Last year was a notable one in Montreal when it comes to the introduction of some new hot spots to the city’s already thriving nightlife scene. From wine bars to neighborhood watering holes, below are our favorite new additions that are worth a spot on your social calendar in 2012.
Bocata Wine Bar – 310 St. Paul West
Opened by successful and swanky restaurant and bar owner, Roberto Barroco in early 2011, Bocata Wine Bar is located directly next to his first restaurant Barroco. Bocata is even more intimate and cozy and specializes in wine. At its core a wine bar, Bocata also has an amazing tapas menu to accompany its amazing private imports. This is a great date spot!
The Royal Phoenix – 5788 St. Laurent
This popular Mile End bar opened just recently in the summer of 2011 and has since been packed to the brim seven nights a week. This corner dive has a busy terrace in the summer months and hosts amazing local DJs nightly. Not only is it a wild dance party every evening, but they also have a great bar menu, specializing in poutine royale and po’boys. This is the hub of the roller derby girls, making it a guaranteed great time after derby games.
La Drinkerie – 2661 Notre Dame West
Located in the heart of St. Henri, this ultimate neighborhood bar attracts a mostly Francophone clientele. Known for its wine, cheese, whisky and port, the crowd is never too young (great for a young professional gathering) and always busy with good-looking people. This is the perfect spot for a nightcap with a few good friends after a long day of work.
L’Ecurie Bar et Table – 451 Rachel East
This new Plateau bar is the perfect place in town for a 5 a 7 after a long day of work. They have a wide selection of finger foods (specialty: charcuterie plates) to tie you over before dinner, or to replace dinner. They have great television positioning and have become a popular and notable spot to watch hockey games.
Photo courtesy L’Ecurie Bar et Table