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A magical grocer-cumeatery-cum-medicinal herbalist, this fascinating emporium provides organic fish, chicken and pork dishes as well as fruits, vegetables and herbs to an increasingly expanding clientele. Take-out meals available.

One of the best coffee houses on this competitive stretch of rue Saint-Denis. The proprietors roast their own beans which come directly from Costa Rica, Kenya, Ethiopia and beyond. Great desserts and atmosphere.

Celtic music, home-brewed beer as well as imports mix well with the multicultural ambiance.

This hip micro-brewery pub serves up creamy house-brewed beer as well as many other quality drinks.

Stéphane Tamar Kordahi opened Café Rico as a politically conscious place serving fair-trade coffee. It has succeeded in creating a relaxed, musical ambiance with the constant aroma of roasting beans.

A landmark in Montréal’s Plateau district, the El Zaz Bar hosts musical acts of all stripes. They also have DJs who are up spinning tunes seven nights a week.

This is a favored neighborhood bar for musicians, artists and Bohemian types, and it is a relatively quiet perch in the middle of a bustling quarter. Else’s Bar serves simple food too.

A fabulous deli-chain, this is the best spot to stock up for a picnic in nearby Parc Olympique. It’s also a sports bar attracting a crowd of regulars for hockey and baseball games.

This stalwart watering hole has the best terrace bar in the city for people-watching – the crowds on the pedestrian walkway present an endless stream of characters.