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L'Escalier
Category: Restaurants Vegetarian Vegetarian [Edit]
552 Rue Sainte-Catherine EstMontréal, QC H2L 2E1
(514) 670-5812
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 3 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
7 reviews for L'Escalier
6 reviews in English
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Review from Serge D.
Montréal, QC
5/17/2012
warning for anti-grévistes: this aint the place for you! stay the hell in Westmount you want something more..erm..."traditional".
But if your not a Jerk (and you support the Quebec Student Strike) you will LOVE this place. They always have vegan baked goods and homemade kombuchas as well as a decent selection of veg meals. but you dont come here for the food, you come here to chill. Strike slogans are written on the bathroom walls, the staff are hippies and its always filled with UQAM students. L'Escalier is one of the chillest spots to chill in MTL.
Warning for Anglophones: this joint is UBER francophone. good luck getting English service, however that adds to the charm for me, as it gives me an opportunity to améliorer mon français sans jugement. -
Review from Min Min T.
Scarborough, ON
4/11/2011
Driving down the street, we had a tough time locating this cafe. The restaurant next to it is at 550 Rue Sainte-Catherine, but the building number for L'Escalier is actually out of order, and is the number BEFORE it. Only a darkly painted doorway and a colourful sign is all you have to go on - and possibly stoned-looking youth smoking ciggies in front.
Located on the second floor and sadly, not wheelchair accessible, L'Escalier has a tune of its own - creaky floors, laughter and the clinking of beer glasses. It's kitschy, dark and grungy, but it's alright.
We popped in on a Saturday night, when it was busy as a beehive and made the risky decision of sticking out here when we had a schedule to keep. The small counter where drinks and food are ordered is usually served by one exclusively French-speaking attendant, who scribbles all the orders on a notepad. Yes, it's cash only. As well, the counter is approximately ONE meter away from entrance, a set of narrow and awkward pair of wooden French doors. Therefore, awkward line-ups are often formed and you may find your face in someone's hair as your tummy is growling anxiously.
Drinks get served on the spot as you order, but the cooks here can't do the same - my boyfriend and I ended up waiting more than 30 minutes to get an apple and cheese sandwich and a pesto pasta. I was probably wearing the bitchiest look I owned and I'm sure that I stuck out like a sore thumb in a place that's pretty down-to-Earth.
Lesson learned: don't come here if you're in a time crunch.
Even as I was fuming - smoke was practically coming out of my ears - I'll admit it was a damn good sandwich and pretty tasty pasta. Not only was the timing a turn-off, but the decor didn't impress me one bit. The furniture is old and rocky, the pillows are gritty and I'm not sure how often they run a dust cloth and broom through this place.
Great budget hang-out and reliable food, but not really my scene. -
Review from Marcel V.
7/25/2011
I was really looking forward to this place after reading the other reviews. But what is it with some alternative places. Do they not have noses? The air in this restaurant was so stale it turned me off completely. Learn to open the windows and air things out every day!
Also, no one said hello or even looked at me when I came in and walked around a little looking for a table. -
Review from Anfernee C.
Toronto, ON
11/18/2010
Without a doubt my favourite Bohemian/hippie spot in Montreal.
Yummy well-priced veggie food, friendly staff (the lady with the wicked tattoos has wonderful energy and smile), and very relaxed vibe.
I recall there being free wifi when I did some work there one time.
At first glance it would appear somebody forgot to finish the design i.e. where did the consistency go? Every room is different - a mish mash of tables and chairs in one spot, then around the corner there's couches or mats for sitting on the floor, and the beauty of it is it works. Yet, there is a consistency in flow and feel here.
It's very easy to strike up a conversation with randoms in there. There's lots of natural lighting and candles.
There's also live bands playing every night I believe. (Check the website to be sure).
Literally 2 mins walk from Berri-Uqam metro, if you're in Montreal you must drop by this place. In many ways it's representative of the relaxed and welcoming feel of the city and its people that I've come to love. -
Review from neesa r.
10/27/2010 1 photo
this is my absolutely favorite place to eat and hang out in Montreal!!!
first of all it's all vegetarian and the menu is extensive!
the prices are in medium range but there are discounts for students.
the best part about this place is the ambiance! a bit hippie and very relaxed. It has multiple rooms - each of them decorated differently. Some has couches, some have tables, some have rocking chairs, some are lit by the light from a window, some with a candle lights.
There is also a bar stand and live music concerts.
The staff is very friendly and mostly only french speaking.
They also only accept cash (I always forget that)
It's hard to find them at first but if you know the exact address look for a tiny door that will lead you directly to a 2nd floor through a narrow set of stairs.
amazing place to hangout, eact and relax!
enjoy!Listed in: Eats to check in Montreal
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Review from Thomas B.
Montréal, QC
4/26/2011
good food, cool relaxed environment, often with live music. have to buy food to drink but the food is never a disappointment.
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