Places to eat Brunch in the Plateau and Mile end

The following is a map of brunch and breakfast places you can find in the Plateau and Mile End. I defined this area by the political riding from the city of Montreal. The southern most point is Sherbrooke, the west sides are University and Hutchison (once you’re north of Pine) with Iberville on the east end and Bernard at the northern tip. I have also included the McGill ghetto since it is rather close by and small.

The Plateau/Mile End offers many good and well priced options. Two of the main areas of concentration are Mount Royal and Bernard street. In some instances you can walk 10 feet in any direction and find a place to eat brunch. So take a look and see what you feel like. Also, if you feel I missed some places please feel free to comment by posting a reply.

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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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Crazy For Brunch

The 411

Situated at the gate of Mont-Royal’s Brunch alley, Les Folies offers all a good introduction into the what is Brunch on Mount-Royal

At 1st glance

With it’s big blue sign and terrace announcing itself to the world you can’t help but walk in and check out Les Folies. Once inside you see an interesting decor and a pretty solid menu. Although referred to by some as the “other L’avenue”, Les Folies does some things to distinguish itself.

Food

The menu is of fair size and offers some tasty options for all. The Mega weighs in at $11.95 with bacon, sausage, ham, 2 crepes, Emmental cheese, bread (really tasty bread) and a fruit juice. The Nordic Eggs Benedict ($12.50) is tasty and comes with 2 eggs and Emmental cheese which is different twist on an old favourite. The crepes Brunch section has 6 interesting options all priced at $10.95; each plate comes with bacon, sausage, ham, potatoes, bread and fruit. There are 8 omelette choices ranging from $8.95 to $10.50. The Santé menu has a fresh fruit plate ($6.95) and a fruit cup ($8.95) which comes with cereal, yogourt and nuts. There are 7 choices for the fruit cocktails ($4.95) and they are so thick your straw stands up on its own. The Tutti Fruti comes with strawberries, mango, raspberries, bananas, cranberry and pineapple. There used to be a banana and chocolate crepe on the brunch menu but they moved it to dessert and although it’s not on the main menu you should ask for it since it’s quite something. (more…)