Enjoy the good life on these 15 terrasses in Quartier des spectacles

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There’s no place quite as enjoyable as a patio in the dog days of summer. That’s where Quartier des spectacles comes in: it has a cornucopia of places to dine or drink al fresco before or after a show. Here’s a west-to-east look at 15 of the Quartier’s terrasses.

1) Biiru

1433, rue City Councillors

One of the newest patios in the Quartier belongs to Biiru, the recently-opened izakaya (Japanese tavern). This quiet space is perfect for sharing exotic dishes and sipping beer or sake.

2) Furco + Café Parvis

425 et 433, rue Mayor

Furco and Café Parvis are neighbours and sister establishments. The first is a lively bar serving small platters, while the second is a café and restaurant with a menu focused on pizza. Both establishments now have outdoor seating on tiny Mayor Street, with a view of the back of St. James United Church.

3) Le Balmoral

305, rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest

Le Balmoral, located on the ground floor of Maison du Festival, is a non-profit bistro whose proceeds fund the Maison’s free activities. That’s just one of the many reasons to spend time on its charming patio overlooking Place des Festivals, which hums with activity during major events.

4) Taverne F

1485, rue Jeanne-Mance

Café Ferreira’s smaller sibling, on Place des Festivals, has just launched a new menu featuring petiscos – Portuguese tapas. Have a seat on the patio and watch the water dance in the fountains, or take in a show on the main stage.

5) Brasserie T!

1425, rue Jeanne-Mance

Also on Place des Festivals, Brasserie T! serves classic bistro fare by Normand Laprise, the chef-owner of Toqué!, one of the city’s finest restaurants.

6) Le Contemporain

185, rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest

The Musée d’art contemporain’s restaurant is still one of the city’s best-kept secrets, and that goes double for its rooftop patio. Overlooking the Place des Arts Esplanade, it’s an oasis of tranquility amidst the non-stop action of the Quartier.

7) SIX Resto Lounge (Hyatt)

1255, rue Jeanne-Mance

Located on the sixth floor of the Hyatt, SIX restaurant’s patio boasts incredible views of the downtown skyline and the Place des Arts area, including two of the eight building façades used full-time for digital art projections (UQAM’s President Kennedy building and Théâtre Maisonneuve). During festivals, this is the place to go to enjoy free concerts away from the crush of the crowd.

8) Le Café du Nouveau Monde

84, Sainte-Catherine Ouest

Théâtre du Nouveau Monde’s large patio is the perfect spot for people-watching on Sainte-Catherine’s summertime pedestrian zone, complete with frequent celebrity sightings. The café serves classic fare with a modern twist.

9) Foodlab

1201, boulevard Saint-Laurent

On the top floor of the SAT, chefs Michelle Marek and Seth Gabriel roll out a creative new menu every few weeks. The lovely deck has a terrific view of the Monument-National and one of the Quartier’s eight permanent videoprojection façades. Open weekdays only.

10) Les Katacombes

1635, boulevard Saint-Laurent

After three years in pilot-project mode, this showbar (run as a workers’ co-op) now has a full-time summer patio. The large, graffiti-decorated space seats 80 and has an outdoor bar.

11) Foufounes électriques

87, rue Sainte-Catherine Est

The iconic showbar’s two patios – one front, one back – proudly carry on this Montreal institution’s tradition of eclectic décor with their skulls, giant spiders, tiki masks and other spooky items.

12) Le Sainte-Élisabeth

1412, rue Sainte-Élisabeth

This bar has a magnificent courtyard, home to one of the city’s most spectacular patios. The high, ivy-covered walls give the space a warm, romantic feel.

13) Le Saint-Sulpice

1680, rue Saint-Denis

One of the city’s largest terrasses scarcely needs introduction. While there are some tables on Saint-Denis, most patrons prefer to relax under the shady locust trees out back.

14) Le Saint-Ciboire

1693, rue Saint-Denis

There are a few tables in front, but head to the back and you’ll find a wealth of seating. Thanks to its modest prices, this pub is one of Saint-Denis Street’s most popular spots when the mercury rises.

15) L’Abreuvoir

403, rue Ontario East

L’Abreuvoir has a modern pub on the ground floor, a basement club and a quiet patio out back. No matter what the weather, you can pull up a chair and forget the chaotic street life just steps away. A thick canopy of trees and ivy give the space plenty of character.

1) Biiru
2) Furco + Café Parvis
3) Le Balmoral
4) Taverne F
5) Brasserie T!
6) Le Contemporain
7) SIX Resto Lounge (Hyatt)
8) Le Café du Nouveau Monde
9) Foodlab
10) Les Katacombes
11) Foufounes électriques
12) Le Sainte-Élisabeth
13) Le Saint-Sulpice
14) Le Saint-Ciboire
15) L’Abreuvoir