Montreal Irish Pubs: A Few Favorites
It was on a fine spring evening that I found myself chatting up a charming Montreal Irish pub bartender -- terribly charming even -- who insisted on serving me a delicious Guinness/cider hybrid, a poor man's Black Velvet. Halfway through the pint, I revealed my identity, admitting I was preparing a piece on Montreal's Top 10 Irish pubs. He paused, looked at me incredulously and said 'you mean Montreal's only 10 Irish Pubs?!"
It was on a fine spring evening that I found myself chatting up a charming Montreal Irish pub bartender -- terribly charming even -- who insisted on serving me a delicious Guinness/cider hybrid, a poor man's Black Velvet. Halfway through the pint, I revealed my identity, admitting I was preparing a piece on Montreal's Top 10 Irish pubs. He paused, looked at me incredulously and said 'you mean Montreal's only 10 Irish Pubs?!"
Point taken.
And now, for your top 5!
1. McKibbins Irish Pub
Photo © Evelyn Reid
I like McKibbin's (the downtown one that is, never been to their other locations). The downtown pub has a room for every taste and personality. The basement floor is intimate and cozy. The main floor is roomy, even when live acts play onstage. And the top floor, dubbed the Toucan, has entertainment value as a slightly seedy pickup joint meets dance floor -- yes gentlemen, if I'm dancing, then please, grind me from behind, this introductory strategy is an excellent way to get into my good graces* -- populated by tourists, students, locals and West Island-esque hip hop fans. The terrace out back is enjoyable if you're craving fresh air without the people-watching perks of the wee front terrace. Staff offer great service, positive vibes, and if you want a snack, consider the house fries with curried mayo.
*Note sarcasm.
2. Hurley's Irish Pub
Photo © Evelyn Reid
I know, I know. Why didn't Hurley's get first place? Irish ex-pats and visitors consistently insist it's the pub to visit for a taste of home. And yes, Hurley's has got that special something, offering a enjoyable ambiance when it's not packed and/or when you manage to score a terrace table. See, yours truly likes a seat with her pint and live entertainment. But good luck making that happen unless you get there early in the evening because it's a popular pub on tourist-friendly Crescent Street. And many are willing to nurse their pints standing, cornered even, cheering along with the toasted crowd. But hey, maybe you don't care. Maybe you want the full Irish experience complete with songs like this blaring live three feet from you.
3. Ye Olde Orchard Pub
Photo © Evelyn Reid
The little Irish pub that could, Ye Olde Orchard seems to be taking over the pub scene, with a newish Plateau location on Prince Arthur and a downtown hot spot on de la Montagne, in addition to the original venue I've personally appreciated in the less central but so very trendy Monkland Village. And while the original pub is cramped for space -- and it's almost an accomplishment to score a terrace spot -- the Prince Arthur and de la Montagne locales are bigger. The menu has more variety than other pubs (think sweet potato fries, capon wings and Sri Lankan curries) but with a price to match. Staff is a nice bunch. An all-in-all solid top fiver on the Montreal pub map.
