People in Montréal don’t go out until at least 11pm. But, by 12:30am everything, everywhere is packed. And by the time the bars close, people are trying to figure out where the loft party that goes till 6 am is.

In order to keep going, Montréalers need, let’s be honest here, something to soak up all that booze. This list just scratches the surface, but it’s a starting point for late night eats.

Let’s start with the culinary staples, à la Montréal. Perhaps no dish is better suited to a long night of merriment than poutine: a simple combination of French fries, gravy and cheese curds that, when combined into something…incredible. Best poutine in Montréal is a topic that deserves it’s own post, so for now I’ll recommend La Banquise (www.restolabanquise.com). Just a couple short blocks from busy St-Denis Street, it’s open 24 hours a day and offers a mind-blowing 25 different takes on poutine.

Making a judgment on the best Montreéal smoked meat is, as you can imagine, equally contentious. But check out The Main, smack dab in the middle of St-Laurent Street (which is also known locally as “The Main”), for traditional deli food served by their deliciously surly staff until 5am.

If you’ve never had a fresh-out-of-the-oven Montréal bagel at 4 in the morning, you should. Try St-Viateur Bagel (www.stviateurbagel.com) or the equally street-named Fairmount Bagel (http://www.fairmountbagel.com). Both are open 24 hours a day.

While there are a ton of other late-night food options, we’ll sign off with one for people who can still see straight enough to crave a filet mignon or pumpkin soup with coriander: the very cool Le Bisou (www.lebisou.ca) on St-Laurent Street. They’re open from Wednesday to Sunday, kitchen closes at 4.

La Banquise 994 Rachel Street East, Tel: 514-525-2415

St-Viateur Bagel 263 St. Viateur West; 5629 Monkland Avenue; 1127 Mont-Royal East

Fairmount Bagel 74 Fairmount West Tel: 514-272-0667

The Main 3864 St Laurent Blvd. Tel: 514-843-8126

Le Bisou 4147 St-Laurent Street Tel: 514-616-7060