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Griffintown
Categories: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants Gastropubs Breakfast & Brunch, Gastropubs [Edit]
1378 Rue Notre-Dame OuestMontréal, QC H3C 1K8
(514) 931-5299
- Hours:
Tue 6 pm - 10 pm
Wed-Fri 11:30 am - 10 pm
Sat 10 am - 10 pm
Sun 10 am - 3 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
23 reviews for Griffintown
Review Highlights
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"I keep meaning to try their brunch." In 4 reviews -
"I ordered the crab cakes with eggs, oh so good." In 2 reviews -
"...munching good food on a Friday night when you want to go..." In 2 reviews
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
5/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Sign me up for a weekly eat here, please? Someone? Please. Arriving starved after a morning train ride from Ottawa, I was seated on the terrasse. Snuggly wedged into my seat (which was also propping open the door to the restaurant) I got down to brass tacts: bennies and bevies.
I ordered absolutely, positively correctly. The house cured wild salmon benny was a perfect blend of salty, sweet, pickled, and smoky flavour. And the mountain of potato mash with bites of onions? I could have easily eaten double!
Griffintown seems to be a restaurant that enjoys homemaking their wares. Much to my joyful surprise, they also had homemade ginger beer. And yes, it too was delicious.
I searched for something wrong with experience, but truthfully, it was just a big breakfast-at-lunch-time love fest. -
Review from Diego K.
3/25/2012
Went here for brunch on a Saturday morning, great atmosphere and decor, about a 15 minute wait. Busy but not outrageously so.
The house juices are great. The Canadian breakfast was also very good, although the bacon was a little off, but vegetarians beware, there is no vegetarian option to replace the meat in most dishes other than "more mixed greens," and even the breakfast potatoes are cooked in bacon fat. -
Review from Rowan U.
2/24/2012
Have been here a few times for breakfast and once in the evening, so I'll split the review in to two:
Breakfast - while there's always a line up, it's well worth the wait.
The place is noisy, but that's just because it's one big space (including all the seating, the bar, and the kitchen) and popular. I don't find it a problem, but if you want a quiet spot to escape the noise, then you don't want to come here.
While you're waiting for a table, try to squeeze in at the bar to order a coffee (it's really good here) - it makes the wait that much more bearable.
The G Biscuit with bacon is my favourite savoury meal - it's not too big, super tasty, and cooked to perfection. On the sweet side I really like their french toast - nothing too crazy, just solid french toast goodness.
Evening - much more chillaxed. I had the burger and pint Wednesday special for $18, and wasn't disappointed. The burger patty is a mix of beef, lamb, and duck, and tastes as good as it sounds! I can't remember what beer they have on tap, but it's good.Listed in: Montreal Cafes
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Review from Jay W.
Montréal, QC
4/19/2012
In Montreal it seems to be normal to charge good money for mediocre to poisonous food. We're it not for my favourite cheap and cheerfuls (Thali, Thai Express and a few others) I would never eat out at all.
This evening a friend of mine wanted to go for a bite, I was really just looking for a coffee while he ate. We ended up at the Griffintown, because it was close and looked reasonably appealing.
Once seated I checked out the menu, and though I wasn't hungry I saw Pulled Pork Tacos and couldn't resist. Now -- I should know better, as there is one thing you can be sure of -- no one in Montreal actually knows how to cook, much less something as tasty as pulled pork.
My pal ordered a burger, and when he specified no bacon, what do you know he got bacon -- STRIKE 1
My Pulled Pork arrived, and it was cold: trichinosis anyone??? STRIKE 2 I sent it back, and at that moment I realized that Griffintown was another over-hyped, under serving restaurant.
I didn't want anything else to eat, as god knows what goes on in that kitchen, but making food is obviously not their forte.
The final strike was the out of tune, bad sounding piano, being beaten by some woman who required sheet music to play old standards, and her accompanist, a microphoned double bass.
Would I go there again?? BZZZT
The only saving grace was they comp'd our meal. Which when you think about it, thats about what it was worth -- nothing. -
Review from Scott T.
Westmount, QC
Updated - 4/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
It feels like they're busting at the seems. The food, like the burger, is still good. But the service has become slower and the waitstaff seem more stressed. Plus, I can't believe that they haven't fixed the hood yet. We all smelt like greasy french fries when we got out of there. I've got mixed feelings about this place now.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/27/2012
Very charming, chill establishment. The decor is suiting, and the ambiance last night was fantastic… Read more »
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Review from Alijandro P.
Hands down the best crab cake I have ever experienced--watch out New England. How is this possible? Smoked jalapeño remoulade with pickled red onions...duh, heaven. Anywho, great local spot, pardon my lack of French proficiency, quaint and I loved the little Asian woman that sat next to me and voiced her discontent for the briefly screaming baby:
"we had children and did not bring them out to ruin other peoples meals. People have pay money and that baby is causing people indigestion!"
--priceless
You have to love a place that serves Manhattans before Noon! -
Review from Dan B.
Laval, QC
1/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
Friends suggested meeting for brunch at Griffintown Cafe and we were not disappointed. The wait staff were tremendous and actually let us in out of the cold a little before the restaurant opened. We were there with an infant which tends to complicate things at most restaurants, but they were well set up and didn't give it a second thought.
We tried the bacon and eggs mac and cheese as well as the eggs benedict. The mac and cheese was made with about 4 kinds of cheese and topped with their homemade bacon (which is amazing) and two perfectly poached eggs. It was heavy, but delicious. The eggs benedict was also incredible. Not too much hollandaise and homemade bacon instead of ham. The kicker was a homemade biscuit for the base. It all came together very nicely.
Griffintown Cafe was very kid friendly with amazing food and excellent staff. We couldn't have asked for a better brunch and will definitely be back. -
Review from Gregory S.
Montréal, QC
1/22/2012
Came here with a friend for a late dinner before heading out for the night. The place was full except for two places at the bar. So we decided to stay and eat at the bar.
The decor had a very old time charm feel to it. I am a sucker for the exposed brick and dated hardwood. They had an upright bass and piano, which eventually was played by some musicians later in the evening. The open kitchen is nice too because you can see the food being cooked.
I LOVE bourbon (having lived in Kentucky kinda forces you) and they had a very good selection (for Montreal standards) of bourbon.
I ordered the Griffintown cheeseburger, which is 1/2 beef, 1/4 duck and 1/4 lamb. You can also have the option to add bacon. It was really really good. I tasted the lamb the most (I guess cause lamb is a really overpowering flavor...) but it was delicious nonetheless.
The mac and cheese looked good and I must try that next time.
The waitresses were pleasant and competent but the staff definitely had a hipster vibe to them.
My only concern was sitting so close to the kitchen caused our clothes to reek of pork...nothing a little cologne and fresh air couldn't fix... -
Review from Matthew P.
Montréal, QC
Granola Sheik
You know what I mean? Like, the kind of people that buy hemp sandals, not make hemp sandals. This is the crowd at Cafe Griffintown. None the less, the food is spot on.
I've only been for brunch but have tried everything on that menu. Huevos Divorcidos has taught me the best part of marriage is the end of it. Le Cauchon showed me that three different kinds of pig with a fried egg and a great bun, will induce sleep. And through crab cakes I have taken in that...well...crab cakes for breakfast are bitchen'.
Service is always great. The waitresses are both pleasant and pretty, not necessarily in that order and the music is feckin' awesome. From saloon piano to jazz, it adds to the great ambience and relaxed decor.
My only complaint is this, they sell Benedicts like the English military and I find the Hollandaise gets a little runny the later you go. It doesn't have that nice, rich, nappe consistency...but such is life and I don't bitch. I just get the Breakfast Burger, which consists of beef, duck and lamb, burger accoutrements and yes.... a fuckin' fried egg. Last but not least, the biscuits are like edible pillows of delicious.
You best make a res if you are going for a late breakfast or be prepared to have a few cocktails, their brunch is quite busy and rightfully so.
I will try dinner soon enough.
waka waka -
Review from Jessica C.
2/12/2012
My boyfriend and I found this place on Yelp and went for brunch during a weekend trip to Montreal. It was fantastic. He ordered the huevos divorciados and I had the bacon egg mac & cheese. Being from Texas, we were leery about ordering a Mexican inspired dish- but we were not disappointed!
The dishes came out piping hot- a very important factor for a delicious breakfast. We ate at the bar and we spent a couple of hours lingering after our meal visiting with the staff, the chef and his wife. We had plans to go visit a couple of museums but we ended up spending the entire afternoon just hanging out at Griffintown, a happy accident and a very memorable Sunday afternoon. -
Review from Patricia S.
10/12/2011
My friend talked up the Egg Mac and Cheese before we arrived at Griffintown for brunch and I say to myself, ok ok, I'm sure it's alright, I'll see what else is on the menu. Huevos Divorciados... that looks interesting...Eggs Norwegian... maybe...OK FINE, egg mac and cheeese it is.
Glad I got it! Absolutely fantastic. Totally hit the spot. This is not for the diet conscious.
Plus, everyone in the restaurant is beautiful!! Every.One. Customers and waitstaff. Maybe it's the lighting. I don't know. Go early for brunch, it gets crowded at primetime! -
Review from Kana L.
Montréal, QC
12/12/2011
A go to breakfast/brunch spot, with one of the best cappuccinos in town - don't add sugar.
But come hungry, cause the plates are plentiful.
The eggs benedict are great, and the mac and cheese lives up to the hype. -
Review from Tara F.
Montréal, QC
8/12/2011 1 photo
This place is a gem in this up-and-coming neighbourhood - A relaxed atmosphere, live jazz and blues, excellent food, and waitresses in vintage dresses.
The southern-inspired menu changes often and the ingredients are super fresh. The burger - half beef, half duck, quarter lamb - is a must for any burger enthusiast.
Griffintown Café is a great pick if you're near Notre Dame. -
Review from Andrea B.
Montréal, QC
12/18/2010
As stinky as you'll be walking out of there, you've got to put olfactory vanity aside, and go for it. BEST potatoes (come in a mashed up ball) that taste like Cosmo's without being Cosmo's.
Try the breakfast menu (classic eggs, salad), the Mexican breakfast, the grilled cheese, eggs Benedict (insanity) and the list goes on. Actually, try everything. The only reason I witheld the fifth star is because there ain't no freshly squeezed. And I love my freshly squeezed. -
Review from Lesley T.
8/18/2011
A great place to chill and listen to some jazz while munching good food on a Friday night when you want to go out and haven't made reservations (since they don't take 'em). Arrive early in the evening or be prepared to wait for a table (ideally you can do so while sipping a drink at the bar). Their menu changes frequently, and has a southern influence. I really liked the lobster tacos. The whole place has a community vibe and the live music adds some real spirit. Sometimes the servers even join the band! I keep meaning to try their brunch.
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Review from J.F. H.
11/3/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I've been to Griffintown 3 times now and I have to admit it keeps getting better each time I go.
The first time I went was for breakfast this summer and to be honest I was a little disappointed with the service, that being said I think they were going through some growing pains because as I later found out the poor service wasn't the staffs fault but a computer glitch that had wiped out all the mornings orders.
The second and third time I went were awesome, the problems had all been addressed and the staff has found their groove. The service was impeccable, even on Friday night when the place was full and we had to wait, they made us feel at home and worked very hard to get us a table as quickly as possible.
I love the open kitchen that allows you to see whats going on and the activity in the kitchen adds to the general ambiance. They also had great jazz band playing the evening I was there, adding even more to the ambiance. Breakfast at Griffintown is as enjoyable as dinner the cafe au lait is good and the brioche french toast is just awesome as are the eggs Benedict with smoked salmon.
This has definitely become one of my favourite places, it a nice restaurant with a nice neighbourhood feel. The beef, Lamb and duck burger is one of the best in the city. I hope you enjoy. -
Review from Helen Adilia A.
Westmount, QC
6/16/2011
Excellent pulled pork soft shell tacos and a drink menu full of bourbons and hints of the south, Griffintown Cafe is a nice quiet hangout for a mid day meal or a fun place at night that can sometimes be crowded. The simple dishes seem to have the most flavor! Now that I have found the pulled pork it will be hard for me to venture away from them! Mmmmmm!
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Review from Carlos P.
Verdun, QC
8/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great place for a quick bite or just to hang out and listen to the live jazz.
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Review from Fern H.
5/24/2011
Had brunch here on a recent girls' trip to Montreal. It was very close to the condo where we were staying. Arrived around noon on a Saturday afternoon and to our surprise, no line up! Service was quick and friendly. We ordered the eggs benny with homemade bacon ($12) and it came with a side of potatoes and green salad. Other orders included the crab cakes and French Toast. Everything was super tasty and prices very, very reasonable for brunch. They don't have regular drip coffee but the Americano was great. Loved the laid back vibe of the place. Would gladly come back for brunch again if we're in the area.
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Review from A b.
Montréal, QC
6/28/2010
One of the best breakfast spots in town by my calculations. Very fresh, healthy tasting food, without tons of grease and lard. The ambiance is lovely, with a small open air kitchen in the back. When we went the place was packed, and the service was slow. But it ended up being worth it, the food was delicious! It's kind of a hike out there, if you're not in the neighborhood, but take the opportunity to go walk around Griffintown and St Henri after brunch, they're lovely neighborhoods.
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Review from Ennie L.
1/9/2011
My new favorite breakfast spot in Montreal. No lineups, spacious & most importantly DELICIOUS! I ordered the crab cakes with eggs, oh so good! My friends ordered the Mexican dish and eggs benedicts, their verdicts, excellent!
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Review from Karl H.
Cote Saint-Luc, QC
8/8/2010
Known for its jazz themed nights, amazing décor, and novel food presentation, Griffintown café has made a name for itself. In fact, when we showed up we had to wait a little over 15 minutes to get a seat (you may want to consider reservations), since the place was jammed both inside and in the terrace out back. There is actually a bar section where we could have eaten but we chose to wait for a table. There was a also a piano where people where eating on as if was a table which I found to be pretty cool. When we got seated we got a nice table with these metal chair with really comfy pillows on them. The pillows almost made me fall asleep since you sink right into them. The entire place is relaxing, I mean, it has this nice old charm with warm red bricks on the wall and old hardwood floors that give it that comfy feeling.
The menu is a one pager and has an interesting mix of classic breakfast dishes and more filling meal items that you would normally see at lunch. This would usually cause issues with me but the breakfast items had their spirit intact and any lunch like influences did not take away from the true nature of the dish. The menu price is a little more than what one would find at most spots. You will find lots of dishes in the $12 -$15 price range, although there are some lower cost items. I should also note that coffee is not free.
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