The best bars and cafés Quebec

Timetable

Gourmet shops (bakeries, patisseries, etc.), cafés and tearooms are generally open every day, from morning until mid- or late afternoon (some may be open into the evening, especially cafés). However, there may be some days off in the smaller shops or in the regions, usually at the beginning of the week. Opening hours can also be reduced out of season. As for bars, many open as early as 11 a.m. or noon, especially in the city. Otherwise, you can expect them to open mid to late afternoon at the latest. Closing time is usually 3 a.m., but some close earlier (midnight or 1 a.m.) at the start of the week or out of season. Although they tend to be open 7 days a week, there may be some closing days (e.g. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday), especially in regional areas.

Budget & Tips

The price of gourmet breaks and alcoholic beverages is higher than in Europe, despite the favorable euro exchange rate. To save money, low-cost passports allow you to visit a pre-determined number of participating establishments in Quebec and get a free tasting or drink (plus tip). These include the Je bois local passport (jeboislocal.ca) for microbreweries and craft breweries, and the Circuit des vignobles passport (circuitdesvignobles.com) for vineyards, cideries and distilleries.

It's important to remember that prices are generally exclusive of taxes. Not only must you add taxes (14.975%), but also the 15% service charge. All methods of payment are accepted, but small shops sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit card.

Age restrictions

In Quebec, the legal drinking age is 18. Wherever a bar license applies, only adults are allowed to drink. However, some places hold a different licence (restaurant, artisanal production, etc.) that allows minors to be admitted. Note that if you look under 25, you will probably be asked for an official photo ID card.

What's very local

Bars and brasseries often host the weekday ritual of happy hour, known here as 5 à 7. It usually runs from 4 or 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., or even longer, and allows you to save money on alcohol and/or food. Needless to say, a happy hour goes hand in hand with a 5 à 7...

Kids

Children are accepted wherever a bar permit is not in force. However, they may sometimes be allowed on a bar terrace until early evening.

Smokers

Smoking is prohibited in gourmet shops, cafés, tea rooms and bars, as well as on their terraces. Smoking is also required 9 metres from the door of the building, although some people do not respect this distance.