The best bars and cafés Québec

Timetable

Gourmet shops (pastry shops, chocolate shops, etc.), cafés and tea rooms are generally open every day, from morning until mid or late afternoon (some may be open until 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. The schedule may also be reduced in the off-season. As for bars, many of them open as early as 11am or noon, especially in the city. Otherwise, you can expect them to open mid to late afternoon at the latest. Closing time is usually 3am, but some close earlier (midnight or 1am) at the beginning of the week or out of season. While they tend to be open 7 days a week, there are some closing days (e.g. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday), especially in the regions

Budget & Tips

Prices for gourmet breaks and alcoholic beverages are relatively similar to those in Europe, although a bit more expensive even with the exchange rate. To save money, there are passports sold at low prices that allow you to visit a predetermined number of participating establishments in Quebec and get a free tasting or a free drink (tip not included). This is the case with the Je bois local passport (jeboislocal.ca) for microbreweries and craft breweries and the Circuit des vignobles passport (circuitdesvignobles.com) for vineyards, cider houses and distilleries.

It is important to remember that the prices listed are generally exclusive of taxes. Not only do you have to add taxes (14.975%) but also the 15% service charge. All methods of payment are accepted, but small businesses 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

In bars and brasseries, the happy hour ritual is often held during the week, here called happy hour. It usually takes place from 4 or 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. or even later, and saves on alcohol and/or food. It goes without saying that the crowds go hand in hand during a happy hour...

Kids

Children are accepted wherever a bar license is not in effect. However, they can sometimes be accepted on the terrace of a bar until early evening.

Smokers

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