5 Montreal restaurants that closed their doors for good in 2024
Still dreaming of Momesso subs... 🤤💭
The Montreal skyline during the summertime taken from the Mont-Royal lookout. Right: A "closed" sign on a Montreal business.
Montreal's restaurant scene has suffered a significant blow this year with a handful of restaurant closures. And we aren't just talking about your average Montreal eatery, these are institutions that have made the city a renowned culinary hub.
Each closure certainly marks more than just the end of another dining experience, it brings an end to an era of innovative cuisine, family favourites, celebrations and of course the years and years of passion poured into running a successful Montreal restaurant.
Montreal restaurants that have been around for decades, like Bar B Barn and Momesso Caffé Sportivo have closed their doors for good — and they aren't the only hot spots to have said their final goodbyes.
Here are five Montreal restaurants that have (sadly) closed in 2024 so far.
Bar B Barn
Montreal's iconic Bar B Barn permanently closed its West Island location, ending a long-standing era. Recognizable by its distinctive yellow and brown colours, the restaurant has been famous for its delicious ribs and chicken since its establishment in 1967. Following the closure of its original downtown location in 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis, its sister location has also ceased operations.
Though the exact reason remains unconfirmed, speculation suggests the owner's retirement. Despite being a loss to Montreal's food scene, patrons had a two-week window to savour Bar B Barn's specialties before its official closure on March 11, 2024.
Madison's West Island
Madisons stood as a family favourite spot for signature steak cuts and all around good vibes. The family-run restaurant was the only Madisons location on the Island of Montreal, and while chains still exist in both the South Shore and Laval, the West Island eatery will forever be a staple dinner spot in Montreal.
After years of serving up ribs, chicken, steak and seafood, Madison's Kirkland location officially closed its doors last winter, with a few TikTok videos of the staff's final goodbye leading resto regulars to feel nothing short of heartbroken over the closure.
Brasserie T!
The Toqué restaurant group, helmed by Chef Normand Laprise, closed all of its Brasserie T! eateries due to pandemic-induced setbacks. Initially thriving, the expansion plans initiated in 2019 encountered an extraordinary amount of hurdles. Operating costs at the avenue Beaumont's production kitchen began to falter due to inflation and staffing issues.
Sadly, Brasserie T!, Comptoir-Épicerie and the production kitchen are no longer. Despite this setback, Laprise and co-founder Christine Lamarche are committed to ensuring Toqué!'s continued success, which still stands as one of the best restaurants in the world.
Momesso's Caffé Sportivo
Momesso’s, the iconic café and restaurant nestled in the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough, has also bid farewell to its loyal patrons this year. The closure, announced via a Facebook post on January 22nd, left many Momesso fans disheartened as they missed out on their final chance to savour the renowned Italian subs.
Owner Paolo Momesso, on the cusp of his 70s, officially retired, marking the end of a remarkable 46-year culinary journey. From local regulars to visitors from afar, the outpouring of nostalgia underscores Momesso’s significance in Montreal's gastronomic landscape.
Bier Markt Montreal
It appears as if the Bier Markt in Montreal, (formerly) located on boulevard René-Lévesque Ouest, has also closed its doors for good. Despite there being no official announcement from Bier Markt, the store itself is no longer in use, as seen while driving by in downtown Montreal as well as several disappointed Google reviews stunned over the sudden closure.
Known for its selection of beers, cocktails, cheap eats and live music, the Bier Markt chain is no more in Montreal. For those who can't bear to live sans Bier Markt, the restaurant still remains open in Ottawa and Toronto.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
This article has been updated since it was originally published on March 18, 2024.
- Just For Laughs Cancels 2024 Festival In Montreal To Avoid Bankruptcy ›
- This New Montreal Restaurant Lets You Build Your Own Pasta Bowl ›
- Iconic Montreal Restaurant Bar B Barn Is Officially Closing Its Doors In The West Island ›
- 6 restaurants and fast-food chains Montrealers say they miss the most - MTL Blog ›
