Eats and Treats for all

A remodeling of the contemporary bistro, Bistro L’Aromate doubles as a restaurant and a boutique. Popular among businesspeople during the day, the three-leveled restaurant proposes a refreshing look, as well as a refreshingly healthy menu. L’Aromate products, as well as take-out dishes and a catering service are all offered at the convenient and unobtrusive boutique. Dishes remain a relaxed $15 to $20, which, given the chill atmosphere, is a grand deal.

Located just a step below Ste-Catherine in the downtown core, Dunn’s has been serving their famous smoked meat since 1927. While the restaurant itself is rather small, it makes up for that in authentic charm. Waiters claim the best time to come is at night, when you can get the best cut of smoked meat, and get a chance to see the chef make Dunn’s even more famous cheesecake. Open 24 hours a day, it is a classic after-hours outfit.

Carlos & Pepes is a two-floored restaurant/bar fusion just up the street from Ste-Catherine. Serving authentic Mexican cuisine at outrageously cheap prices, it has become a well-known habitat for the blue collar and student population. The clientele is no different in the upstairs bar. Every Sunday and Monday night is Looney Night: $1 tacos, and $1 glasses of draft beer. It’s definitely one of the cheapest deals in the downtown core.

Not even a block north of Rue Ste-Catherine, Le Taj is arguably Montreal’s best Indian restaurant in the city. Unlike other restaurants of its ilk, the décor is far from tacky—like the food, the room has a positive air of authenticity. The famous Montreal chef specializes in mughali cuisine, and will give you a five-course meal for an inexpensive $25. Although the food is tangier than most Indian restaurants, he will pipe up the heat when asked.

Bar-B-Barn boasts that it has the world’s best ribs. So far, nobody seems to have countered its claim. The ribs are so famous that people have been known to drive all the way from northern Quebec just to claim a taste of Bar-B’s tasty morsels before heading all the way back. Although it is often packed and noisy, the service is so fast, you’re barely in, then you’re out. A must for any first-timers.

Popular among students and the like, 3 Amigos caters a mean Mexican and Cajun flavor to many a happy customer. Any visiting tourist needs to check out their huge fashionable margaritas, which last most customers their entire well-portioned meal. With its festive interior and colorful exterior, 3 Amigos is rapidly becoming a Montreal institution.

Just a step down from Place des Arts and the musical centre of Montreal, N Y K S offers a hip jazzy bar and grill. Playing progressive electro-lounge as well as classical jazz makes this a huge hit during the Montreal International Jazz Festival. Shows continue every Tuesday throughout the year, with some unforgettable performances by up-and-coming jazz aficionados.