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

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.