Lindsay W.
Yelp
The Spot
For the last year or so, we've been on the lookout for a casual sports bar that serves good (read: outstanding), affordable food. The more people we talked to about this quite obvious void in Montreal's dining-watering hole scene, the more our hopes and dreams began to wane. Until... walking home one night along Ontario, just east of St. Denis, we came across Abreuvoir's unmistakable sign. We peered through the window. Wood interior, many tables and banquettes, a huge bar in the middle of the space, flat-screen TVs everywhere. This little Nancy Drew was onto something. We returned on a weeknight to watch the Habs game, grab some food and see what Abreuvoir has to offer. Three little words: C'EST LE BUT!
What's Really Good?
Food: By now, most Montrealers are familiar with the "food truck revolution" sprouting in our dear city. During the warmer months, we flock to the Old Port, Place Émilie-Gamelin, the Olympic Stadium, or wherever we heard whispers of an appearance, to taste their delicious offerings. Last summer, we fell in love with Lucky's Truck's at the Just for Laughs Food Souk, where we devoured a delicious pulled pork sandwich and a duck confit chip-poutine. Well, it just so happens that during the winter, the gang from Lucky's Truck runs the food out of Abreuvoir. Their current menu features mini pogos, wings, grilled cheese, hamburgers, mac n' cheese and a hockey night special. If we had to choose just one out of all these delicious items, it's hands down the poutine dish aptly names "La Fameuse". Incidentally we visited during Montreal's Poutine Week and we vouch that this is a top contender when it comes to Pout', for 3 reasons: (1) thin, double fried fries (2) the foie gras in the sauce makes you warm and fuzzy, adds to the decadence of the dish. Also, perfect amount of gravy, the fries don't turn into soggy goopiness (3) the toppings: the duck confit is very moist and does not overwhelm the dish + generous amount of cheese curds. We could continue deconstructing this marvellous poutine, but we think you get the point. Change of topic, 5$ beer specials!
Atmosphere: It's game night so everyone's pumped. We liked that there is a lot of seating available, even though some of the stool tables are very small. The layout works well because the place is packed but doesn't feel claustrophobic. The sound of the hockey game was a little loud for our personal liking but we imagine that's the point (to drown out nagging girlfriends........... we're onto you guys). It's refreshing to be in a place where everyone - sports enthusiast or not- are having a good time and people are friendly regardless of the language you speak; as opposed to the creepy rowdiness of other sports bars *cough*StationDeSport*cough*. We love love love the huge outdoor terrace, that rivals even the best of them (think, Ste-Elizabeth). It has it's own outdoor bar, music speakers, heaters for the colder months and tables on different levels.
You'll Wanna Know
Abreuvoir is more than just a sports bar. In fact, when there isn't a game on, Abreuvoir hosts 5 à 7s, promoted special events, Djs, (punk) rock bands, burlesque shows, karaoke and vernissages. Oh, we almost forgot to mention, Wednesdays is Comedy Night for professionals and amateurs. The shows are held downstairs in the basement, a space that has more of a club-like feel. This lower-level is also the perfect place to have a friday or saturday night dance-off. Seriously, there's so much going on that every night of the week is a potential party. Check out their website for a list of upcoming events.
Kitchen Hours:
Tues-Weds: 5pm-9pm
Thus-Fri: 5pm-11pm
Sat: 7pm-11pm