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Brutopia
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants Tapas/Small Plates Restaurants Sandwiches Pubs, Tapas/Small Plates, Sandwiches [Edit]
1219 Rue CrescentMontreal, QC H3G 2B1
(514) 393-9277
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun 3 pm - 3 am
Fri 12 pm - 3 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
48 reviews for Brutopia
Review Highlights
"Don't be fooled -listen to those who recommend Dieu du Ciel."
(in 4 reviews)
"I got the Honey Brown Ale, and it was wonderful."
(in 5 reviews)
"I ordered a chocolate stout and it was great."
(in 5 reviews)
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46 reviews in English
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Review from Allison M.
11/21/2011
Such great beer. After listening to my fellow Americans and many Europeans scoff at the best Canada has to offer on tap, this place was such a welcome change.
They had unique seasonal beers with creative names, things like Maple Cream and a Chocolate Stout with some winter theme-y title. I got the Honey Brown Ale, and it was wonderful. My boyfriend's IPA was strong and bitter like an IPA should be. I wish I had tried more, although given my size that would have certainly ended badly for all involved.
They don't have poutine on the menu, but they do have regular fries, as well as guacamole and nachos, both with house-made chips, that can satisfy that salty craving. The menu items are usually around 10$CA.
We had a little trouble finding a table big enough for our party (and I do mean party), and the one we got was really close to the live band playing... very, very loudly. Well! But loudly. You had to shout to carry on a conversation with the one person sitting next to you, and too bad if anyone else wanted to be included. They'd best learn to read lips, stat.
Easily the best beers we had in Montreal, in terms of both selection and taste. And the place has a pun for a name! What more could you hops for? -
Review from Johnson C.
Vancouver, BC
1/12/2012
Feh. Yes - I mean 'Feh' not 'Meh' - I'm being dismissive.
To be clear, this joint is perfectly alright as a run-of-the-mill bar. It's busy and happening with a live band. And no complainants about the service. I won't hesitate to recommend it for a casual bar gathering at all.
However, if you enjoy good beer, their house beers are all pretty crap. If this makes me a 'beer snob' like the other reviews say, then call me a beer sommelier. Come on - seriously, I ran through their entire selection and they were all barely passable for microbrew. All the beers had a funky finish - I detect slight negligence on tap cleaning.
If you're not sure, let me tell you: go to Dieu Du Ciel. I know it's out of the way but it's worth the trip. Mention DDC to any barkeeper in town and their eyes light up. But if your plan is to get wasted on Crescent - yup, perfectly fine bar.Listed in: Un garçon de Vancouver à…
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Review from FRANCO P.
11/5/2011
IMPRESSED! Cozy & fun atmosphere makes you feel right welcome and part of Montreal, not like a tourist.
Their in house brews were good, plenty to choose from and I must say for what seemed to look like a simple bar food menu turned out to be very impressive on all accounts. From Fries, Burgers & Onion Rings to Quesadillas and tacos to Edemame and Samosas. Everything was tasty, fresh and quick!
I'll be back! -
Review from Leean O.
Updated - 1/29/2012
2nd time in Montreal and i had to make a stop here.....try the Apricot beer and you'll love me for it.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/26/2009
Great raspberry blonde beer, honey something, and the other micro brews. Good homemade beer and we… Read more »
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Review from Seb A.
10/30/2011
I feel like a lot of people give this place a hard time. To that I say, give it a chance.
I love Brutopia. Their microbrews are delicious and there is one for everybody. I know some beer snobs who say they'd much prefer the taste of the microbrews at so and so place and so forth, but really, as a perfect of example of the average beer drinker, I can tell you that there is a beer for EVERYBODY here. I can inhale the yeast out of an extra blonde like you wouldn't believe; also there's also a microbrew at Brutopia called the extra blonde which is incredibly tasty. Yes, that was a tasteless joke. Know what isn't tasteless though? Their awesome beer.
I know most Anglophones reading this won't care, but I come here a lot with Francophones who cannot speak any English, and I'm always delighted to see that the staff force themselves to speak French (even though sometimes it is obvious that they have a hard time, they always put in the effort). They are always civil, patient, and polite as hell. I cannot say the same for many other bars on Crescent.
The prices are about right for the microbrews. Not too cheap, not too pricey. They also host cute little shows a lot with a variety of different types of acts. I went once and it was country, another time it was funk. Anyway, it's a pretty sweet place, so next time you're in the neighbourhood and have an hour to kill and get that hankering for some happy juice, go check Brutopia out. -
Review from Barry M.
10/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
They have strawberry blonde beer, and chocolate stout.
I don't know if I was feeling light headed from the alcohol, or from feeling dreamy-eyes over the hot servers. -
Review from Matthew T.
7/24/2011
Get into town, get checked in and then come here for a beer. That's what I did and I don't regret it. This is a great little joint with lots of good beer and a great dark atmosphere. Not sure how it would go in the winter but it was a perfect place to get out of the heat of the day and enjoy a pint. There are some tables outside and two floors of little tables to sit and and chat with friends. Really liked their chocolate stout. I know, not really a summer beer, but I can't resist a good dark stout. Came here a couple of times and would make it a regular if I lived in the area.
I have to say though, the stairs in the winter must be hell to use after you've had a few pints. Even tricky in the summer after a couple.Listed in: Montreal '11
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Review from Krista S.
9/27/2011
One of the best pubs I've tried...
Food: i only had apps, but the hummus, spicy sausage, and gauc were all very good - much better than the typical bar fare, served the perfect temperature, tasted as if they were freshly prepared, only concern was the variety of the food on their "international" menu... can an English pub really be that great at making a ton of different ethnic specialties??
Ambiance: a typical pub, clean, no complains
Drinks: some of the best microbrews I've had
Service: better than your average college kid bartender-type, friendly, attentive but not invasive -
Review from Kevin M.
7/19/2011
Having spent many nights at Brutopia over 5+ years in Montreal you will find tasty food with tasty beer to water it down. I haven't been able to track down any comparable scotch ales on the US West Coast: microbrew central (though I have been pushing several breweries out here to give a scotch ale a shot). A real shame, but it only means I have to come back from San Francisco to visit Brutopia more often. Honey/nut beers for different palettes and the classic raspberry blonde for those who may not be committed beer drinkers. They put a twist on their scotch ale in the Winter at minimum.
I've had their burger, the quesadilla (can be vegetarian friendly) and their fries. All quite tasty.
You can find trivia & live music, patio (open even during some of the winter for smokers), 2nd bar upstairs when it gets crowded and a spacious downstairs with coat hangers and you guessed it, a 3rd bar! As I recall they have cheap beer days (happy hour prices all day - Monday?) and happy hour prices until maybe 7 or 8pm on other days? I'm sure someone else can verify that in another review unless they changed that along with their renovation ~1 year ago (they opened up the main bar and back room where they brew some of their beer. Great idea though they did replace the actual wooden bar with a new surface... meh as a young old timer).
Go visit with friends, have a great time. Come back for more! -
Review from Sean B.
11/5/2011
Don't be fooled -listen to those who recommend Dieu du Ciel. The beer is not very good and the atmosphere is sort of unclean, college bar.
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Review from Gabriel O.
Dollard-des-Ormeaux, QC
8/12/2011
"They can make beer with that?" were the first words I said when walking into Brutopia, almost every time.
From honey, raspberry to spices, their unique in-house beers are sure to please even the pickiest of beer aficionados. If you're lucky enough, you may even catch a live band while you're their. -
Review from Manny T.
The beer here has that grainy taste that marks many smaller breweries and home brewers. The room is cool, all old wood- the beer selection has some bright spots, especially for those who like their beers to not taste so much like beer. They had some ginger brew that my lady liked, but it tasted too much like soda for me.
The staff is cool and this is a necessary stop on a Montreal beer crawl, but not one at which you should linger.
Does host live music, so if the band is moving you, extend your hang.Listed in: Breweries and Brewpubs
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Review from Johnny B.
12/16/2011
Good live music. Beers weren't really my style. Great ambiance. Seemed like a college bar. Lots of people in their early 20's.
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Review from Devin L.
3/24/2011
We were told that this place was awesome, and it did not disappoint. Got a seat a the first level bar and sampled their nut brown ale. It was very good. The beer wasn't too heavy or fragrant. I ended up having many.
The food was good as well. Had the Bruburger which was a beef/pork/ham mix. It was very tasty.
The bar itself was fun. There were people all over, we even met some people who lived near us. The bartender was great and we had a fantastic time. -
Review from Michael E.
9/18/2011
Good beer.
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Review from Annette A.
1/10/2011
When I first heard the name "Brutopia", it was hard not to imagine a heaven blanketed with beer head clouds, cherubs descending with pitchers overflowing with liquid gold. To my disappointment, the stairway I ascended didn't lead to a heaven. However, the dusty wooden planks clued me in that this was a different sort of pleasure - this was a full-on dive bar.
Brutopia was like all dive bars should be - dark, over-heated and smelling of dust and good times passed. We found the one table with as few wet glass rings as we could and were greeted by a server. She was a sweetheart and introduced us to the bar's chalkboard, listing the place's homemade brews in yellow and blue chalk. Though the names weren't very descriptive, our server made sure to describe what each brew was like. There was something for everyone at our table.
I ended up going with the white ale. Now I'm always a little nervous when it comes to small brews, but this beer was absolutely wonderful. Didn't taste cheap or carelessly made. It wasn't long before everyone at my table was passing their beers to the right, having a sip of each one. There wasn't a single crappy sip.
This place is great for a low-key night out with friends. They have bands play on weekend nights and the place gets packed for that. Don't bring a first date here if you've decided to iron out your fancy pants.
And they give you itemized, separate checks. This place was made for groups of 3 or more. -
Review from Cristina V.
9/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm not a big beer fan but the BF is so when visiting Montreal we found out about this place and since it was within walking distance we decided to give it a try. I'm not going to judge the beer because to me they all taste the same (a sin, I know) but my boyfriend enjoyed them. I had the pesto et fromage de chevre, the goat cheese was extra creamy and the pesto gave it a special tang, in all the sandwich was divine. My boyfriend had the cochinita sandwich and it lacked a little spice. Our waitress was awesome and the place has a really friendly enviroment. If I lived in Montreal I would definitely hang out here
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Review from Katherine W.
Montréal, QC
7/11/2011
I don't remember how we found this place, but I seem to recall hearing at one point that it was the place to go for beer. I guess that depends on what you're looking for, but for me, I disagree. The beer was good, the ambience was nice, but the drink menu was a little short for me. They have a fair number of house beers and a few others (some microbrews and some "imports"), and the waitstaff was pleasant if not all that fast. I would go back--the extra blonde was delicious--but I wouldn't make this my go-to place for new beer. All in, a solid hang out, but I won't be a regular.
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Review from Scotty J.
8/1/2010
Brutopia is a very, very cool place to drink. Maybe that's because as we ascended the stairs, there was a group sitting on the patio singing and playing guitar. The song: "Disarm" by The Smashing Pumpkins.
My friends wanted to keep drinking (from a mini-pub crawl day) and smoke cigars, so we went to the back terrace. There were a few patrons who quickly cleared the area when we came back and we dominated this place for well over an hour.
Our waitress (I didn't catch her name, but she was very cute and looked like Meg White from The White Stripes) was very sweet and did not mind our noise or the mess we were making with the french fries.
I hung out all the way in the back and munched on some very tasty samosas; I didn't care for the sweet sauce (and would have preferred a spicy green one), but they were very satisfying and helped me with my afternoon craving, since we had a light lunch and were snacking all day.
There's a tremendous beer selection and the atmosphere could not be any more easy-going. This place is next to, and above, other bars -- so be sure to check out Brutopia for a guaranteed good time. -
Review from Daniella F.
Vancouver, BC
11/9/2010 1 Check-in Here
I was pretty impressed that the bar food here is quite good, with a number of options for vegetarians!
If you come with a big crowd, there is also lots of room for sitting! -
Review from F. C.
7/22/2011
I've been here several times over the last few years on several different visits to Montreal. Each time I've thoroughly enjoyed my visit here. The place is extremely chill and laid back, with lots of nooks and crannies to sit in. The food is pretty good for bar food, and they even have several good vegetarian options. Beer is quite good, with several seasonals on offer in addition to the regular brews. The relaxed vibe and friendly staff ensure a great visit every time.
Listed in: Montreal!
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Review from Luca M.
Montréal, QC
7/20/2010
Brutopia, how I love it: let me count the ways.
First, it did away with pretention and instead embraced quality in food, drinks, service and music.
Second, it serves the most impeccably brewed craft beers in town. Aside from its staple fare of IPA, raspberry, honey brown, nut brown and extra blonde Brutopia offers its patrons an array of 5 or 6 seasonal beers that are a pleasure to drink.
Third, Brutopia's music choice shuns the commercial rubbish that pop charts have been feeding us for the past decade. When it isn't live music at the exactly right volume, it is a mellow mix of classic rock with some interspersed awesomeness from other genres. At last, welcome to a bar that isn't just for teenagers on a slosh mission or gossip addicts.
Fourth, the ambience and decor are a world unto themselves. The darker hues (matched by the paintings) entice you into a dimension where chill is cool and in-your-face is so out, you wouldn't see it fleeing with a binocular. Brutopia makes me feel I don't need to impress anyone, and this seems to rub off on the patrons too.
Fifth, Brutopia's patrons seem to have been sifted through a very fine sieve before being allowed through the door. Somehow, the crowd seems smarter and more mature than in your average Crescent watering hole. I may be mistaken, but you should see for yourself.
What else can I say about the finest brewpub in Montreal? Come and check it out. They have plenty of space and the terrace is a really nice spot to have a relaxed drink. The servers are always fun to chat to, have a smile at the ready and a ton of recommendations for you if you can't make your mind up.
If I didn't live quite far from it, I'd be in Brutopia every day. -
Review from Sarah Q.
8/22/2011
We grabbed some quick beers and food here on our first night in Montreal. Service was so-so, but the food and drink made up for the waiting. Chipotle chicken sandwich was fantastic - I could have eaten a whole 'nother one. Beer was decent - although I can't remember what it was as I was a bit foggy from the long drive. Atmosphere was okay - we sat outside and enjoyed the ambiance.
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Review from jen a.
7/3/2010
Husby and I came here Monday night. We were trying to find this place amongst all the other bars on Rue Crescent. It was raining and we were walking back and forth trying to find Brutopia's sign- it's kinda hard to spot but we eventually saw it.
We walked up the stairs from the street and came inside. They were pretty busy already, with one of the World Cup games getting an encore airing. Also, it was Trivia Night and there seemed to be some regulars already setting up camp at the tables. People were playing dominoes and just hanging out. Tons of groups, mostly college-age kids and twenty- and thirty-somethings.
Trivia Night was fun. As you might've read, there are 2 rounds of 10 questions each. The winners of each round get 4 beers. (Un)fortunately, I'm not that geeky and didn't win. :(
The other draw was that there was some live jazz playing downstairs. This was during the Jazz Festival in Montreal, so I don't know if this is a regular occurrence.
The beers are good. I had a honey ale and a blonde. I liked the blonde better. Wish I could speak more of it, but I'm not really a beer connoisseur.
We ordered the chorizo nachos- just say no! I must be spoiled for being from California or something, but these were just weird. :P You can't even taste the chorizo, and instead of a normal red salsa or even just pico de gallo, there was some red sauce on it, like marinara. Blech! Stick to drinking the beer, and probably just order something fried, my friends.
Other than that low note, I could really dig the atmosphere and could imagine myself coming here now and again for the other theme nights if I were a local. -
Review from Rebecca H.
North Vancouver, BC
6/3/2010
I love this bar. Or more particularly, I love Monday Trivia nights at Brutopia. My friends came almost every week in between September and May, just to participate in the weekly competition. Trivia night consist of two rounds of ten questions posed by a caller at the front of the bar. Participants form teams of 3-5 and do their very best to answer the questions. At the end of each round, the team with the most correct answers is gifted with four free pints of Brutopia beer. It's wonderful. It's delightful. It's an opportunity to display your personal collection of random, useless facts which nobody else cares that your know.
Brutopia also has a wide selection of house and seasonal beers. My favorites include the ginger beer, chocolate stout, raspberry beer, and the honey brown. In addition to beers, you can also get a "Bear Fight" for about $8 a go. If you aren't familiar with a Bear Fight, I suggest you goggle it under "bear fight alcohol". I was introduced to this drink by the waitress at Brutopia; if you ask nicely, she may do a round with you.
Speaking of the staff, the late-night Monday crew is great. They create a homey, relaxed atmosphere and are quick to bring drinks or food. The fries are really good (and I'm not a big fry person), but you have to ask for mayo. The chorizo nachos are great and the chicken sandwich has a faithful following among my friends. Overall, it's a great place for a casual night out.Listed in: Rebecca H's Salad Spots
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Review from Tom M.
2/23/2009
Went there two nights Feb 20 and 21 2009 when visiting Montreal. First night it was me and one friend. I ordered a chocolate stout and it was great. Then I ordered a Guiness. The choc stout must have had a good amount of alcohol because I had felt a bit wrecked the next day. And I'm a lightweight.
I liked that you could get name brand beer in addition to their house brewed ones. The atmosphere was good too save for the paintings of people with gas masks on the walls which were oddly interspersed with paintings of trains.
The next night I went back with a bachelor party. I decided to pick up a round of shots we did when we go there. I figured I would get screwed but they had a special, 5 shots for $18.50 which is cheap as far as shots go.
I really liked Brutopia. I would go there again next time I am in Montreal. -
Review from Jaci H.
7/6/2010
This is the only place on Cresent Street I would even dare go into.
Cresent is like the Jersey Shore - full of annoying tourists that are badly dressed and too drunk to deal with. But Brutopia seems to attract a different set of people.
Its a huge place with tons of nooks and crannies to hang out with friends. Their beer is pretty good too. They had various varieties to appease all tastes. The staff was nice and helpful and the prices were fine.
There was live music upstairs and downstairs too. It's a pretty hip little joint, that isn't very little at all. -
Review from Dave G.
Updated - 2/27/2011 2 photos
I just visited Montreal again - and I still dig this place. The beer & food is delicious.....I had the Bru Burger (made of beef, ham and pork) along with a few IPA's. Again, like last time, we walked around, but ended up back here at the end of the night. Service is super friendly!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/26/2010
I was visiting Montreal from the U.S. for a long weekend, and this is the first place that we… Read more »
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Review from j m.
Montréal, QC
9/10/2008
We went here reasonably early in the evening after a long day at the botanical gardens. It was nice and quiet. The staff was friendly. The patrons were friendly too! I think they were even playing "Lounge against the Machine" as a nice touch.
I had the honey beer which was quite palatable, and my friend had a smoky porter which was slightly more to my taste that evening. Luckily, he is friendly, as well!
I will definitely be back for the Maple Rousse seasonal in a little while. -
Review from David H.
2/27/2009
A less then stellar brew pub on a less then stellar street. If you want a good brew pub do yourself the favor of going to Dieu du Ciel (out of the way but well worth it).
This place is over priced with watery beers, don't go. Oh and the live music is usually not very good. -
Review from Lauren v.
2/18/2009
Brutopia seems to be a pretty relaxed place to get a drink or two. My friends and I ambled in here on a Sunday night. I was surprised to find the place more or less full of people. Not really cramped, just people perched on every possible chair or surface. We snagged a standing-only spot at the bar and ordered a round of drinks.
After awhile a table in the back room opened up and we moved back there. The waitress converted our bar tab and continued to serve us. She was really on the ball. Either we were drinking very slowly (doubt it) or she has a sixth sense for when drinks should be delivered. I like to think it is the latter. Usually, people in a back room are treated like a red-headed stepchild, but this was not the case. Very much appreciated Ms. Waitress!
For a couple of hours worth of drinking for three people the tab was $90 USD. Not too bad.
The only two real downfalls were: 1) There was an acoustic solo act playing that night and in between his songs, some loud music would blast through the speakers in the back room. So you would go from mellow to eardrum pounding decibel level without warning in the middle of conversation. A little bit annoying. 2) The backroom is not a bathroom. At least I don't think it is. Maybe Montrealers know something we don't, but at least five times an individual or individuals would come to the back room, stick their bottom in the doorway and rip a$$ in our general direction. It was gross.
I would certainly come back but maybe with a nose plug. -
Review from Kristen F.
2/23/2009
I think of this place, and I think of myself fighting the urge to vomit on my 7 hour trip back to Boston the next day. A sure sign the drinks were cold and plentiful!
7 of us crashed here on Sunday night of Presidents Day weekend. We got the back room pretty much all to ourselves, and the waitress never forgot about us. Had she, maybe my headache would have been spared the next day.
The drinks kept coming and she did a decent job at keeping it all straight as to who got what (the french normally do separate tabs for each person).
The band was good, I think, but for the most part we were too busy talking about I-don't-know and taking photos.
4 Stars to this place for not kicking our obnoxious group out! -
Review from Garrett Q.
8/5/2010
Went here for a bachelor party and had a decent time. Strange setup as there is a large downstairs area as well as two average sized outdoor spaces at this pub.
Didn't try the food but others expressed that they liked it.
It's directly across from a Quality/Comfort Inn with balconies so that can provide some entertainment if you're sitting out front. -
Review from Christopher D.
3/24/2011
I have to go mid stars on this one. This was definitely my kind of place, i just wish we would have made it here before the crowd began! If you get a spot early you are good. Highly recommended. If you go a little earlier than midnight, it is hard to get served. I would visit again when I go back to Montreal.
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Review from sub z.
Brampton, ON
2/7/2011 4 Check-ins Here
My favorite spot on all of Crescent street. Any time I'm staying downtown Montreal this is usually the spot I end up at almost every night. I enjoy their home-brewed selections (although not on the level of Dieu du Ciel or similar brewpubs), but most importantly the people and atmosphere. It's a friendly environment I've never seen any kind of fist fights or "beefs" break out at which is all too common on Crescent as anyone can tell you. Waitresses are friendly, cute, and all too willing to indulge with shots of hard alcohol with you. I recommend their seasonal blackout stout, delicious.
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Review from Tim G.
8/30/2009
Good microbrews here.
I just wish that the food was
a little better. -
Review from Chris H.
3/19/2009
Bottom Line: inconsistent quality in the house brews, terrible food. Go to Dieu du Ciel or L'Amer a Boire if you want good beer in Montreal.
A friend and I were in Montreal for the weekend and looking for some good local beers (as we always do). This street was close to our hotel and had alot of night spots on it, so first two night we went there, and on the second one ended up at this place.
We had two good beers there, the rest ranged from less than impressive to horrible. The good ones were a non-house Hemp beer (that reminded me of a rauch bier but with hemp smell instead of wood smoke) and their house Honey Brown. We also had some sort of stout that was passable but not good, and a god-aweful Framboise that my friend said tasted like soap.
We nearly gave up on the beer scene in Montreal until we met a very friendly bar tender at Pub L'ile Noire that set us on the right path. -
Review from Marmalade J.
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Review from gary b.
11/23/2010
So I came here a year ago totally forgot to write a review, its a place to come with a group of friends, I'm from L.A and I was visiting family in Montreal. The crowd was very friendly , made alot of friends that I still talk to, the drinks are strong and good prices , the fries are amazing. The staff is tight.
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Review from Lisa W.
7/6/2010
Our last night in Montreal my hubby and I decided to try Brutopia over Dieu de Ciel. Turns out that was the wrong decision. The atmosphere here is very college bar-y and the beers we had were plain bad. The IPA lacked any of the hoppiness that you would typically find in that style of beer. It was drinkable though. The extra blonde, on the other hand, was not. According to my husband, it tasted like corn chips. We only drank about half the pint before we decided life is way too short to drink crappy beer. Luckily our night wasn't a bust as we found ourselves on the terrace at Le Sainte-Elizabeth Pub with some good Canadian beer.
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