Best Montreal Terrasses For Summer 2015
There is maybe no finer time in Montreal than summer time, and more specifically, that magical season known as Terrasse Season! After the long, punishing winter, and as the heat finally settles in, Montreal really does show its true colours with the return of al fresco dining (and drinking!). Literally every available sidewalk, backyard, and rooftop in the city come alive.
Whether it's casual 5 à 7's, weekend drink fests, or simply some fun in the sun, Montreal terrasses are undoubtedly our most favourite places to be during the summer. But with so many to choose from, it can be a little daunting to the uninitiated and/or indecisive. Drinking outside is always a good time, here's where to do it this summer.
1. McKibbin's
McKibbin's is one of Montreal's original Irish pubs located in the heart of downtown and offers everything you expect from a friendly, neighbourhood bar. With over 20 imported and local micro-brewery draft lines on tap, fantastic homemade pub food, daily happy hour specials, and live music every night, their festive courtyard terrasse makes the perfect place for a casual round of drinks with friends, whether it's a sunny afternoon or warm summer eves. This month, they are opening their additional street-front sidewalk terrace, for those who like to see and be seen. McKibbin's also has three other locations each with their own unique terrasse ambience for you to check out.
2. Muzique
Already one of the hottest clubs in the city, Muzique features an intimate and luxurious terrasse with a one of a kind view overlooking all the action of The Main. With its modern design featuring an imported granite bar and a classic Mediterranean cedar structure, Muzique's rooftop terrasse is one of the most stylish spots to turn up this summer. And that's not even mentioning the amazing custom hand-pressed cocktails. The terrasse is also available for private rentals for your special events.
3. Saloon Bistro Bar
Restaurant, supperclub, and all-round hot spot, Saloon Bistro Bar's terrasse is ideal to enjoy all the vibrancy of the Gay Village and especially the "Aires Libres" pink balls installation, which transforms that section of St-Catherine Street to people-watching paradise. Renowned for its lively 4 @ 7's and delicious bistronomie cuisine featuring local and international specialties, Saloon Bistro Bar also makes some killer cocktails and offers great late-night specials.
4. Rosalie
For years, Rosalie has been a top destination for modern fine dining and impeccable service, recognized for its private cellar, wood burning oven, and glamorous terrasse. This year, the terrasse is open and coming back with a bang, as Rosalie has just renovated and expanded to offer what is sure to be even more fabulous. The official launch will host the Lobster Clam Jam after-party on May 24, and will of course be primed for Grand Prix weekend. Do not forget to make a reservation as it fills up quickly.
5. Time Supper Club
Time's terrasse offers the style and elegance you would expect from one of the city's swankiest supper clubs. This versatile 4,000 sq.ft. space can be transformed for all types of events including 5 à 7's, formal banquets, wedding receptions, corporate events, club nights, and some of the craziest bachelor and bachelorette parties. Offering incredible party deals, Time Supper Club can also be rented for private events. You and your friends are sure to enjoy Time's luxurious terrasse for its amazing food, music and ambiance. With a rotating summer schedule, there is definitely a little something for everyone. Here’s how you should be spending your weeks at Time Supper Club this summer:
Tuesday: Cheesy Tuesday, shisha night with DJ Arabica
Thursday: Deep Jeudi, deep house night, where you’ll find a more mature ambiance and crowd, with Jojo Flores and Pat Boogie
Friday: Oasis with Cabana, Senudiz, and Conrad
Saturday: A night that is hosted by yours truly, Time Supper Club with many different DJs such as Tomboi, Royce and Tan, Bryan Shipley, and Poppa D & Cook
6. Nesta
Part club/part lounge, Nesta completely renovated their terrasse recently to offer an intimate and stylish space that combines the best of both worlds. With a playlist that spans 6 decades, you'll love Nesta's chill, relaxed, and sophisticated vibe that truly needs to be experienced to fully appreciate. Friendly staff, tasty cocktails, and even more interesting shooters with names such as 'OMG', 'Mountain Dew Me', and 'The Walk of Shame', make this a great place to simply hang and converse with friends, or step inside to jump around and party.
7. Scena
Ideally located at the Old Port, Scena benefits from incredible views of the river, the marina and Old Montreal. With a focus on fresh and quality cuisine, Scena's bistro terrace is the perfect place to savour a relaxed meal and specials on delicious cocktails. The terrasse is open 7 days a week from 11:30 to midnight, with a DJ on Thursdays, a blues duo on Fridays and beautiful people all week long, and Scena also doubles as a creative event space, offering a truly unique experience for all of your personal or professional affairs.
8. Hyatt Regency
With its unique and breathtaking view directly overlooking Montreal's Quartier des spectacles, the Hyatt Regency's SIX Resto Lounge offers the ultimate terrasse for viewing the city's many vibrant events including the International Jazz Festival, the Francofolies, Just for Laughs and more. Find an elegant yet laid-back ambiance with a gourmet summer-inspired menu, created by the hotel’s very own executive Chef, Simon Renaud. They’ve also got a list of refreshing cocktails so make sure to check out their Happy Hour specials every Thursday for their 5 à 7 (which actually goes from 5PM to 11PM) - the cocktails are divine! Whether you’re looking for somewhere to unwind after a long day at work, or maybe do some networking while enjoying the sun, the Hyatt Regency Terrasse is a must visit this summer. Their terrasse is open every day for you to enjoy (with no service) except for on Thursday.
9. Stogies Cigar Lounge
Besides the fact that Stogies has one of the largest selections of premium cigars in the province, as well as a killer selection of scotch, you'll find a cozy and upscale terrasse in the heart of downtown. Located one floor above the always lively Crescent Street, Stogies' terrasse puts you close enough to the action without feeling all the hustle and bustle. Enjoy a fine Cuban and/or sip on one of over 101 different martinis at one of Montreal’s few remaining cigar lounges,
10. Le Belmont
For almost 30 years, Le Belmont has been an awesome venue for underground electronic and hip hop shows. Right on the corner of Mount-Royal and Saint-Laurent, Le Belmont sports The Main's largest elevated terrasse and is the perfect location to enjoy a drink (or two, or five) in the heart of the Plateau. Ideal for some people watching and located close to the mountain, Le Belmont's terrasse always provides a great summer vibe. This year it will be open for all 11 days of Montreal's Mural Fest and it will be featuring some of Montreal's best DJs every afternoon and well into the night.
11. Terrasses Labo Culinaire Foodlab (SAT)
Located on the third floor of the Société des Arts Technologiques, the Foodlab offers a casual terrasse overlooking Peace Park below. Chefs Michelle Marek and Seth Gabrielse create a delicious menu focused on local and international themes that changes bi-weekly paired with a changing selection of wines. Open Tuesday to Friday, this is a great spot for a laid-back 5 à 7 or chill date.
12. Terrasse Nelligan
Montreal has got many stellar rooftop terrasses, but the one at the Nelligan Hotel probably has one of the most stunning views of them all. Nestled five stories high above gorgeous Old Montreal, sip fancy cocktails and mingle with sexy Montrealers all while admiring Notre Dame Basilica's beautiful architecture or the majestic St-Laurence River. The outdoor kitchen grills up amazing food, and retractable awnings means good times rain or shine.
13. Complexe Sky
With a pool, a hot tub, and a restaurant, Sky's rooftop terrasse definitively has no shortage of fun in the sun. Enjoy a mini oasis in the heart of the Gay Village with live DJ's starting everyday at 2 pm, drag queen shows, colourful cocktails, and guaranteed lively atmosphere. Sky is also ideal for watching the fireworks if you don't feel like standing around under the bridge.
14. Le Sainte-Elisabeth
Le Sainte-Elisabeth is a bit off the beaten path unless you already know about it. Those that do, know that the mellow pub hides one of Montreal's most intimate beer gardens that's perfect for those warm summer nights. Protected by massive ivy-covered stone walls, affordable beer, friendly staff and cozy vibe are unbeatable.
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Photo cred - St-Ambroise
15. St-Ambroise
Montreal's Lahine Canal is one of the city's prime summertime destinations for its variety of activities, but also for the beautiful St-Ambroise terrasse. Located along the canal, enjoy a truly unique setting, good food and good beer which also happens to be brewed right inside. The terrasse tends to fill up quickly, so it doesn't hurt to make call ahead of time, but bare in mind they only take reservations Monday-Wednesday before 4:30 pm.