The Plateau-Mont-Royal is one of the city's most picturesque boroughs between its historic architecture, spiral staircases, and tree-lined streets. But it's not just a looker. It's got substance. The neighbourhood is packed with shops, bars and restaurants which — aside from a quintessential Montreal aesthetic — also embody a quintessential Montreal attitude: hip, artsy and cool without trying too hard to be cool. Naturally, that means the area is brimming with unique holes-in-the-wall that every Montrealer should know and frequent. Editor's Choice: 9 Quebec Road Trips To Take If You're Obsessed With Cheese Sure, other boroughs probably have great hole-in-the-wall spots too. But the Plateau, which also houses the Mile End, is just the right mix of Montreal's classic charm with trendy attractions. It's the perfect place to bring a friend who's visiting from out-of-town, to hit up a dive bar, to eat a wide variety of cuisines, to shop vintage clothes or to simply sit in a park (perhaps La Fontaine or Saint-Louis Square) and watch the hipsters go by. Whatever you choose to do in the Plateau, you'll only get the full experience if you check out its best holes-in-the-wall — and the fact that your wallet will thank you certainly doesn't hurt either. Drogheria Fine View this post on Instagram So happy to be back in my sweet Little Rhody, but I would drive six hours again just to eat this sauce @drogheriafine again. One of the fan favorites on our @secretfoodtours tour, for sure (and who am I kidding, I brought four jars of that sauce home). A post shared by Alex Grace (@snacksfortherhode) on Nov 27, 2019 at 5:00pm PST This place takes the phrase "hole-in-the-wall" literally. The tiny family-owned window shop is famous for its $5 gnocchi served in take-out boxes and slathered in nonna's homemade sauce. Website Else's View this post on Instagram Vue de la rue Roy coin de Bullion, au Plateau Mont Royal... Chez Elses. #elses #plateauMontRoyal #rueRoy #montreal #montrealResto A post shared by @ elses_mtl on May 28, 2015 at 3:02pm PDT Tucked away on a residential street, you might miss Else's if you didn't know any better (and if the bright blue exterior didn't tip you off) so it's a good thing you're reading this! Else's is the true definition of a neighbourhood pub: cozy, low-key, and affordable with a hand-written menu — plus, plenty of patrons from around the neighbourhood. Website Saint Sushi Plateau View this post on Instagram Les dates de coloc' avec elle 💕 A post shared by Gisele Werklé (@giselewerkle) on Aug 6, 2017 at 1:09am PDT Not everyone trusts sushi from unassuming locales, but we'll give you our word that you won't be disappointed here — even if there's sometimes a wait to get in. Their menu mixes traditional with modern takes like the Christmas Tree or Bob Marley Roll. Website Caraibe Delite View this post on Instagram you are what you eat // 🐓🌴🍚 // the best jerk chicken in montreal // this is the best type of meal, just tasty, not fussy, delicious food // a side of plantain chips and some hot sauce and I'm a happy man // @mijotee // #mtlmoments #livemontreal #🇨🇦 // A post shared by jono fleming (@jono.fleming) on Jun 8, 2015 at 5:25pm PDT Not many people know about this Guyanese-run Caribbean restaurant, but those who do rave about it. This is your new favourite joint for roti, curry and jerk chicken. Ask for their house habanero hot sauce! Nothing on the menu costs more than $11.75. Website Snack N' Blues View this post on Instagram Jésus un show surprise de Timber Timbre. 😁🎷 #mtlmoments #timbertimbre A post shared by Justine Grenier (@grenierj) on Sep 9, 2015 at 8:58pm PDT What other place could be described as having "bottomless free snacks and an assemblage of artists who play eclectic music"? This charming little spot is a go-to jazz bar for snack lovers... or snack bar for jazz lovers. There's also a pool table, a pull-down screen that displays music videos and lots of vinyl coming through the speakers. Website Le Majestique Resto Bar View this post on Instagram Official end of the birthday festivities ♥️ A post shared by Vanessa Oliver-Lloyd (@dansmoncrane) on Feb 29, 2020 at 5:48am PST Le Majestique doesn't look like much from the outside. But inside you'll be delighted by the kitschy decor, $2 oysters, interesting wines — and a rip-roaring good time. Website Barfly View this post on Instagram #montreal#montréal #mtl #bar#wallart #graffiti #graffitiart #architecture #architecturephotography #street #streetphotography #citylife #urbanphotography #cityscape #tree#arbre#mouche #fly#barfly#art#storefront A post shared by Benoit Cyr (@ben__montreal) on Mar 19, 2020 at 6:16am PDT Lonely Planet once described Barfly as "Cheap, gritty, loud, fun and a little bit out of control – just the way we like our dive bars. Live bluegrass and rockabilly bands and bedraggled hipsters hold court alongside aging rockers at this St-Laurent hole-in-the-wall." We don't think we could say it better. Website Parasol View this post on Instagram #lobstershack #ruelle #montreal #mainestyle #supportlocal #mileendmtl A post shared by cA (@caffe_aperitivo) on Jul 25, 2020 at 10:56am PDT A back alley lobster shack with a solid wine list. Yes, please! Website Le Royal View this post on Instagram Le Royal / Montreal / Canada . Mont-Royal can be the best neighbourhood to find a “chill” yet stylish environment when you visit @leroyal_mtl. Manager/bartender, @manootranquilo, and his crew have a great thing going and have been listed on the list of @canadasbest100 because of it! . Behind the bar in this photo: @smoke1bong A post shared by Brenton | Bars + Drinks (@wander.thirsty) on Aug 21, 2020 at 2:33pm PDT Fancier than a dive but lives up to hole-in-the-wall status due to its hidden, speakeasy vibes. This intimate basement cocktail bar will make you feel like you're in Mad Men, and you can rest assured you're in good hands with its mixologists. Website Crème Glacée Bo-Bec View this post on Instagram I like ice cream and I cannot lie 🍦🎶 . . . . #CremeGlaceeBoBec #PlateauMontRoyal #Montreal #NewLife #icecream #mango #Kulfi #Indien #MatchaTheVert #Caramel #FleurdeSel #savory #tasty #delicious #summertime #foodporn #foodgasm #foodies #mtlmoments #eeeeeats #514 #mtlfoodie #igfood #igers #igersmtl A post shared by Thé Raïze (@aznlamaaaaaaa) on May 19, 2020 at 1:20pm PDT On the corner of l'avenue Laurier E. and rue Chambord with its blue awning, Crème Glacée Bo-Bec could pass for just another depanneur. Instead, its interior has an old-school ice-cream shop look and feel. And the ice-cream itself is super creamy and decadent. Website À Paul Boutique View this post on Instagram #mtl A post shared by Eric Schweichler (@k9andkbd) on Jul 7, 2017 at 5:01am PDT This compact yellow record store on Mont-Royal boasts a wide selection of vinyl, CDs, DVDs, magazines and music memorabilia. They just don't make 'em like this anymore. Paul's feels like a precious relic to be appreciated. Website Bohème Friperie - Bohème Vintage View this post on Instagram La bohème 👗👜👡🌺 #friperie #vintage #mileend #montreal #mode #fashion #bohemian #window #boutique #shop #graphic #graphicdesign #streetphotography #quebec #travel #voyage #instatravel A post shared by Muriel Françoise (@_murielfrancoise) on Jul 5, 2017 at 7:56am PDT Although you can now find countless thrift stores in the Mile End, Bohème Friperie (also known as Bohème Vintage) was supposedly the first on its block. You can still find a wide selection of quality vintage clothing, including name brands, for both men and women. Website Romados View this post on Instagram Portuguese chicken A post shared by Thi Sar (@travel.wit.thy) on Oct 5, 2018 at 2:16pm PDT There's no shortage of casual, affordable and delicious Portuguese chicken options in the Plateau. And Romados is one of the best — especially if you like big portions and no-nonsense. Order at the counter and then join a second line for pick-up. Don't forget egg tarts for dessert. Website Coco Rico View this post on Instagram Nous sommes ouverts tous les jours jusqu'à 8pm seulement pour emporter et pour livraison avec @ubereats_canada Tous les services sont effectués au comptoir et seulement un maximum de 4 personnes à la fois. Merci de votre compréhension. - We're open everyday till 8pm only for takeout and delivery by @ubereats_canada All services are done at the counter and a maximum of 4 people at a time is allowed. Thank you for understanding. - Photo credits: Bryan Stone - #stayhome #prenezsoindevous #shoplocal #cocoricomtl #rotisseriecocorico #chicken #chickensandwich #roastedchicken #montreal #quebec #portugal A post shared by Rôtisserie Coco Rico (@cocoricomtl) on Apr 21, 2020 at 10:32am PDT Since it's the Plateau, we'll throw in one more excellent traditional Portuguese chicken rotisserie joint. If there's a line-up at one, it's good to have a back-up plan so no one gets hangry. Website La Chilenita View this post on Instagram @lachilenitamtl #chili #lunch #picnic #picnicfood #eatplaylive #eatingoutmontreal #mtlmoments #foodielife #foodblog #restaurantblog #blog #blogger #plateaumontroyal A post shared by Marie-Christine P (@eatingoutmontreal) on Oct 17, 2017 at 7:07pm PDT They don't call it "la casa de las empanadas" for nothing. This is empanada heaven! They also have other Chilean and Mexican classics, such as tacos and burritos. Website Boucherie Slovenia View this post on Instagram Les fidèles du boulevard reconnaîtront cet endroit au premier coup d’œil ! Avez-vous déjà dégusté un bon sandwich de la boucherie Slovenia? 😋🌭 📍3653 boulevard Saint Laurent . . . . #supportyourlocals #boulevardsaintlaurent #stlaurentlamain #summertime #lepmr #leplateau #plateaumontroyal #montréaljetaime #mtlmoments A post shared by Boulevard Saint-Laurent (@stlaurentlamain) on Aug 28, 2020 at 7:07am PDT Reviewers on Facebook say this spot has "The best smoked meat sandwiches in Montreal," "Most underrated sandwiches in Montreal" and "best bang for your buck." Plus, no line-ups to get in. All very bold yet worthy claims! Website
