit bar all in one (it’s the only place in Québec where you can consume spirits made on site). The beer menu features a selection of some 20 creatively named brews with unique aromas. It’s the perfect spot for a great night out, where everyone is sure to find a beverage to their liking.
ROSEMONT-PETITE-PATRIE
Broue Pub Brouhaha
5860 De Lorimier Ave. and 10295 Papineau Ave.
With a fine menu of home-made beer and other brews to savour with a menu of typical pub dishes, the two Broue Pub Brouhaha locations have earned a reputation as temples of beer since 2008. Order the beer and poutiflette (yummy poutine) combo and feast in its relaxed tavern ambiance.
Beauregard Brasserie Distillerie
2255-A2 Dandurand Street
The young entrepreneurs behind this product took a dare and decided to brew only dark beers. They specialize in refining and fortifying stouts and porters, with some sour beers (always dark) also on the menu. You can whet your whistle there Saturdays only from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m.
La Succursale
3188 Masson Street
With the arrival of La Succursale about ten years ago, La Promenade Masson got a big makeover. A selection of beer brewed primarily onsite (including the very popular Petite-Côte), an inspiring menu and a magnificent street side terrasse comprise its many delights.
LITTLE ITALY, VILLERAY AND OUTREMONT
MELLÖN Brasserie
7141 Saint-André Street
MELLÖN Brasserie, this little brewery that’s making a big splash, not only for the quality of its beer but its brand image and social media presence. The two young entrepreneurs behind the project have tapped into beer lovers’ cravings to create delicious classic brews that sometimes branch out into more adventurous territory. Their tasting room, which is a stone’s throw from the Jean-Talon Market, is laid-back and welcoming.
Birra - Bar à Bières Maison
7129 Boul. Saint-Laurent
Located near Jean-Talon Market, Birra bar à bières offers a great selection of homemade draft beer (some of which are also sold to go in pretty and colourful cans). Music lover? The bar hosts a musical quiz every Monday night.
Brasserie Harricana
95 Jean-Talon Street West
With its casual-chic ambiance, gold-star beer and inspired cuisine, high praise has been heaped on Brasserie Harricana ever since it opened. The staff is knowledgeable and attentive.
EtOH Brasserie
8100 Saint-Denis Street
A Villeray must, EtOH Brasserie has quickly earned a solid reputation among Montréal brewers for its menu of beer brewed on site and other selections. It’s one of the few places in the city where the beer is served at varying temperatures according to the style, proof of the high esteem the owners hold for great brews.
Isle de Garde
1039 Beaubien Street East
Ever since it opened its doors, Isle de Garde has become a touchstone in the city’s brewing tapestry. A great respect for brewing, good food, impeccable service, two beautiful terrasses—one inside, one on busy Beaubien Street—and, of course, an impressive menu of beers from here and afar contribute to the pub’s popularity.
SOUTH-WEST
Brasseur de Montréal
1485 Ottawa Street
Brasseur de Montréal, one of Montréal’s greatest brewers in terms of volume, has been converting newbies to craft beer for many years now. Both of its locations are a hotspot for tourists, who go for its inviting décor and array of culinary choices.
Terrasse St-Ambroise (McAuslan)
5080 Saint-Ambroise Street
The huge, superb Terrasse St-Ambroise along the Lachine Canal continues to attract a loyal crowd during the summer season. It’s renowned for being one of the best spots to sip a great brew in the open air.
4 Origins
1304 Saint-Patrick Street
The latest little addition to Montréal’s brewing scene, 4 Origins has its home in Pointe-Sainte-Charles. You can purchase its beer in different specialized dépanneurs, or sample its products on site in its tasting room.
Messorem Bracitorium
2233 Pitt Street
Located in the Sud-Ouest neighbourhood, Messorem Bracitorium’s super hoppy beers sell like hotcakes. A great selection of beers is available if you discover their cache of cans has been depleted. The place, which has been strongly influenced by artisanal American brewers, is airy and welcoming.
Les Sans-Taverne – Coop et brasserie artisanale
1900 Le Ber Street
Les Sans-Taverne, an intriguing new venture in Pointe-Saint-Charles, where the star attraction is not only beer, but everything from art to gourmet food by local artists. With its friendly ambiance, and beers with tastes that range from classic to sometimes eccentric, they’ve hit upon a truly winning formula.
Memento - Brasserie Artisanale
2471 Saint-Patrick Street
Memento is a Montreal microbrewery located directly on the Lachine Canal. The eclectic atmosphere is inspired by geek culture, old school, cartoons, video games and comics. A great place to have fun and enjoy craft beer, organic wine, spirits, and great cocktails.
THE VILLAGE AND MONTREAL-EAST
L’espace public — Brasseurs de quartier
3632 Ontario Street East and 2287 Letourneux Avenue
A Hochelaga-Maisonneuve brewer, L’espace public – Brasseurs de quartier attracts a diverse crowd of people from the neighbourhood and fans of good brews. The beers brewed onsite are top-notch and the terrasse on Ontario attracts good crowds throughout the summer. It also serves as one of the neighbourhood’s cultural venues. We love it! They also have a brewhouse with a beautiful outdoor patio that serves as both tasting room for the chief brewer’s more adventurous experimentations that clients, of course, can’t wait to get their hands on.
Avant-garde Artisans Brasseurs
5500 Hochelaga Street
Jukebox and Avant-Garde beers can now be sipped in house in an industrial HoMa building that echoes the best taprooms of our southern neighbours. Beer lovers can try different-styled brews, a few of which are exclusive, with a great view of the brewing equipment as a backdrop.
OLD MONTRÉAL
Bistro-brasserie Les Sœurs grises
32 McGill Street
Close to De la Commune Street in Old Montréal, the Bistro brasserie Les Sœurs grises features a chic location where delicious beers are paired with exquisite cuisine showcasing southwestern U.S.-inspired smokehouse meats and tapas. Some bottled private imports are also available.
Pub Brewskey
380 Saint-Paul Street East
Three years after opening its doors, Pub Brewskey has become an Old Montréal must. This charming little tavern treats tourists as well as connoisseurs to a well-rounded beer menu and fabulous finger foods, while an impressive menu of scotch and whisky round out its appeal.