Roxanne Pelissier (Foxy Appetite)
Google
I recently visited Hurley’s Bar in Montreal for the first time, and my experience was definitely memorable—especially since I went on Saint Patrick’s Day. If you’ve ever been in Montreal on this holiday, you know the streets are packed, and Hurley’s was no exception. To add to the excitement, it was also the 200th anniversary of the parade, making the bar incredibly lively, with a festive atmosphere that you can only get when live music, a fun crowd, and plenty of green combine. The vibe was spot-on for the occasion, filled with a mix of locals and tourists all in high spirits, enjoying the parade and soaking up the Saint Patrick’s Day energy.
The atmosphere at Hurley’s was fantastic. The moment I walked in, I was greeted by the sound of lively Irish music. The place was buzzing, but not overwhelmingly so—it had the perfect balance of energy, making it feel like a classic pub experience where everyone was there for a good time. The crowd was friendly and there was a genuine sense of community, adding to the festive spirit.
As for the food, I opted for a smash burger and poutine—two quintessential bar snacks. The burger was solid. The patty was juicy with crispy edges from the smash technique, fresh toppings, and a soft bun. While it wasn’t a game-changer, it hit the spot, especially with a cold beer in hand. The poutine was equally satisfying. The fries were crispy, the gravy was rich and flavorful, and the cheese curds had the perfect squeak. It wasn’t the best poutine I’ve had in Montreal, but it definitely met my expectations and satisfied my cravings.
That said, I found the food a bit overpriced. At $10 for the burger and $10 for the poutine, the portion sizes felt a bit small for the price. Of course, I understand you’re partly paying for the location, the vibrant atmosphere, and the experience—especially on a high-energy day like Saint Patrick’s Day. While the food was enjoyable, it wasn’t extraordinary, but it certainly did the job in satisfying hunger and adding to the overall experience.
In conclusion, Hurley’s Bar in Montreal is a great spot for anyone looking to experience a lively and festive atmosphere, especially on Saint Patrick’s Day. The food is solid, the live music is a great touch, and the energy of the place makes it a fun spot to soak in the holiday spirit. I’ll definitely be back—but next time, I’ll probably visit when it’s a bit less packed.