Siphon coffee, mastic blend, flat white, oh my! No matter your choice of brew, the Plateau has your fix. While the third wave coffee movement percolates throughout Montreal, the classics continue to stir.
So slowly back away from your double-double and delight in the city’s best from the smallest cafe in North America to remarkably light-filled spaces. These spots are sure to add a little pep in your step.
Pikolo
Bordering McGIll Ghetto, this Aussie inspired espresso bar is instagram famous for its top floor snapshot. As its name suggests, this snug space is best for a quick fix.
Address: 3418B Avenue du Parc
When: Mon- Fri 7:30 am – 7 pm, Sat – Sun 9 am – 6pm
Osmo
This communal space, part of Notman House tech campus, is notable for its architectural details and turquoise Acapulco chairs. They serve Nova Scotia’s Anchored coffee and it’s the perfect spot to rub elbows with Montreal’s startup community.
Address: 51 Sherbrooke West
When: Mon-Thur 8 am – 5 pm, Fri 8 am – 6pm
le Falco
This unexpected, light-filled cafe at the base of a warehouse building pairs industrial design with Japanese fare and offers a chance to discover Siphon coffee culture. High ceilings, hanging bikes and hammocks add to the distinct atmosphere.
Address: 5605 de Gaspe
When: Mon-Thur 8-5pm, Fri 8-6pm
Olimpico
A constantly buzzing Mile End staple; this café is no secret to Montrealers. For a strong fix, prime people watching and sunny terrace hangouts, Olimpico, since 1970, satiates every time.
Address: 124 Rue St-Viateur Ouest
When: Mon-Sun 7 am -12 am
Melbourne
Two expats from the land down under introduce a favorite beyond the Flat White. The Jaffle, a crispy edged, stuffed toast with the likes of mac n’ cheese. Don’t miss the secret garden at the back.
Address: 4615 Blvd St-Laurent
When: Mon 9 am – 5 pm, Tue- Fri 8 am – 5pm, Sat 9 am – 5pm, Sun 10 am – 5pm
Waxman House
This tuxedo rental house is a Montreal institution since 1927 renowned for its elegance and lesser known for their hidden espresso bar and barber shop at the back. The ultimate gentlemen’s stop for a mezzo latte made with Miscela d’Oro beans.
Address: 4605 Avenue du Parc
When: Mon- Wed 9 am – 5 pm, Thur- Fri 9 am – 8 pm, Sat 9 am – 4 pm
La Distributrice
Welcome to the smallest coffee shop in North America. Steps away from the Mont Royal metro stop, this window counter packs a proper brew-to-go. If you are lucky and early enough, grab their homemade beignets.
Address: 408 Mont Royal
Where: Mon- Thurs 7 am – 6pm, Fri 7 am – 8pm, Sat – Sun 8 am – 8pm
Noble
A newer addition to the third wave scene is Noble, conveniently located just outside of the Laurier metro stop. Serving up a tiny interior, cozy outdoor space, Kittel and Phil & Sebastian coffee, and Les Givrés ice cream (an ode to the locale’s former business).
Address: 430 Laurier East
When: Mon – Fri 7 am – 6 pm, Sat 8:30 am – 6pm, Sun 9 am – 6pm
Replika
For a taste of the Mediterranean, husband and wife duo, offer a Turkish twist. Along with all the regular coffee menu items, you will also find “Mastic” served in a traditional cup. Sample their street food style Turkish bagel, “Simit”, while you’re at it. Grab a seat and get to work on your laptop. Everyone else is doing it.
Address: 252 Rachel Est
When: Mon – Fri 8-7pm, Sat-Sun 9-6pm
Le Butterblume
While everyone is waiting for a seat at this brunch hot spot, peruse the pastry window and order a cappuccino. This bustling yet charming spot is brought to you by the powerhouses behind Olive & Gourmando, Patisserie Rhubarbe and Pullman. Nothing short of delectable.
Address: 5836 boul. St. Laurent
When: Tue – Fri 8 am – 4 pm, Sat – Sun 10 am – 4 pm
Bar Kabinet
A cocktail bar by night, Kabinet opens its doors as a coffee house by day. A parlour-esque space with oversized, fringed light fixtures, groovy beats, Dispatch or 49th Parallel beans and pastries from Boulangerie Guillaume you just can’t lose.
Address: 92 Avenue Laurier O
When: Mon – Fri 11 am – 4 pm, Sat – Sun 12 am – 4pm
Larrys
Tucked away on Fairmount, find Restaurant Lawrence’s offshoot cafe. While known for its small shared dishes, the coffee takes a front seat especially accompanied by a scone or beignet.
Address: 9 Fairmount Ave. E
When: Mon – Sat 8am-1am, Sunday 8-5pm
Nocturne
Formerly Kitsune, Nocturne uses hometown roasters, Dispatch beans and is a godsend to this lower part of The Main. The bulb lit name on the rear wall lends a glow to the space which can also be rented out for your next zine launch.
Address: 19 Prince Arthur West
When: Mon – Fri 7:30 am – 7 pm, Sat – Sun 9 am – 7 pm
Moineau Masqué
A cluster of paper lanterns gives off that cozy friend’s apartment vibe. Sip on 49th Parallel brew and snack on gluten-free treats from Cookie Stéfanie. During warmer months, step into their enchanting garden terrace and meet the resident cat.
Address: 912 Rue Marie-Anne
When: Mon – Fri 7:30 am – 7 pm, Sat 8:30 am – 7 pm, Sun 9 am -7 pm
Café Névé
A fast growing institution with their original cafe on Rachel, Névé has expanded to four more locations including a sweet, miniature locale on Mont Royal. Their most interesting space is one they share with retailer Frank & Oak. Fair warning, expect a little bit of acidity and bitterness in this cup.
Address: 160 St-Viateur East, Suite 105
When: Mon-Fri 7:30 am – 5 pm, Sat 9 am -9 pm, Sun 10 am – 5 pm
Myriade II
This hybrid shop/cafe is Myriade’s second location inside Savoie Fils, a curated menswear retailer, but don’t be shy if you’re only here for your fix. The large window seating and natural lighting make it ideal for that enviable Instagram shot.
Address: 251 Saint-Viateur West
When: Sat – Wed 10 am- 6 pm, Thur – Fri 10 am – 8p m
Esquina
At the far east corner of Plateau, newcomer Esquina is brewing a vegan friendly cup. Here, Toronto coffee roasters, Pilot is brewed and just when you started missing Pop-Tarts, this one comes cruelty free.
Address: 4526 Papineau
When: Mon – Fri 7 am – 4:30 pm, Sat-Sun 8 am – 5 pm
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