15 great terrasses in the Quartier des Spectacles

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It’s warm and sunny – time to enjoy the season. Terrasse season, that is! How about a cold one or a snack with friends next time you visit the Quartier des Spectacles?

Here are 15 terrasses, each with its own distinctive vibe, for whiling away hot summer afternoons.

ABOVE THE STREETS

LABO CULINAIRE

1201 Saint-Laurent Blvd.

Take the stairs to the third floor of the Society for Arts and Technology (SAT) and you’ll find the Foodlab. Its large deck offers excellent views of the skyline, and seems to float just above the treetops of adjacent Place de la Paix. There’s a seasonal menu and a tempting selection of natural wines.

PANDORE

1300 Saint-Dominique St.

One of the best views in the Quartier can be found from Pandore’s gorgeous patio on the roof of the 2-22 building. The venue’s guest DJs and bands will have you up and dancing in no time.

SIX RESTO LOUNGE

1255 Jeanne-Mance St.

Enjoy a spectacular view of the Place des Festivals from this lounge on the sixth floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Every Thursday, “Jeudis en vue” presents barbecue, cocktails and great music. The elegant patio is open until September 21.

STEPS AWAY FROM THE SAINTE-CATHERINE ST. EXCITEMENT

BIIRU

1433, City Councillors St.

A Japanese tavern that feels like walking into a manga! Its charming patio is slightly elevated to dial back the street noise. Most of the dishes are made for sharing, and the sake bombs are just plain fun. A great spot for groups.

Café Parvis | Bar Furco

433 Mayor St. | 425 Mayor St.

Just around the corner from the heart of the festival action on Sainte-Catherine St., tiny Mayor St. is home to Café Parvis and Bar Furco, neighbours with great terrasses that welcome visitors, passers-by and regulars daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Shaded by lush plants and flowers, sip a coffee or a cocktail or share some appetizers or excellent pizza. There’s a jazz duo at the Furco every Monday and Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m.

QUARTIER LATIN HOT SPOTS

LE SAINT-HOUBLON

1567 Saint-Denis St.

Beer lovers are always in for a pleasant surprise thanks to this pub’s regular new arrivals. Whether you decide to sit out front on Saint-Denis or out back (near the Grande bibliothèque), you’ll be in the heart of the action.

L’ABREUVOIR

403 Ontario St. East

There’s been a breath of fresh air on L’Abreuvoir’s patio, thanks to a massive new floral arrangement that refreshes the whole space. The refresh extends to the new cocktail and summer snacks menus. The Mai Phai salad, with chicken or tofu, as well as the salmon tacos, are perfect for a sunny afternoon.

FOUFOUNES ÉLECTRIQUES

87 Sainte-Catherine St. East

One look at the gate and colourful murals, and there’s no doubt you’ve found the patio at the Foufs! A large, eclectic crowd gathers to enjoy sunsets at this venerable Montreal institution.

LES KATACOMBES

1635 Saint-Laurent Blvd.

This Saint-Laurent Blvd. show bar, a workers’ co-op, includes a cozy deck that hosts barbecues and live music. Open Wednesday through Sunday starting at 4 p.m.; children accompanied by their parents are welcome until 8 p.m.

PUB QUARTIER LATIN

318 Ontario St. East

For nearly 25 years, this has been a favourite spot for draft beer, snacks and just hanging out on the huge terrasse. Discover the next generation of comedians at the Bordel Comédie Club, right next door.

FRONT-ROW SEATS

CAFÉ DU NOUVEAU MONDE

84 Sainte-Catherine St. West

Whether you’re going to see a play at the Théâtre du Nouveau Monde (TNM) or just want to watch festivalgoers stroll by, the patio at the Café du Nouveau Monde is a great place to get a glimpse of your favourite musicians and actors while savouring a specialty from the bistro-style menu.

TAVERNE F

1485 Jeanne-Mance St.

A little slice of Portugal in the Place des Festivals, Taverne F puts you in the front row for the summer’s big outdoor shows. The restaurant, Ferreira’s more casual sibling, invites you to share petiscos – Portuguese tapas – made with a modern touch by chef Chef Sofiane Ghanmi.

BRASSERIE T!

1425 Jeanne-Mance St.

Founded by acclaimed chef and restaurateur Normand Laprise of Toqué ! fame, Brasserie T serves delicious bistro fare accompanied by an impressive selection of wines. Reservations are recommanded, especially during festival season. Since the kitchen is open until 11:30 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday, this is the perfect spot for a late-night nosh.

FARM TO TABLE

Accords

22 Sainte-Catherine St. East

When fresh produce and sustainable seafood meet organic and natural wines, you’re sure to have an exceptional culinary experience. The restaurant’s new sommelier, Shaun Jacques-Buckley, offers recommendations and thematic tastings. Check out the lunch menu for fine meals at great prices while you bask in the sunshine.

La garde partagée

71 rue Sainte-Catherine St. East

This new restaurant is part of a wave of renewal on its stretch of Sainte-Catherine. La Garde Partagée’s menu is always refreshed to take advantage of the best seasonal ingredients available. Don’t miss their cocktails, perfect for a sunny 5 to 7.

NATURE IN THE CITY

JARDINS GAMELIN

Place Émilie-Gamelin
Until September 30

One of Montreal’s biggest and greenest patios is surrounded by lush vegetation and hosts daily DJ sets and live music. There’s also a new snack-bar menu featuring delicious vegetarian options.

LE SAINTE-ÉLISABETH

1412 Sainte-Élisabeth St.

Located on the street of the same name, near Sainte-Catherine, this European-style pub is famous for its luxuriant courtyard that almost makes you forget you’re in the heart of the city.