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Brasserie Dieu Du Ciel
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 3 pm - 3 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
58 reviews for Brasserie Dieu Du Ciel
Review Highlights
"Not the widest selection of beers from every land."
(in 32 reviews)
"a peppercorn beer or the péché mortel itself."
(in 4 reviews)
"...beers (I loved their Rigor Mortis triple + Solstice d'hiver..."
(in 5 reviews)
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57 reviews in English
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Review from John D.
Updated - 1/8/2012
I was back here recently, and enjoyed a Solstice d' Hiver and some nachos at the bar. While watching the cook prepare his orders, I was thoroughly impressed with the care and precision with which he executed each step in the process. His work area was clean and organized, and all of his motions were clean and efficient.
This probably seems like a weird update, but funny things go through your mind when you are liberated by fine fermented beverages.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/21/2009
Attention beer connoisseurs: if you only have time to visit one brewery or bar during your visit to… Read more »
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Review from Johnson C.
Vancouver, BC
This was a must stop for me being a beer nerd - people on BeerAdvocate and RateBeer adore this place and I can see why.
17 microbrews on tap and the Péché Mortel was my favourite (seriously, "The Bros." on BA give this 100%). I'm not even a stout man (well... I am stout... just not a usual drinker of stout beer) - but I love coffee. And I love beer. This is the finest marriage of the two I've ever sampled. I normally drink IPAs, and the Mea Culpa (was more like cream ale) was the closest thing to what I define as an IPA.
On beer quality alone - this place is damned near perfect. But a few knocks:
1) The entire menu is scribbled on blackboards on the walls of the restaurant. I know it's a rotating menu - but come on, a few paper menus will save on squinting, neck cranking and mental strain of doing the equivalent of an eye exam when you are a few pints deep.
2) It's loud. REALLY loud. The music was kept to a reasonable level but the acoustics can use some dampening with the din of the crowd.
3) This is probably a Montreal thing - but no tabs (like most of the places I visited when I was in town). Probably just me - but I hate fiddling for change for every new round.
4) Service is slow and nary a server could be found when you needed one.
My recommendation: Go to this place in a small group and try to snag a seat at the bar. Less eye strain, quicker service and maybe you can start a tab if you have a trust-worthy face. Order a Péché Mortel and all is right in the world. -
Review from Janine T.
12/5/2011
It doesn't matter what night of the week it is, Dieu du Ciel is packed! This is where all the cool kids come to drink and unwind. The beers on tap are always changing and they are written up on the chalkboard, you never know what new brew they are going to have on tap, but there is always something for everyone.
They do have snacky food: nachos, grilled cheese, etc. but if you're smart, you will go get a layer of food in you before going to DdC because the food they make is basically all done in this Easy Bake Oven contraption and it arrives burnt 90% of the time; who cares, you are not here for the food, it's all about the best beer in the city! -
Review from Dan R.
12/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
It has been over a year since I visited this fine establishment, but I still remember the nectar of the gods that they serve up here. They create what is perhaps the best beer that I have ever tasted... and in true micro-brew fashion. And while I may not be able to describe the nuances of the flavor profiles... I like to think that I do know a great beer when I come across one! And I'd classify every beer that I sampled here on my 2 visits while in Montreal on the north side of great and fantastic...
Come thirsty and every chance you get!!! Great bar, great service, with great conversation with the friendly locals. If you are looking to sample and discuss the beer with the staff then show up early to avoid the crowds. -
Review from David B.
Montréal, QC
9/23/2011
Fantastic bar with a great selection of high quality beers from around the world at surprisingly good prices.
The beers change frequently and they're all written down on the chalkboard. You'll find beers from all over the world here for all types of beer drinkers. Each type has the Alcohol % written next to it.
There are a ton of tables and chairs but the tables can't really fit more than 4 people. Sure, you can pull tables together but the seatings a bit awkward with round tables pushed together. If you can't find a table, NO PROBLEM! Everyone's friendly and you can always join another group. :)
If you're in the area and in need of a bar, this is THE place to go. -
Review from James P.
12/28/2011
Fun place! Live DJ playing music but not too loud to talk. Large and varied selection of in-house brewed beers. We tried several and all were interesting. Food menu was small but tasty. Probably not the best place for dinner but a great place for drinks.
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Review from Max L.
9/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great atmosphere (although can get very loud inside) and an extensive selection of beers (and some wines), including some I'd never seen before (black IPA, smoked ale, etc.)
Very simple food menu (small pizzas, grilled cheese, paninis, etc.), but a perfect compliment for a few rounds and some good times.
Definitely plan on coming back soon, may with some earplugs or a more quite seating area! -
Review from Martin K.
Montréal, QC
11/11/2011
Very loud and crowded place but the staff, the beer, the location and everything else is just great. This place has a great reputation and it deserves it completely.
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Review from John A.
6/23/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Dieu Du Ciel puts out some seriously good beer at good prices. Unfortunately, they do not put out good service. I've found that their worthless hipster staff will request you to pay for your beer at each serving instead of keeping a tab...and if you don't tip them every time, they simply will not return to your table. For this reason I want to give them 3 stars...but their beer is soooo good, and I am a fan.
The music is ok, it's a standard techno like d.j. in the corner by the bathroom. The bar is small on the inside, and the music is not overly loud.
The scenery is nice, you can see the beer making equipment, but you can't go near it.
They do not serve food, outside of your standard bar fare, like nacho's or nuts.
Remember this: If you want good service here, you have to pay for it. -
Review from Manny T.
4/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great music, beers that challenge the palate, and a friendly staff. Eat a meal before you arrive and then partake in the homemade brews and bar snacks.
Met the brewer Luc who was friendly and engaging and treated me to a couple of beers on the house. There was not a clunker in the bunch. Beer enthusiasts MUST go here!
Biere notables: Aphrodisiac: Stout Cacao & Vanille, Derniere Volonte: Blonde Belge Houblonnee a Froid, Rigor Mortis De Table: Blonde Belge Legere D'Inspiration Trappiste, Cascade Blanche: Blancje au Houblonnee cascade.Listed in: Breweries and Brewpubs
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Review from marcus g.
9/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Now we know why everyone craft beer lovers raves about their beer. We did a flight of 12 beers outside there. We own a restaurant in NY State with almost 200 craft beers on the list. I sent an email and ordered 4 cases for my restaurant before I we left. One of my favorites is there American IPA. When we sat down we told the waitress to have fun and choose for us. She had no problem making great recommendations.
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Review from Danielle S.
8/27/2011
This is a very happening spot, just a half block off of St. Laurent. Lots of young people, and a few oldsters like us! Of course, the main draw is the beer, and they featured something like 18 different homemade brews on draft. It was hard to pick, but they were very accomodating about tasting. I wussed out and got the standard blond ale, but my hubby went all in on the (very) smoked porter. There is a small outside sitting area, but they seemed to close that down around midnight. The indoor area is a little tight & loud, and you have to luck into a table when it's busy, but it's the perfect beer-drinking atmosphere. Cool place.
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Review from monica c.
1/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Walking around Montréal in late December, I was kinda shocked at how few people were out on the street.
Then I turned the corner, and walked into Dieu Du Ciel. Apparently that's where it's at.
I never go back to the same place when I'm on vacation (and especially when it's a 3-night, 2-day trip), but I managed to spend 2 blissful evenings at this bar.
Props for being able to get a taste (literally - for free to see if you like it), une dégustation (about 6 oz.), un verre (about 10 oz.), or une pinte (16 oz.). Or a pitcher if that's what you want. All at very reasonable prices. I don't think they do pitchers of the higher ABV beers.
Cute/cozy ambiance, friendly service, tasty beers (I loved their Rigor Mortis triple + Solstice d'hiver barley wine), fair prices. Plus the waitress came back even after I neglected to tip her on the first round. I guess you just give whatever you want to leave as tip back to them after they give you change. Oh wells, at least it was made up on the second (and third!) rounds. -
Review from Joe J.
10/4/2010
The mother of all brew pubs. Not the biggest. Not the largest menu. Not the widest selection of beers from every land. Not the finest interior. It is simply the finest brewpub because it clearly is überpassionate about beer, excels in the craft, offers the widest selection of unique brewed-on-premises beer I've ever seen, has not gotten commercial, is just the right size, and happens to have a narrow menu of well execute food. If I lived in the neighborhood, I'd be a regular (we loved chatting with the regulars).
The bar staff explains each beer in detail and offers tastes, although they also sell a sample size. Generally, there are 12 to 15 beers on tap, with one being on cask. They range from a blonde infused with hibiscus flowers to a wild yeast ale (heretique) aged 16 months and a stout made with chocolate and vanilla. Over a couple of days, we ended up trying each of them. What a range! Each was a revelation in the craft of brewing.
From the pub, you can see the 500L tanks where the beer is fermented and held for maturation. A sign indicates what is in each tank so that you can plan your return. Dieu du Ciel is a must stop for all people interested in beer while in Montreal. -
Review from Kiera S.
Montréal, QC
8/16/2011
GREAT beer, but not overly impressed by the service (which is slow) or the decor (which is blah). I'm only giving them four stars because the beer really IS that good. Check it out.
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Review from Stan L.
9/28/2011
cool pub with plenty of beers on tap.. the great thing is you can make up your own flight of beers (6 ounces each).. and the prices are pretty damn reasonable too.. you can definitely make this a lazy afternoon really fun at this place
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Review from Bobby A.
4/10/2010
OK, I'll admit it upfront: I dislike beer, I'm just not a beer kind of gal.
BUT having said that, I love coming into Dieu du Ciel and trying their funky beer flavors or honey wine/mead varieties.
Hibiscus beer, pepper beer, vanilla stout, it all works for me.
This is exactly the sort of place you come to meet your friends and just hang out. Nights are VERY busy and bustle-y and the noise level and music can be deafening at times, but if you're looking for a spot to chill out with a friend over an afternoon or apres-work beer, then this is the spot for you. No attitudes, an older laid-back 30-something crowd, no annoying teens, decent tunes, great drinks, what's there not to love?Listed in: Best Happy Hour
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Review from Colt V.
8/1/2011
Had the pleasure of visiting this establishment first week in July while in town for a conference. Out of all the establishments I was in that week, this was the only one I went to twice.
Beer, is spot on. Extremely well crafted staples, and some interesting 'novelty' beers as well. One of their stouts, Aphrodisiac, is still a top favorite on my list. Not traditional perhaps, but damn it was good...
The food is quite good. Though they seemed to be out of a lot of ingredients on a Saturday around 6 pm. Menu features things like pizzas, sandwiches, nachos... They apparently make some of their own pickled vegetables. The pickled green beans I had with my grilled cheese was a tasty balance to the heaviness of the sandwich. The grilled cheese was the third item I tried to order.
Go early, place turns into standing room only very quickly. Inside appears to be un-airconditioned, suffice it to say that it was hot inside the building when it was busy and this was at night in July. All three of us were sweating, but the beer was cold and good enough to endure! Maybe it was just broken, we didn't ask, but no one offered an explanation.
They have a nice little patio area out from, also quite small. The second time we went, we sat outside.
As mentioned previously, the staff is generally underwhelming. They do a pretty good job making you feel like you're bothering them. Generally insisting that beers be paid up front, except for their friends.
Bathroom was acceptably clean. -
Review from Christine R.
Montréal, QC
10/18/2008 1 photo
I can't agree more with Dan. People who work in this affordable Microbrewery (that's probably the hardest word to say for a French-speaking person - I pronounce it brewewy) are friendly and know their beers! I went yesterday, and after seeing me hesitating for 5 minutes, the waitress brought us 3 sample of different beers she recommended based on our tastes. To make it even better, she was pretty. I ended up with a Rigor Mortis Triple (Rigor Mortis Triple), a rich, sweet and floral brew. Deliciousness.
God it was good when we could smoke inside.
They also have Quebec cheeses and munchies (such as nachos and things). You can even rent the apartment upstairs if you want to make sure you get back home or that you make the most of the daily changes in the menu: http://www.dieuduciel....
The only downer: it gets REALLY loud. Just don't go there for a business meeting, at 7pm on a Thursday... like I did 4 weeks ago.Listed in: The Mile End
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Review from Lisa Q.
9/14/2009
My boyfriend and I are beer snobs...she says with a whiff of pretension.., and proudly proclaim Dieu Du Ciel to be the best brewpub in Montreal, possibly the world.
Yeah, world-class beers, convivial atmosphere, and knowledgeable staff....but each element has its own extra oomph that elevates Dieu du Ciel to legendary strata. I can't recommend the place enough. I confess I've never eaten anything here so I can't comment on the quality of the food, but....who on earth would go for the food?? If its on tap, you'd best make your first order the most amazing black-velvetly stout I've ever had the pleasure of wrapping my tongue around, L'Aphrodisiaque.
If you want to pick up some of their brews to go home with, stop at Depanneur Peluso (on sign, Depanneur Boni-Soir) on rue Rachel. Great selection, and believe you me, you'll be wanting to take some of this ungodly delicious beer with you.Listed in: Out & About in QUEBEC, Dipsomania
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Review from Jeremy K.
2/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
While I am usually not a beer kind of person, preferring more complex flavors which only cocktails and liquors can offer, I was absolutely stunned by the selection and quality of the beers that I found here. I had heard of this place, having seen it on Yelp and one of my best friends dragged me here not once but twice for some late night drinking.
The place is rather packed, it is a hotspot after all and their beers is the reason why - one sip is enough to be a life changer - I am convinced of that. Hell, at least it changed mine. I could have died happy there, in my seat, with a few beers and the euphoria that ensued after my blood's ABV increased significantly, whilst my glasses emptied in front of me. I was very much having an Anthony Bourdain moment - I was happy and enjoying my surroundings, and the company of two of my best friends, away of it all, as snow trickled outside in the cold, Canadian air.
I drank a pretty significant selection of brews while there, all of them being made locally and each having a very particular and distinct aroma and character. The one that kept us coming for more, the one that we craved, the one that we could not get enough of is Péché Mortel, which has to be one of the best beers I've ever hard. It is a coffee-flavored Imperial stout and it's rich, tasty and decadent. At 9.5%, it's a delicious way to get your buzz on. But why stop there? We kept going, ordering all kinds of finely crafted beers, from the Cornemuse (Scotch ale) to the Aphrodisiaque (cacao and vanilla stout). We also had the Corne du Diable, which is an interesting take on the IPA and their Blanche du Paradis (Belgian white). Each was just incredible but before we knew it, the good times came to an end as the place closed down at 3AM, leaving us tipsy and on the sidewalk, trying to find our way back to the hotel.
While the service is often slow and overwhelmed, especially on the weekends, there isn't much I could write to give this place justice; you'll just have to experience it for yourself. This place is amazing and I look forward to returning there in the future, on my next adventures in Montreal.Listed in: Montreal & I, Awesome Beer Spots
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Review from Lorena F.
9/8/2010
I went to this brewery when visiting Montreal. So it was one time visit. They have a good variety of beers, there was 14 options to choose of.
The beers are served in 4 different sizes. The degustation is the smallest size and a good option if you want to taste different beers.
We had pizza, but the nachos with cheese seemed really good as well.
The service is quite slow. It took 15 minutes from the order to get the beer. Maybe I'm used to the fast pace of NYC. So, relax and enjoy the music. They have a DJ playing there. -
Review from Ellen L.
6/7/2009
My husband walked in hating this small, beer-only* bar I had found on Yelp, and walked out buzzed with a smile on his face. It's hot inside, but there is plenty of seating and an easy view of the chalk-written beer list on the wall from anywhere in the room.
*Don't be alarmed--they have food, but you have to ask for the menu. The sandwich is better than you'd expect.
Had to go with the hibiscus beer! It was awesome.
PS. One of the few establishments in Montreal where American-accented French doesn't get an English reply. Thanks, garcon. I appreciated that you humoured me!!! We had a fun time. -
Review from Mister O.
Montréal, QC
11/3/2008
This place is a gem. Oh, there are problems, sure enough; the foremost one being that they have waaaaayyy too many frou-frou, experimental beers on the card. Their smoked porter tastes like pureed smoked salmon. It's ghastly. The stout I tried a while back was insipid. Their forays into the realm of American-style lagers seem a pointless waste of microbrewing capacity. As others have said, the place is LOUD when it fills up. Hard to have a conversation in there on a Friday or Saturday evening. Damn, it's hard to get your coat off without jabbing someone in the eye.
What saves this place, and saves it big-time, is its skill at making India pale ales. Their IPAs have been uniformly excellent since I first tried them about four years ago. Bright, fresh flavors. Not even a hint of esteriness. Good mouth feel. And big, BIG, brutiful hops. If their cask beer of the moment happens to be an IPA, be assured that it's worth a very long walk indeed.
The kitchen's no slouch either, and that's a bonus. It's only got a basic nachos-and-sandwiches menu, but the simple sandwich options offered can be made into something truly delicious, and the bar staff seem to take their food preparation duties very seriously. A *hot* prosciutto, Emmenthal, and dijon mustard sandwich on a fresh roll, served with Miss Vickie's chips and sour dill pickle spears, and a couple of pints of their beautifully fresh, florid IPA? Why, I believe I could subsist on that.Listed in: Where to eat at the bar in…
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Review from Ari C.
10/20/2008
Dieu du Ciel is one of my favourite neighborhood bars. If you're looking for a beer to entice the palate, this sure does the trick. Interesting ones have included hibiscus beer and pepper beer. I've even made ice cream out of their pêche mortel coffee stout!
The place looks like a larger version of a professor's office and does fill up fast, but you'd expect that, right? It's so good. -
Review from Judy C.
7/16/2009
What a great way to pass a Saturday when it was downpouring. The place is cute and very welcoming. The bartender was very nice as well.
My friend heard amazing things about this microbrewery especially the péché mortel. We honestly tried every beer on that menu, and it is great that they serve beer in different sizes (sampler, half pint, pint, and glass only for expensive beer). I love IPAs, so my favorite was the Vaisseau des Songes. But I enjoy trying some interesting beer (i.e. a peppercorn beer or the péché mortel itself). They also have absinthe there too, which we had after the beers (let's say we were all very happy and loopy after this).
Had a small pizza there. Nothing extraordinary about the food, but I think that's the way it should be when the beers are so good. -
Review from Shaun E.
6/5/2011
Perfect first stop last Thursday night after a full day on my business trip. Stopped in here with a coworker around 5:30 and the place was PACKED, which means it must be good. I've had a few bottles down in the states and was never disappointed. We first had the Chaman, Douple IPA that packed a punch but balanced in the backend and not too sweet. Great one at around 9.1% ABV. Then scaled down to the Corne du diable, the regular India Pale Ale that was more refreshing and balanced and wish I had first. Then finally went with the Rosee d'HIbiscus which was a truly tasty and refreshing Wit with solid Hibiscus notes. Overall probably the best spot to hit if you are in Montreal and in search of craft beer. The city is buzzing with many great options and it's great to see. Cheers!
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Review from Nicole T.
9/26/2010
This place was packed solid on a Saturday afternoon around 5pm. I had never been even though I frequent other Montreal brasseries, so I was really excited to get the chance to try this bar. The atmosphere was great - homey and cozy with a chalkboard menu and wooden walls. There were about 15 beers available, and our waiter was really nice and patient with our English.
But the best part - the beers! Oh, the beers. Everything we tried was exceptional. I had a pint of the ginger-blanche first, and then the pink hibiscus flower blanche. We also got the apple blanche and a belgian blonde. All were phenomenal with their own unique flavors and beautiful colors. The glasses were so cool too and showed off the color of the beers. I liked the belgian blonde the best and have been craving it since - I will be back as soon as I can get up to the Mile End! -
Review from Lisa N.
7/8/2009
Dearest Brasserie Dieu Du Ciel,
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...
Your long list of microbrews makes my heart a flutter. On my visit, I was infatuated with the Dernière Volonté. It was just perfection to my lips!
The selection of small plates and artisan ales really made this place worth every Canadian penny. We tried the nachos but were also eyeing the cheese plate as well. I loved how the small space forces everyone to sit very close to one another and the friendly staff made the experience both lively as well as memorable.
In other words, I adore you! -
Review from Eric P.
9/9/2010
We arrived at Dieu Du Ciel sometime round 11:30pm on a Wednesday night. The place was packed solid; given its reputation, I was not surprised. However, the chaotic too-many-chairs-and-tables layout for the size of the space made it rather difficult to get around to our own spot, which was a minus in my book. Also too few, rather overworked staff for the size of the crowd.
On to the beer, which was the whole point: full and half-pints are available. I had the Rigor Mortis ABT (a quadrupel), Bridget got the Rigor Mortis blonde. The ABT had a thick, stout-like head and wonderfully dark color, with strong, complex flavor that was anything but textbook and certainly a solidly unique interpretation of the type. The blonde was a nice, light golden color, some coriander and citrus, and very refreshing. If memory serves there were about twelve other beers on the chalkboard, and as a nice touch, a second chalkboard by the brewing equipment shows a list of what's in progress.
We were a bit knackered after (this was the capstone of a long day), but had we a bit more energy, we would've taken advantage of the 3AM closing. I'll be there again no doubt. -
Review from Sarah F.
7/13/2010
Knowing that inside this bar were over a dozen Dieu du Ciel beers not bottled, shipped, shuffled, and shaken en route to the US but tapped and ready for me to drink without also paying exorbitant taxes, stepping into this brewpub felt like meeting a celebrity. Judging by the conversations around me, I know there were a lot of other beer geeks there too. You don't just walk into a bar and start yammering about top fermenting.
Those other geeks were probably also giving in and trying the Aphrodisiaque/Aphrodite even though we all know it's delicious and perfect and should really be trying new things. I did that, and then I tried one more pint-- Routes des Épice--and then that was all I could do and still ride my bike back to my room.
We encountered none of the rudeness that some other folks claim they experienced. Our waiter was super friendly and knowledgeable and not condescending (and sadly, spoke English to us before we could practice our crash course in ordering beer in French). Probably helped that we were essentially starstruck.
The atmosphere was great, too. Lots of dark woods and crannies and soft light. And great music. Also, I was genuinely impressed by the salsa. It's probably out of a can or something, but it had coriander! I mean, shit. (Nachos were all that was left on the menu when we came in, around midnight on a weeknight).
All in all, do it. -
Review from Catita D.
1/22/2009
I had some trouble finding this place the first time around, but with the help of a local everything worked out. It was freezing that night that but the warming selection of excellent beers was worth the extra effort.
I do wish that I had brushed up on my French skills first, as the majority of the patrons were speaking French.
Get there early if you want a seat! -
Review from Shaun F.
7/7/2010
What a great brewery!
My fiancee and I took her parents to taste the beers. Our waitress Julie was so sweet and attentive, taking the time to tell us about the beers, and even bringing complimentary tasters of the beers we had not yet tried. The atmosphere is down to earth, while every beer was heavenly!
Our favorites were the #5 blonde, with a nutty cheesy finish, and #7 which was a white beer, just slightly sour. All beers were wonderful, though.
I wish this place was in brooklyn!!! -
Review from John Q.
9/28/2009
Simply speaking, Dieu Du Ciel is la grande cathédrale de bière.
There's an absolutely mind boggling array of brews at this brewery. I've sampled 7-8 which have ranged from very good to truly outstanding. I admit I haven't tried the smoked salmon porter mentioned below. That does indeed sound ghastly.
But the stouts? I defy you to find another brewery in the world that does what Dieu Du Ciel does with stouts!
The Aphrodisiaque vanilla cocoa stout is quite excellent. I first had that during my previous visit to Montreal. I enjoyed it so much I bought three six packs to bring home soon after I arrived in town.
Which turned out to be a mistake. Because the Péché Mortel imperial coffee stout is as good a beer as I've ever had. There are a mere three bottles remaining in my fridge waiting to be savored. I never bring home more than a case of beer because customs always makes me pop the trunk on the way home and I figure I'll get reported to the IRS after I'm not up front with them. Dork.
Last time crossing back into the US, I actually had to line up my car with seven others, get out, leave the keys on the roof, and go stand off to the side with my fellow lucky random detainees. The lunatics x-rayed our cars with some special truck that slowly drove by either side of the eight cars queued end-to-end.
Then they stopped to do a thorough search of one of the vehicles, the one just behind mine. Thank God it wasn't my car they checked more closely. I'd be crapping my pants thinking they'd plant blueprints for the NYC subway and a Koran in my car and ship my ass off to Guantanamo Bay.
The first occasion I stopped into Dieu Du Ciel during this recent weekend trip, there were 17 brews on tap. Are you kidding me? What would any other brewery have? Six? Eight? Actually, it was only 16 as #13 was erased from the blackboard. I asked if that had to do with superstition, but the amused bartender said no, they just happened to run out of that one.
From my vantage point at the bar I observed two guys dumping a vat of a deep red-colored fruit into whatever brew they were creating, I was hoping it would be some subtly raspberry infused concotion, but I was informed it was a sour cherry brew which would be available in a month.
The next day was mobbed rather early on Saturday afternoon and there were 22 beers available. TWENTY-TWO! And that's when I first tasted the Péché Mortel. That beer is just magnificent, I could drink it for breakfast every day. There were three varieties of that elixir! One aged 8 months in bourbon casks, another aged 3 years and a third served from the cask itself.
As it turned out, the big crowd, and perhaps the extra huge selection, were due to the fact it was the 11th anniversary of Dieu Du Ciel. Happy Anniversary guys! Why did I only find out about you so recently?
Free meat sandwiches were served, they were better than what I had at Schwartz's, but perhaps only good enough to eat two rather than the three I slovenly devoured over the course of the afternoon.
Other unique brews I sampled and enjoyed during my weekend in Montreal were the Mea Culpa, an India Cream Ale, and the Pénombre, a black IPA. Where do they come up with these wacky ideas?
I attempted to return Sunday after picking up some bagels at Fairmount, and was pissed to find them closed! I so wanted to try another one of the Péché Mortels before I returned home. But one fine beer can easily lead to more and I did have a long drive back to NYC that night, so perhaps it's just as well. Dieu Du Ciel did throw a fine party and they deserved a day off.
If anyone is headed up to Quebec from NYC in a month or so after I finish the beers I brought home, I'm offering to sell my empty Dieu Du Ciel bottles for 50% off the original deposit price.
Don't pass up this unique opportunity to earn a risk-free 100% profit! -
Review from Jessica E.
Updated - 8/17/2010
After visiting the Dieu De Ciel brew-pub in Montreal, a trip to the actual brewery seemed in order. It did not disappoint! As with many breweries here, you can order 6 oz samples. There were selections here that I had not seen in the city, such as the aphrodisiaque, a delicious cocoa and vanilla stout. The food was quite good as well. The meal I ordered (chicken fajita) came with salsa that was delicious! I ate that right up. The sandwich was tasty as well and quite oniony. The menu was completely in French, but the bartender spoke English very well. We were a bit disappointed that they did not give official tours of the brewery, but it was well worth the trip to sample more of their delicious brews and pick up a few six packs to bring home.
Listed in: Montreal
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/15/2010
I stopped into the Dieu Du Ciel brewpub and enjoyed some delicious beer samples. I was there on a… Read more »
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Review from Dave G.
2/27/2011
This place is a "must-stop" for beer lovers. They have a variety of delicious microbrews - my favorite was the Barleywine. The Hibiscus beer is good too. They have a small food menu as well, the pizza is delicious (and only $5) and the nachos looked good too. It gets a little crowded in here, and it's probably because the beer is so good!
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Review from Candice C.
9/21/2010
Even though I'm not much of a beer drinker, I enjoy a craft beer now and again. This is literally the best beer I've ever had. I got the Dernière Volonté blonde and wanted more and more.
I like the simple, dark, wooden atmosphere of the bar and would definitely go back again. -
Review from Thor T.
6/2/2010
The Beer Revolution has come to Montreal with full force and beer lovers can choose from an amazing array of unique beers brewed by Québec artisanal breweries (Barberie, Le Trois Mousquetaires, Dieu du Ciel, and many others. One of the greatest places to drink beer is Dieu due Ciel's own brewpub. The vibe is just perfect - beer lovers - including many women - sit around the small tables and can try the fabulous beers brewed on the premises (on fourteen taps), including the delectable Rosée d'hibiscus (a tart, refreshing beer redolent of hibiscus) and the rich and complex Revenante (Ghost) smoked porter. Service is friendly and efficient and you can order the beers in different glass sizes to optimize your tastings. Beer heaven, reminiscent of Belgium (This review does not pertain to the food - we only drank!)
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Review from Kerry H.
10/4/2010
I visited this brewery twice this summer while studying in Montreal. Best brewery I've ever been to (puts the fantastic Victory in Downingtown, PA to shame). They have about fifteen of their own beers on tap per day and the selection varies as they brew 40-plus of their own beers. If you're picky, check their website to see what will be on tap.
I tasted nine different beers and, while I liked some better than others, they were all unique and fresh. (For reference, I like Blue Moon, Magic Hat #9, Sunshine Wheat, Hoegaarden, Victory Sunrise Weissbier.) My favorite was Paienne--a blond ale that's not too malty, not too hoppy, slightly bitter, and just the right amount of fruity. I very much enoyed Fumisterie, which can only be described as a smoky weizen, as well. The prices were great and the pours were generous. The pizzas were delicious: thin-crusted and big enough for two. The atmosphere here was wonderful--lively and packed to the point of being unable to stretch on a Friday night and a place for quiet tasting on an afternoon. If you are an Anglophone, learn a few key beer words in French before going since most of the waiters spoke only French (rightfully so) or just pick a number off the menu and see what you get--you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Robert G.
10/14/2010
Hands down one of the best microbreweries I have ever visited. Just all around high-quality brews. The best imperial stout I've tasted (not kidding), a complex American style IPA on cask, and an amazingly balanced quadruple are just a few of the beers on tap. Can't say enough about this place.
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