Anyone who thinks this was a short summer isn’t a Habs fan.
And despite last night’s disappointing loss (which we will bounce back from) our boys are off to a red-hot start. Of course, we’ve always known 4 As are better than 1 C.
Here are the 10 best places in Montreal to sit back, settle in, and get ready for – what we hope will be – the best season we’ve had since ’94.
St. Henri’s has never been more popular these days with bars, restaurants, and Cafes opening left, right, and centre. But none of them have anything on Grumman 78 when it comes to a great hockey viewing experience. Grumman’s rustic but charming garage setting has plenty of seats to accommodate a few friends or a bus load if need be. View the game on their huge projection screen, sit back, and enjoy their Mexican fusion menu (the Bahn Mi Tacos are killer).
Out goes Royal Phoenix Bar, in bounces the Ping Pong Club. This new concept hits the scene where Royal Phoenix left off except you can enjoy the game playing table tennis. What other Montreal bar offers that? None. Boozy milkshakes and smoothies fill the drink list with a mini snack bar menu to compliment. What caught our foodie eye? The “hot chicken” poutine, mac & cheese balls, and the alphabet soup with house-made cheddar crackers. Did someone say #nomnom?
HoMa’s little gem is one of the best places to catch the Habs. The bar’s huge screen can be seen at all angles so you will never have to worry about missing the action. Really great pub fair and cheap pints make for a perfect Saturday night hockey game with your amigos. Did we mention they have a heated terrasse at the back? Grab your Habs toque and enjoy the game there, if you dare that is.
From the fellas over at Apt. 200 and Porte Rouge comes this refreshing new pool hall and gourmet fast food hotspot on Mont Royal East. But this isn’t your regular pool hall. Think an innovated Melbourne beer garden with a touch of 90s class – Fitzroy is a must on your list of places to watch the puck drop. Grab all your favorite friends and hit up their game nights; the ambiance is nothing you’ve seen on that side of Mont Royal. They even have a private room where you can catch the game, you know, in case you’re part of that rowdy bunch.
It doesn’t surprise us whenever we head out to Icehouse and find a line up straight out the door – and that’s just on a regular night. With dishes like their flavor-packed shrimp tacos, succulent lobster burritos, crispy crab cakes, and spicy jalapeno poppers – this makes for the perfect greasy game night grub that won’t disappoint. Don’t forget to order a pitcher of their famous Bourbon Lemonade. You’ll thank us later.
If having televisions at every turn doesn’t make you want to watch the Habs games here, then their generous 5$ menu will. With virtually everything on the menu being 5 bucks a pop, you have no excuse to not indulge on hockey night. With its après-ski feel and electrifying ambiance on weekends, this is an ideal place to grab some good food, knock back some pints, and watch your favourite team kick le butt.
You really can’t go wrong at m.brgr. This place takes the cake when it comes to service and awesome staff. But we also hear that their burgers aren’t too shabby from the Canadiens themselves. Yes, they are regulars here. With enough televisions to satisfy even the pickiest fan and a notable ambience, especially when you sit at the bar, you’re bound to make this place your staple go-to hockey spot.
Don’t be fooled by the Bishops foosball crazed afternoons during its World Cup run this summer – this neighbourhood favorite English pub (from the boys at Burgundy Lion) has everything you need for a good night with the Habs. Have their new fall inspired blue cod in pumpkin spiced batter, and don’t forget to wash it down with something from their delicious cocktail menu.
Plateau’s newest hot spot loves their hockey. There’s no bad seat in this place so don’t worry about finding that perfect table. The menu boasts a great list of bar snacks and great game night specials. Want to enjoy the best experience? Sit at their long bar and mingle with other Habs fans.
We have all had our share of crazy nights at this hopping Mile End bar. Packed with rabid hockey fans craving that next Habs win, Chez Serge can get a little rowdy – in a good way. Make it a point to ride their infamous mechanical bull with drink in hand. Yes they have one of those and people take it seriously. So grab a seat at the bar, watch a coyote ugly scene go down, and cheers the night away.
#NOTABLE
Cover image from: Montreal Canadiens Facebook
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