Bagels etc… it’s bagelicious

The 411

Bagels Etc is one of those places that people have been telling me to see for some time but I never get around to checking it out. Those who recommend it are big fans of it, so one nice Sunday, off we went to explore and it did live up to the hype. Bagels etc. has been around since the 1980’s and has made for itself as a great little brunch place that offers more than just bagels. They bang out delicious meals, and do so in a funky and laid back atmosphere. (more…)

Le Cartet – a local secret

The 411

Le Cartet is a very interesting place as it is nestled in Old Montreal and it is one of those places that I have heard of only by a few people, and in each instance they all swear by the fact that it will be the best brunch in the city. Now, such as claim needs to be confirmed! So off I went on a lazy Saturday morning and prepared to challenge this claim and see if it lived up to the hype.

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More bang for your buck

The 411

One of the best kept secrets in the East End: Dans La Bouche, a name you have likely never heard of before. It’s a nice place on Mont Royal in the East End. Dans La Bouche is a tapas bar during the day and night which offers a pretty good brunch 7 days a week. Oddly enough, it’s well known in certain circles among east-enders and people in Laval but ask any downtowner or west-ender and they will rarely know about it.

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UPDATE

Sadly McKiernan has closed it doors

McKiernan

The 411

Every once in a while I get recommendations for new places to check out and review. Often, they are places I have either already been to or heard of, although this time the suggestion for McKiernan was a surprise as it was entirely new to me. What was more interesting is that the person who recommended it to me claimed it served the best brunch in the city. Any declaration such as this had to be checked out. So, off we went to the Atwater market area and what we found truly amazed us.

At 1st glance

McKiernan is a tiny little spot situated right near Joe Beef; it only serves brunch on Saturdays from 10am – 4pm. The place itself is small with capacity of around 20 seats and it has this amazing cozy little nook near the window where 2 can sit, chat, and eat. The decor is a throwback to a time gone by, but under no circumstance would one think it is old or not kept up. In fact, I find the style inside adds to the authentic dishes and flavours. In this post, I made sure to show more photos than normal of the venue, many of them are courtesy of Huge from Huge-photos.com You can tell his photos from mine not only by the water mark but also by the fact that he is a professional and they look much nicer. (more…)

Disappointment on Bernard Street

The 411

Situated on Bernard, Enfants Terrible is a relatively new addition to the Bernard Street family, often full with people for dinner and drinks, it has created some buzz with various patrons taking in the ambiance, food and terrace. Now the question is: Can this resto handle brunch?

At 1st glance

You can’t miss this place. There is a large outdoor terrace and the decor is really nice, which the windows do a great job of showcasing. As soon as you walk in, you notice the decor is a nice mix of modern and classic, working well with the metal and wood. There is usually a healthy amount of people and it is highly recommended to make reservations for brunch. (more…)

Treasure on Masson Street

The 411

On a lovely Sunday morning we went looking for a brunch place on Masson Street in the east end, only to find it closed. Now being an east end local I know that good brunch places are hard to come by so I was worried. We walked around and eventually found Eggstace; the decor was nice, the menu looked good and well priced so we took a chance.

At 1st glance

With its big open patio window on the street side and its big orange sign, your curiosity gets piqued and once you take a look at the menu on the side of the door you can’t help but want to walk in. The decor is modern but nice with attention to detail: the water bubble wall when you walk in, the large single stall washrooms, the large LCD TV’s as well as projection wall at the back all work well. The banquet seats against the wall are large and comfy and you will have to fight over who gets to sit there. (more…)

A Montreal Institution

The 411

Although located in an unassuming building on the corner of Mont-Royal and St-Urbain, Beauty’s has been a Montreal landmark serving brunch dishes since 1942. Often referred to as the grand daddy of Montreal Brunch eateries, it is simply a spot that you must go to. Even if you are not a fan you need to go just to experience a piece of history and help put into context all other breakfast places.

At 1st glance

From the outside you wonder what is so special about this place as it is very run of the mill and in fact looks a bit run down. But once you spot the line-up trying to squeeze its way into the very tight doorway you quickly figure out not all is as it seems. Once inside (expect a good 25-35 minute wait on weekends) you will be taken back to what can only be described as a living time capsule. The decor is similar to an old style dinner, yet still well kept, the small 2 person banquet seating is quite snug and if you are of ample frame don’t even try it since it will be tight. The short order counter is really cool, but the main thing to notice is what’s posted on the walls. You will find posters for some of their famous smoothies and banana pancakes posters (my fav) and deep in the back under this giant clock with green neon light is a how to build the perfect bagel and cream cheese schematic style poster.

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A refreshing change

The 411

Originally known as the Vaudeville, Della Posta, a self described Sicilian Resto, offers a weekend brunch. Nestled on Bernard, west of Park, the decor takes you back to a relaxed place.

At 1st glance

The location is rather easy to miss as you tend to keep walking until you realize you passed it. Once inside you feel relaxed with the white decor and the lovely bar with an open kitchen on the side. The menu is actually quite short but there are some interesting dishes.

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Go West, Life is peaceful there

The 411

While most reviews found on this site will focus on downtown locations, an exception was made for this West side adventure. This decision was based on the recommendation of a friend of mine, and like most things in life… she was right. So, now that props have been given, down to the nitty gritty.

Situated in Pointe-Claire, Déjeuner Cosmopolitain (not to be mistaken with its sister Laval location) welcomes you into what can best be described as a breakfast bonanza. Its menu reads like a grocery list with choices bound to please all who visit. (more…)

Simply the best

The 411

Situated in the heart of the Plateau, L’avenue serves up, arguably, one of the best breakfast/brunch meals in the city. Others may try to imitate but there is no competition, just look at the lineup outside in winter time and you will begin to understand why.

At 1st glance

The minute you walk in you get the idea that this is no ordinary place with its funky design highlighted by a suspended motorcycle hanging over a table. Even the men’s room is made unique with a portion of a fence decorating the inside and red lights illuminating the entire room, not to mention a TV screen with random videos playing. The menu is equally visually stimulating as it looks like a comic book with animation gracing the pages. You could actually spend an hour enjoying the art work of the menu if it wasn’t for the tempting food options that distract you. There are some odd food pairings in their meals, like a burger patty on eggs Benedict… but it works, and quite well at that. (more…)