Philemon Bar

Sharply dressed women in teeteringly high heels, and plenty of men - some in Zegna suits, some in plaid T-shirts - make up the well calibrated crowd at Philemon, a bar championed by many Montrealer's since its inception in 2010. Perched on Rue St. Paul right across from the Hotel Nelligan, this place has a teasingly quirky, almost 1980's feel, with shots of blue and red on the walls, worn yellow on the floors, and a decor heavily infused with industrial materials that give it an overall masculine feel. 

My favourite time to come to Philemon is when it is near-empty, for a casual Wednesday or Thursday night Martini at the bar or on the banquette, catching up with friends. You can also grab a small bite here; their charcuterie is my go-to plate if I'm being held over before dinner. On Friday and Saturday nights, the place becomes busy, saturated with a cool crowd of thirty somethings who access the interior through the side alley. Come early or be prepared to wait in line, as Philemon's popularity has yet to dwindle, and it continues to enjoy a steady stream of loyal clientele, especially on the weekends. 

Philemon Bar   |   111 Rue Saint Paul Ouest   |   Montreal, QC H2Y 1Z5   |   (514) 289-3777

www.philemonbar.com

Big In Japan Bar

Having discovered ECC Chinatown last year and then sourcing out its Parisian outpost this past summer, I think it's safe to say that 2012 gave way to a healthy obsession for all things speakeasy. That is to say that I've fallen in love with this style of discrete nightspot, inspired by those from the prohibition era, when large quantities of (then illegal) liquor overflowed in clandestine bars hidden behind unmarked, concealed doors... 

Montreal's answer to the speakeasy trend comes by way of Big In Japan Bar, a slick, dimly lit space hidden behind a singe red door on St. Laurent and Rachel. Come in covertly and sip some of their divine cocktails (I love their perfect Manhattans and the tumblers they serve them in...) or sample from their wide selection of sake, the bottles of which are masterfully integrated into the decor by a singular wood panel and its slender, hanging rods that come to line the center of the space. 

Big In Japan Bar   |   4175 Boul. Saint-Laurent   |   Montreal, QC   |   (438) 380-5658

http://www.facebook.com/Biginjapan.bar

Bar Waverly

You've got to give it to Bar Waverly; they've injected a heavy dose of cool into the corner that most characterizes mile-end, reconstructing a former 1920's brothel into an unassuming, hipster hangout replete with stiff drinks* and one hell of a ceiling. I'm not sure why I always end up here whenever I've had a particularly terrible day, but presumably it has something to do with its industrial cool yet no hassle vibe and their great music, which includes "a roster of the freshest DJs around playing the gamut of rare grooves, new electro, vintage tracks, and everything in between, minus the crap."

The immediate popularity of the bar last year amongst arbiters of Mile-End cool speaks to its fresh, modern refurbishments, with new floor-to-ceiling windows that open in the summer months to flood the space with warm Montreal air and light. This is when it becomes the perfect joint for a late afternoon drink full of people (and fixie!) watching. Return later that evening, and you're bound to be amongst an edgy crowd who likes to have fun in that old-school classic Montreal way, making it a surprisingly refreshing addition to the Main. Plus you can go get bagels after. So I think that pretty much settles it, now, doesn't it.

 *Bar Waverly gets extra points for serving one of the best dirty martinis in the city  

Bar Waverly   |   5550 St. Laurent (corner St. Viateur) |   Montreal, QC   |   H2T1S8

(514) 903-1121

www.barwaverly.com

Vauvert

Occupying almost half of the main floor of the St. Paul hotel, this stylish restaurant caters to a cool, thirty-something crowd. Crafted by the design firm atelier Moderno, the moody backdrop has always felt very Phantom-of-the-Opera to me; dark and full of candles, tufted banquettes, with starry lights blanketing the ceiling and large tree trunks for decorative appeal, the atmosphere is one of sheer whimsy. 

The restaurant serves up contemporary french, although I'd feel wrong commenting as I haven't eaten there since it opened. Rather, I love meeting my girls there for late night drinks on either Thursday and Saturday nights, when the music is pumping and the atmosphere is energizing. And when the small patio opens come summer, you'll see me out sipping mojitos on Place D'Youville square. See you there!

Vauvert   |   355 McGill St (in the St. Paul Hotel)   |   Montreal, QC

(514) 876-2823

www.restaurantvauvert.com

Update on Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 12:25PM by little lady

Vauvert has since closed, and is currently now occupied by Hambar.

St. Laurent

  

EVE ST. LAURENT

The corner of St. Laurent and Milton (a few steps north of Sherbrooke) is surrounded by a constellation of Montreal’s trendiest supperclubs.

Buona Notte, the oldest and arguably the most talked about, has been a mainstay on St. Laurent for over 15 years and still attracts Montreal’s hip and beautiful set. Both Fridays and Saturdays are busy, so make sure to avoid lengthy line-ups by reserving to eat before transitioning to the bar, or calling ahead for bottle service. If you are less about scene and more about food, don’t miss Buona’s “Old School Thursdays,” a relaxed and fun culinary experience crafted by Chef Fabrizio Caprioli that highlights a different region of Italy every month. 

Buona Notte   |    3518 St Laurent   |   Montréal, QC H2X 2V1   |  

(514) 848-0644

http://www.buonanotte.com/

KOKO, housed in the new Opus hotel (formerly Hotel Godin) opened in 2008 to rave reviews. The venue, decorated with surrealist style for high glamour impact (think Philippe Starck), is the perfect place to mingle amongst a buzzing crowd come Saturday. Also, don't forget to check out their terrasse, which unveils itself during the summer months and is quickly filled by lingering party-goers and patio lovers alike.  

KOKO   |   8 Sherbrooke Ouest   |   Montreal, QC H2X 4C9   |  

(514) 657-5656

http://www.kokomontreal.com/

Globe is the hotspot that serves to a set of more sophisticated scenesters and is the wonderful place to eat anytime of the week. On the weekends, you might need to wait for your table, though your patience will be rewarded by the food (which is consistently good despite the time of night) and the lively atmosphere. Just to be on the safe side, better to reserve before you grab a seat on the plush, cushioned banquets and indulge in an evening of great food and even better people watching...

Restaurant Globe   |   3455 St Laurent   |   Montréal, QC H2X 2T6    

(514) 284-3823

http://www.restaurantglobe.com/