Sample Montreal’s best pre-concert dining spots

Montreal is an entertainment town, and there's no shortage of homegrown talent or visiting musicians to light up its venues. You should be well-fed, though, to enjoy this musical feast to the max; a drink or two might get you in a festive mood, too. Here are a handful of excellent options for a pre-concert meal. [Image credit: iStock.com/Kevin Miller]

Sample Montreal’s best pre-concert dining spots
James Gregor By

Nouveau Palais

1
281, rue Bernard O, Montréal, QC H2V 1T5

Reach the corner of Avenue du Parc and Rue Bernard, and go no farther: Nouveau Palais awaits. The decor, dating back to the 1950s, is cozily old school, while the cocktails are delicious and the sandwiches are tasty and affordable. Try the Smoked Trout Scoop or the Eggplant Hogie, and don't forget to add fries and coleslaw. Milk and cookies for dessert hits the spot.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Arts Café

2
201, av Fairmount O, Montréal, QC H2T 2M8

Filled with laptops by day, Arts Café takes on a sophisticated, candle-lit ambiance by night (some laptops may remain). The tables are cheek by jowl, the menu’s up on a chalkboard, and the lava cake with coffee is divine. Before you attend the concert, why not fill up with goat-cheese pappardelle or lamb couscous? Guaranteed to keep you rocking all night.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Triple Crown Dinette

3
6704, rue Clark, Montréal, QC H2S 3E9

Another star in the burgeoning food scene, Dinette Triple Crown makes outstanding Southern, stick-to-your-ribs food. The fried chicken is tender and crispy, the pulled pork is juicy and succulent, and the "Grand" mac and cheese is guaranteed to satisfy any appetite. There's a great list of bourbons and cocktails to help you discard those inhibitions and sing your heart out.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Lawrence

4
5201, boul Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2T 1S4

Lawrence is another stand-out in the crowded Mile End dining scene. Take a seat in the lively corner space and prepare yourself for the menu challenge; it won’t be easy to decide. Smoked sturgeon and remoulade, or head cheese, pickles and mustard to start? The salt cod or grilled catfish is a superlative option if you simply can't make up your mind.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Patati Patata

5
4177, boul Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2W 1Y7

A tiny but beloved space at the corner of Boulevard Saint-Laurent and Rue Rachel, Patati Patata bills itself as a "Friterie de Luxe" and makes up for its humble premises with a lot of heart. Come for simple but delicious fare like the burger or hot dog "du peuple" (the people's hot dog). The fries are delicious, too. Plus, there's beer on the menu and a tofu sandwich, if meat is not your thing.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Liverpool House

6
2501, rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, QC H3J 1N6

Located beside its older brother Joe Beef, but offering a better chance to snag a table, Liverpool House is another example of the great culinary wave hitting this part of Montreal. Come sit at the bar to enjoy the truly impressive wine list, while feasting on oysters or stuffed rabbit. You'll feel wistful and nostalgic the moment you depart for your evening of music.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from James Gregor James Gregor
A native of Halifax, James Gregor can usually be found hauling laptop around to various coffee shops. He can never decide what kind of coffee he wants, so he tries them all (though he prefers dark roast). If he's not in a coffee shop, he's probably in a bookshop, or on a plane to New York City. James holds a Master of Fine Arts from Columbia University, and is also a fiction writer.
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