MONTREAL'S HISTORIC PATIOS

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Some of Montréal’s historic patios date back 300 years. Cool off in the shade of old trees, beautiful gardens, and thick brick walls.

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TERRASSE MOUNT STEPHEN CLUB

Sip in the shade of a turn-of-the century mansion, the former home of Lord George Stephen. A heritage property, one of the finest examples of this kind of architecture in Canada. Have lunch or dinner under huge red parasols. Brunch on Sundays is renowned. There are two sittings, and a wonderful harpist entertains.  This is a private club, but the outdoor terrace is open to the public, as is sunday brunch. It’s a neat way to see this amazing building where, incidentally, scenes of The Mummy Returns with Brendan Fraser were filmed.

Crowd: young executive.
1440 Drummond Street. Metro:  Peel
(514) 849-7338
www.clubmountstephen.com

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MCKIERNANS

Situated in a charming building with a heavy iron door leading to the patio, McKiernans is a fave of locals and attracts the young and the restless as well as the city’s tastemakers – from chefs to CEOs. Sit in the shade and admire the herbs and flowers growing in the lovely backyard garden.

Crowd: happening- young, older, jeans, suits.
2485 Notre Dame West
(514) 759-6677
www.joebeef.ca
Lunch Tuesday to Friday
Brunch Sundays
Evenings Wednesday to Saturday

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VAUVERT

This little –in fact, tiny! – patio is opposite Montréal’s old Custom House, and is part of, and nestled beside -  the St.Paul Hotel.  The best part is the view of the St. Paul, a boutique hotel built in a former bank, dating from the early 19^th century.  Sip and gaze up at the building’s beautiful Beaux-Art façade.  Great music! Cool and intimate.

Crowd: beautiful people, models.
355 McGill
Metro:  Place Victoria
(514) 876-2823
www.restaurantvauvert.com
Monday – Wednesday 11:30 – 11 pm
Thursday – Saturday 11:30 – 1 pm
Sunday 11:30 – 10 pm

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PLACE JACQUES QUARTIER – Orchestre Métropolitain on Sundays

The heart of Montreal’s beginnings, this beautiful open plaza was named in 1847 for the French explorer who was the first European to sail up the St. Lawrence River, arriving in Montreal.

The historic cobblestone square for pedestrians only is surrounded on almost all sides with fun outdoor terraces.  At one end, take a photo op with Admiral Horatio Nelson’s column (1809) commemorating the victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.  At the other, you can gaze down at the Old Port, where the horse-drawn carriages await.

Place Jacques Cartier restos offer a range from poutine to ice cream and of course both fine and fast dining. The terraces are beautifully shady under protective awnings, and are in old mid-19^th century grey stone buildings.

Most restaurants don’t need reservations. Place Jacques Cartier isn’t huge, so you can easily find a place to your taste in about 3 minutes.

FREE!  Montreal’s Orchestre Métropolitain plays during Sunday Brunch.Take a calèche (carriage) ride to wherever!

Crowd: young couples, families, tourists..
Tip:  This area is paved with pretty but wobbly cobblestones, so ladies, stow the stilettos.

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LE LOCAL (our photo)

About a 20 minute walk from Place Jacques Cartier, Le Local is hot for lunch, dinner and drinks.  Seated under the greenery-clad awning is the place to see and be seen.  Even though it is right on the street, this little haven is an oasis. The perfect place to discover the centuries-old industrial district of the city.

Crowd: Hip. Young and older.  Close to Multimedia offices, which says it all.
740 William. 514-397-7737 (Reservations advised)
www.resto-lelocal.com

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