And it looks like this town is big enough for both of those country-themed things and more because, last week, a new country-western restaurant and bar opened in the heart of downtown Montreal. Partners, we've got a first look for you. Yee-haw!
An exterior shot of Jack Saloon shows people sitting on the terrasse. @jacksaloon.crescent | Instagram
Say howdy to the Jack Saloon, which now occupies the second floor of the former Thursday's on rue Crescent.
While you may remember Jack Saloon from its Old Port location, which closed a few years ago, the downtown branch comes completely revamped: new logo, new 100% western identity and new brand director, Lawrence Picard, an award-winning mixologist who has worked with New City Gas, A5 Hospitality (Kampai, Flyjin, Nháºu bar), and JEGgantic Hospitality Group (Bord’elle, The Farsides, Boa Vida Yacht Club).
The bar at Jack Saloon.Jack Saloon | Handout
"Lawrence's incredible experience in food and beverage was exactly what I was looking for to secure Jack Saloon's future in the wake of the pandemic," said owner Sébastien Ménard in a press release.
Saloon doors, cow print chairs, booths and a neon sign that reads 'Jack Saloon.'Jack Saloon | Handout
"Sébastien's challenge really appealed to me, and I wanted to refine the concept with a definitive Western twist. I also want to showcase more of our culinary offerings, because the food here is truly incredible," added Picard, who completely revised the menu and musical offerings to be more in line with country-western trends.
Green booths, patterned wallpaper and ornate lanterns at Jack Saloon.Jack Saloon | Handout
The new menu focuses on Southern cuisine, taking notes from places like Nashville and Texas. And, yes, that does include Tex-Mex.
Think beef tartare served with marinated onions, bone marrow and buffalo sauce. Or salmon tartare with a garnish of nashos.
The seating area inside Jack Saloon in Montreal.Jack Saloon | Handout
There are also more shareable appetizers and vegetables available, including corn ribs, roasted broccoli with ranch sauce and deep-fried peppers topped with cream cheese and cheddar.
"We smoke our own salmon, chicken wings and smoked meat, among other [foods], in our central kitchen to ensure consistent product quality and unique taste," Picard said.
Described in the press release as "a nod to the days of the Wild West when cowboys drank a beer after work to quench their thirst and a shot of whiskey to relax," draft beers are on special every day from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. during which time you'll also be treated to a free shot of whiskey — a sort of deconstructed Boilermaker if you will.
You can also expect live musical performances every week, including country evenings and line dancing.
Franchisee Moussa Farha and Lawrence Picard sit on the couch at Jack Saloon Crescent. Jack Saloon | Handout
On Friday and Saturday after 11 p.m., Jack Saloon transforms into the nightclub Jack La Nuit with guest DJs and dancing all night long. But you'll probably want to leave your cowboy hats at home for those weekend parties because, according to the press release, Jack La Nuit is a "distinct second brand with its own identity."
Jack Saloon Crescent is one of nine Jack Saloon franchises that are either currently open or will soon open across Quebec.
Jack Saloon
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Southern United States (Nashville, Tex-Mex)
Address: 1445, rue Crescent
Why You Need To Go: Mosey on down if you're looking for country-western flare — from food to music to dancing to decor — right in the heart of Montreal's downtown core.
Jack Saloon website
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The views of the city from Montreal restaurant Hiatus located at Place Ville Marie.Courtesy of Alex Lesage
The views of the city from Montreal restaurant Hiatus located at Place Ville Marie.Courtesy of Alex Lesage
