Montréal’s café culture is one that perfectly blends European opulence with new world modernity. They’re places to drink a world-class beverage, get some good people-watching in or complete some work side-by-side with the freelancers that call Montréal home. They’re also the perfect place to catch a moment’s rest during a busy event. These 10 cozy cafés are all within a 10-minute walk from the Palais des congrès de Montréal, and perfect spots for your attendees to refresh and refuel on their downtime throughout the day.
Crew Collective + Café
360 Saint-Jacques Street | crewcollectivecafe.com
The first thing you’ll notice about Crew is the epic setting. Housed in the former headquarters of the Royal Bank of Canada, this café and shared workspace is a favourite for both busy freelancers and selfie-snapping tourists – it was also decreed the most beautiful coworking space in the world by Forbes Magazine. Place your order on your mobile device or laptop and they’ll bring it right to the table.
Tommy
200 Notre-Dame Street West | tommymontreal.ca
Tommy’s large arched windows and hanging greenery make for a lush, calming atmosphere for a mid-day getaway from the hustle and bustle. Tasty baked treats and well-trained baristas guarantee the perfect re-caffeination.
Différance
449 Viger Avenue West | estacade.ca
The online presence of this bright and airy café displays a deep love of cycling, art and coffee. A preferred quiet work destination for fans of minimalist environs, it’s a great place to grab a window seat and watch the traffic roll by.
Olimpico
421 Saint-Vincent Street | hotelwilliamgray.com/food/café-olympico
This Mile Ed mainstay (the original location at 124 Saint-Viateur Street West is a veritable time capsule of 1970s Montréal) has an Old Montréal location in the historic William Gray Hotel. The Italian pastries and espresso drinks are exactly on point.
Le Petit Dep
179 Saint-Paul Street West | facebook.com/lepetitdep
The definition of Old Montréal charm, Le Petit Dep is part Euro café, part Québécois dépanneur. Enjoy a made-to-order coffee, ice-cream snack or Dirty Chai (a chai latte with a shot of espresso) and browse the carefully curated selection of goods perfect to treat yourself or for gifts to take home.
Xavier Artisan
503 Place d’Armes | facebook.com/xavierartisan
Location, location, location. Xavier Artisan overlooks the Place d’Armes and offers a perfect unobstructed view of the Notre-Dame Basilica across the square. But more than just a charming setting, there’s light and delicious hot meals, coffees and teas and Old Montréal’s friendliest café staff.
Les Intraitables Bistro
150 Notre-Dame Street East | facebook.com/lesintraitables
Two levels of quiet, Les Intraitables is the perfect spot for a game of checkers or pulling together some last-minute presentation slides. The stand-up piano occasionally fills the room with tinkled ivories, and, depending on your mood, the wooden high chairs or plush armchairs make for ideal spots to curl up.
Café Titanic
445 Saint-Pierre Street | titanicmontreal.com
Tucked down Saint-Pierre Street, Café Titanic is a local favourite for its dark wood colours and daily menu. A peaceful spot to read and sip, those with hunger pangs should try the grilled-cheese sandwich, a superb re-energizing afternoon snack.
Anticafé Montréal
294 Sainte-Catherine Street West | anticafe.org
Climb the steps to the Anticafé Montréal and you’ll find a unique café set-up where the drinks and snacks are included in the price of a table rental. Slip on a pair of comfy slippers (no shoes allowed on the pristine hardwood floors) and take a seat at one of the floor-to-ceiling windows to watch passers-by below. The Anticafé’s various rooms are an excellent choice for a quick meeting or team re-grouping.
Café Parvis
433 Mayor Street | cafeparvis.com
Café Parvis’ open-plan setting makes for an immaculate coffee break, 1-on-1 meeting spot or dining locale. Parvis’ well-balanced menu makes for a café that’s a perfect destination throughout both the day and night, and there’s even work-station seating with enough power plugs to keep everyone recharged.
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