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Café Olimpico
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
124 St-Viateur OuestMontréal, QC H2T 2X8
(514) 495-0746
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 12 am
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
48 reviews for Café Olimpico
Review Highlights
47 reviews in English
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Review from Matthew S.
2/21/2012
The coffee is really good!
On a hot day you ask for "a cold one"!! -
Review from Risa D.
3/20/2012
Pool, swarthy, manly baristos who pull stiff coffee drinks from their lovingly abused beast of an espresso machine, a sunny stone courtyard with tree stumps and odd benches where locals squeeze their bums together smoking outside, even in the bitter cold. A Mile End Montreal institution. Olimpico serves what may be the epitome of Montreal lattes - there are lots of other good similar ones, but you get the sense while you're there that to bother with any other would be a ridiculous waste of time.
If you are postering, just ask at the counter if you can put your materials up outside, last time I was doing this they stamped the poster so it didn't get pulled down until after the event was over, which I thought was sweet move.Listed in: Exceptional Coffee
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Review from Valerie G.
Montréal, QC
Updated - 2/26/2012
Ooppsy! colour me embarrassed, it seems that the cafe I meant to yelp is actually called the social club and is one block over but looks the same.
I guess I never knew the name and assumed that the one that showed up here under Social club st viateur was the only one but.., it' s not the same.
I have tried both and the main difference is that the Olimpico, is mostly just coffee and they don't have those scrumptious sandwiches, I will be heading up there tomorrow and should be able to sort it all out.....to be contiued da da da1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/7/2011
This is another one of those neighborhood gems, I have been going here over the past 15 years, the… Read more »
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Review from A.R. G.
5/21/2012
great no frills cafe. outdoor seating is great, indoor tables are fantastic for gnoshing bagels from down the block. i knocked back iced latte after iced latte while in from outta town visiting - great find.
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Review from Rowan U.
2/14/2012
Another great coffee place in Montreal. I tried both a macchiato and a latte, and would go back for more at the drop of a hat.
The place was loud, but not in a bad way. It's just not the kind of place you'd go if you want to have some "alone time", or a quite D&M (Deep & Meaningful) with a friend - it doesn't even try to be that kind of place, and I like that.
If you want to have a get together with a big bunch of friends, watch some football (European-style, not your strange North American-style!), and have a great coffee, then go to Olimpico
I didn't see much in the way of food, just small things which go well with coffee - again, this place doesn't try to be anything other than a great coffee spot.
There was a wifi network, but I didn't use it, so don't know how good it is.Listed in: Montreal Cafes, Best Coffee in Montreal
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Review from Jason L.
Montréal, QC
1/24/2012
Great place to "stop and have a coffee." I mean, it's perfect for a date, catching up with friends, or just do some people watching.
Personally, I prefer the place during the warmer months when the terrace is open, but it's still a nice place to drop into and warm up during the colder ones. It can, however, be tough to get a table inside when the terrace is closed. -
Review from Frank W.
11/19/2011
Absolutely delicious lattes, great old-school atmosphere, fun people watching, and fun/unique, though sometimes awkwardly configured outdoor seating.
Stop, Savor, Repeat. -
Review from Jeff O.
9/23/2011
Fantastic iced espresso. I ordered it in the local language: Cold one, for here.
You're on an edgy plane here. The patrons are tres cool.
And here's some insider's knowledge: It's a sports bar.Listed in: Canada!
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Review from Chen S.
Montréal, QC
10/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
A few highlights:
a) There's usually a line of 15+ people, but fear not, it moves VERY quickly
b) Great cappuccino for 2.5$, what I usually get. Never disappointed
c) Run by Italian, the owner remembers you if you frequent enuf
d) Spacious place with very sportif decoration, TVs set up for soccer/football games.
e) Mixed clientèle, hipsters, soccer/football fans, families with kids, adults age ranging from 20-60. It gets loud and always packed.
f) Opens late, another +
This is definitely the go-to place if you live in mile-end. or just pass by grab a coffee take a stroll in mile-end -
Review from Robin M.
8/30/2011
An institution in the fine city of Montreal, Olimpico is to coffee as Schwartz is to meat. No frills, no soy milk, no bamboo benches, no yuppie mums -- this is the best of Montreal. The line is long, the hipsters are plentiful, the owners are Italian and the options are pure.
Strong, smooth and a perfect crema - this is real coffee. It's what we all wait for.Listed in: Five Star Holler, Coffee Love, I miss Montreal
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Review from Michael T.
Montréal, QC
1/8/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Best pulls in town. Crazy fun place. Great prices. Open early and late. CASH ONLY!
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Review from Danan R.
1/31/2012
Really great espresso drinks. The latte (perfect balance of espresso, milk, and foam) is my personal favorite but their regular coffee is very good, as well. The coffee is full-bodied with a good aroma. It's a good place to people-watch, if you can find outdoor seating on a warm day. Prices are pretty inexpensive, too.
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Review from John D.
1/3/2012
This place pulls a nice, strong espresso. It was crowded when I was there, so I assume it's popular with the locals. I had a double, on top of two coffees I had consumed elsewhere, and then drove away with an elevated heartbeat.
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Review from Anabel L.
Toronto, ON
8/31/2011
If there was ever a time for me to use the word bona fide, it'd be here. This café serves the best coffee in the city according to me, my sister, and the people, for the people.
Before you step in, you best be prepared:
1. Expect a line (but it moves quick).
2. Know your order before you get to the front. They don't like dawdlers.
3. Skip the pastries.*
*I just added step 3. This past weekend I decided to try a scone. Whoops, we all make mistakes.
A cappuccino and latte for my sister and me. Respective perfection. -
Review from Kiera S.
8/17/2011
Best coffee ever.
And I don't even like coffee.
That's all I'm going to say. -
Review from Brian A.
1/2/2012
The atmosphere is one to be savored.
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Review from Dean A.
Montréal, QC
12/1/2011
Not much to say about this place that hasn't already been said. It's a big, open old-school coffee house. Italian owned and run, so you know the coffee is 1st rate. I go there all hours of the day for a latte or espresso to go, and the biscotti are pretty good. Probably the best spot in the Mile End for coffee.
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Review from Veronique P.
Rosemère, QC
11/4/2011
Simply fabulous, cool, hot! I try not to go on sundays due to the long lines, but it moves quickly. Oh and truly Italian coffee quality! No ma, veramente!
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Review from Jay B.
12/3/2011
Best cappuccino I've had outside of Italy. A great patio to sit on when the sun is out. Fast service. Someone actually pulling espresso shots. Hey starbucks! This is how you do coffee!
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Review from Anthony K.
Montréal, QC
5/6/2011
The coffee bar formerly known as Open Da Night (although you can still find die-hards around that continue to call it by that name, or variations upon it, like "Open D"), has lost some of its former ramshackle charm to renovations (they survived a devastating fire), and their prices have crept up steadily over the years (their lattes were still just $1.50 a few years ago), but they still make one of the most satisfying old-school lattes in town and the ambiance can be pure theater at times (actually, pretty much all the time).
One of the quintessential Mile End hangouts, and one of the most animated places in Montreal to watch World Cup and European Cup soccer action. -
Review from geoff a.
11/23/2011
Café allongé... such perfect crema you have to eat it with your little spoon
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Review from Howard H.
9/24/2011
best.
coffee.
in.
montreál.
I know, I know - some folks no longer love Olimpico due to the increasingly / disturbingly high HTQ (hipster tourist quotient) and weekend throngs of those lavishly indulging their recently acquired and exquisitely accessorized children, But I still love Olimpico for one reason - THE COFFEE! They make brilliant coffee - consistently fresh, always properly done at the right temp. Fast, efficient (don't let the line frighten you noobs - this place moves with an amazing alacrity) and truly reasonable pricing. Located a short walk from St-Viateur Bagel and all of the other greatness that IS the Mile End. -
Review from Pete J.
10/15/2011
Hipsterville, great espresso, 7 types of biscotti, noisy. Trendy neighborhood.
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Review from monica c.
1/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fantastic espresso + open late night = win.
Strong shot with the perfect amount of crema. I can't really justify 5 stars, but it's pretty damn close. There wasn't quite the depth of flavor that I've found in espressos from Stumptown or Four Barrel, but almost.
Classic sports bar turned coffee shop. Kinda strange, but pretty awesome. I miss the late night coffee shops...SF really lacks them. A great spot to chill with a friend if you don't feel like dealing with the pretentious atmosphere so ever-present in many coffee shops. And yes, I realize the rest of this review is fairly pretentious, but I can't help it if coffee has become the nectar that guides me through life. -
Review from Christine R.
Montréal, QC
9/15/2008
I still don't understand the magic of Olympico. Everybody in Montreal knows the place. The crowd is a mix of artists, intellectuals, students,... and soccer aficionados. The speak Italian, French and English. The walls are covered by sport related artifacts, and Vito knows 85% of his customers' names. That day where I made it to the list is still one of the happiest of my life. Now, I can walk in the Olympico, knowing that someone will scream "Salut Christine! Un latte pour emporter? Un sucre?" Vito knows his shit.
Situated in the Mile-End (the trendiest neighborhood of Montreal... beginning to look a little bit too much like Williamsburg to my own taste...) it's definitely worth the detour. Come during the weekend, in the morning on weekdays or during a sport championship of some sort for a typical experience!!! :)Listed in: The Mile End
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Review from Raji S.
Montréal, QC
6/9/2011
No fuss, best coffee in Montréal. Perfect espresso, delicious lattés, and won't cater in anyway to any special needs: no soy milk, no skim milk, no small talk. This is the anti-Starbucks. Run exclusively by Italian men, this loud and soccer-obsessed café located in Hipster County (aka Mile End), often has long line-ups but I promise it's well worth the wait every time. For $2.50 a latté, you can afford to have two but the coffee's so strong you can only handle one.
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Review from Edwyn E.
8/20/2011
this place was highly reccomended by many servers in many restraunts in montreal and by the concierge at the hotel i was staying at for the week. a nice bus ride out of the downtown core and into the upper end of Montreal's Mile End neighborhood - a nice neighborhood cafe. the line moved very fast and the morning cappucino i had was very well made - the cafe was just right - not bitter and very smooth - and gave me the morning boost i needed. they got skills. very laid back and the outdoor seating and the eccentric neighborhood feel - made it a memorable start to the day. the biscotti was ok - kind of stale - so i'd stick to the cafe drinks. prices are also not too bad. wifi - i don't think they had free wifi but you can probably connect to someone willing to share their internet connection in the neighborhood if your lucky.
i reccommend if you are taking the bus or the subway and its not winter to rent one of the bixi bikes and bike here since it is a little over 1/2 a mile... unless your in the mood for a nice walk. -
Review from Debbie P.
3/15/2010
Best coffee in Montreal and definitely one of the best coffee houses in North America. Doesn't get any better unless you travel to Argentina or Europe.
I also love their outdoor bench like seating that's wonderful during the warmer days of spring / summer. Only problem is this place is so popular with the locals you never want to leave once you score a seat after someone leaves. -
Review from Ajay R.
9/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a cool cafe! I stopped in here for a tea and to catch the end of a US Open match and marveled at the fact that in the 1.5 hrs that I sat there, the lineup was always consistently long. My wife said the coffee was indeed excellent so I guess we stumbled into the right place. Big screen TVs, free wireless, good tea and coffee... what's not to like!
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Review from Cal B.
Montréal, QC
2/28/2010
Best coffee in Montreal and in a fantastic area too!
Order any of their coffee drinks and you are sure to enjoy its rich and flavourful taste. -
Review from Tom P.
1/9/2012
After hearing bad reviews about the staff, I still made the long trek from Verdun to get a great espresso pull. I entered around 3pm to see about 10 people in line and 15 or so sitting around the tables. I was immediately told to leave and that they were closing (after he let the local that held the door for me get in line). I told him I was in town from the US and was really looking forward to trying their coffee, had come over from Verdun, and would take my coffee to go. He very rudely told me that he has been working since 11am by himself and if I were in his shoes, I would understand. After pleading again, I was told to just leave. While I like to sympathize with people, working a 4 hour shift as a barista is most certainly not an excuse for being flat-out dismissive of your customers. That, sir, earns your business a poor rating on all the review sites I belong to. Should have listened to the others.
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Review from Andrea B.
Montréal, QC
12/18/2010
Is it the most pristine cafe? No. Is it a quiet, trendy atmosphere? No. Does it have the best espresso, most interesting mix of people, and terrasse that inspires imaginative novels within anyone who can't string a verb and a noun together? YES! It's da best. And open da night. What more do you want?
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Review from SG D.
8/2/2010
Have you ever had a coffee that's so good that it makes you forget how to describe it when you finally start writing the review?
Neither have I, but the coffee here is seriously good. -
Review from Mitch S.
Toronto, ON
4/15/2009
Best coffee in town, plus you can bring food from outside to eat here, what more could you ask for?
Oh, if you're a fan of Italian league soccer, there is always something playing! -
Review from Sara S.
4/14/2011
Great espresso, weird/fun atmosphere, VERY loud but definitely a must-see when you come to Montreal.
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Review from Jennifer T.
6/3/2011
Best coffee in town. Friendly staff and free wifi! Large cafe with plenty of seating and non-pretentious atmosphere. Good prices, $2.50 for a cappuccino.
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Review from Benjamin Z.
Montréal, QC
5/9/2010 1 photo
I don't really understand the hype over Olimpico. It's right across the street from me and by far the closest café to me, but I always find myself going farther afield. The coffee is okay, I suppose, but there's coffee that's just as good to be had elsewhere on St-Viateur and especially one block up on Bernard.
Apart from the decent coffee, Olimpico is a strange, disharmonious, and unfortunate blend of the worst aspects of a cafe and a sports bar. The food is at best underwhelming (with some options, such as the pre-packaged, days-old croissants, being totally off the radar of acceptability), so there's nothing to complement the decent coffee. There are plenty of people who go there to chat and/or read, and the patio is nice enough on a sunny day, though the clash between this crowd and the sports-bar contingent is palpable and insufficiently tempered by Olimpico's lack of a liquor licence (which, to me, makes it the worst possible place to watch a sports game). -
Review from Wilson K.
9/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
Olimpico is more like a sports bar that serves a solid cup of coffee. It's really a local hangout, with TV and radio on, loud conversation, Italian flags up on the wall. For all that, it's a charming place, but one I'd recommend more for hanging out bar-style than trying to enjoy as a cafe. The outdoor seating is nice, and the neighborhood is one of the nicest in Montreal. I envy the locals who live near by for having such a great spot, but in the end I don't mind leaving it to them.
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Review from sally w.
9/7/2011
Best coffee ever! it's creamy and flavorful. I had the hot latte and my bf had the cold one. The cold one tasted better. This place was like a coffee sports bar which was a bit weird. But again, definitely worth the trip. Forget starbucks
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Review from Phil S.
Longueuil, QC
1/21/2010 1 photo
Best coffee in Montreal. Real local experience. Vito and Vince are always happy to see you.
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