591673 Wed Jan 28 15:18:29 -0800 2009 90 22 Quebec (including Montreal) 0 4367038 I've just moved back to Montreal after being away 30 years. The city and many of the places I knew have changed or are gone So.....what is the best place for breakfast during the week or even on the weekends? Wed Jan 28 15:18:29 -0800 2009 259263 bigfellow 1 4367976 Hiya, welcome back! This is a good fairly recent thread on the subject that you could try as a starting point. Need any more info, feel free to clarify! Looking for Breakfast http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/521670 Wed Jan 28 20:34:10 -0800 2009 4367038 66614 kpzoo 2 4369755 If you want an El Salvadoran breakfast (a tad different from your bacon and eggs), I'd suggest Iris on Jarry just east of St. Laurent. Papusas, chicharon, tamales, plantain, horcheta, etc. Thu Jan 29 11:33:06 -0800 2009 4367976 176627 porker 2 4370104 Thank you for the help. I did do a search. But I can see that I must of still been having computer troubles because it did not bring up anything. Thank you for the link. mea culpa! Thu Jan 29 12:49:05 -0800 2009 4367976 259263 bigfellow 1 4371972 I'm probably the only person on the board who doesn't like the breakfast at either reservoir or Byblos. I will recommend L'Avenue on Mont Royal instead. They serve a variety of conventional things, like a mean eggs benedict, to less conventional items. My friends who I have taken there have always been happy and the food seems consistently good and the price is very fair. The servers can be a bit cold, but I think this is almost calculated as it's kinda a 'hot spot', if you know what I mean. Get there early though, it fills up fast. And even if you don't have to use the washroom, check it out anyway. It's bizarre in a wonderful way. Fri Jan 30 04:40:39 -0800 2009 4367038 208595 The Chemist 2 4371990 I never understood the attraction of L'Avenue. Mediocre food at best and always packed so one can't linger and enjoy brunch without feeling guilty about all the people queuing up to get in. Far better to go across the street to Cafe Eldorado where the food is much better, the servers friendly and the coffee way better than L'Avenue. All in my humble opinion of course. Bagel Etc. on St Laurent / Marie-Anne is also an excellent spot. My fave there is Heuvos Rancheros - and the Art Deco interior is very special. Paul. Fri Jan 30 05:00:08 -0800 2009 4371972 125376 pyropaul99 3 4372869 Seconded (as if it's necessary :P) Bagel Etc. is my go-to breakfast spot. Fri Jan 30 09:47:55 -0800 2009 4371990 119412 afoodyear 4 4601168 I consider myself to be quite the breakfast maven. My top 10 are 1. Beauty's on Mount Royal 2. B & M restaurant (summerled or Sherbrook st West 3. Universal (St Denis) 4. L'Avenue on Mount Royal St East 5. Bagel Ect.,,, (st Laurent) 6. Cafe Cherier ( St Denie) 7. St Viateur bagel on Monkland St 8. Dusty's on park 9. La senzala on Bernard (Brazilian brunch) 10. GriffinTown ( new) Notre Dame near mountain street Thu Apr 16 09:16:41 -0700 2009 4372869 283184 Alyson777 4 4601186 Try the new restaurant the SPARROW on St Laurent for Brunch it is great! Also Griffintown is good for brunch.. Thu Apr 16 09:20:55 -0700 2009 4372869 283184 Alyson777 5 5036238 Second the Sparrow. Had breakfast there while visiting last weekend, thanks to a rec on this Board. We had orange/grapefruit juice, scones and clotted cream, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, chanterelles/ fried egg on soda bread, capuccino. Simple, fresh and delicious. We also enjoyed the croissants (plain, almond, chocolate) at Patisserie Fous Desserts. Thu Sep 17 05:04:40 -0700 2009 4601186 73159 financialdistrictresident 3 4373217 Too bad that you have had bad experiences there. Everything I have gone the food has been great, and I am really picky about breakfast. Once is was a tiny bit coldish, but other than that, nada. I will try the places you mentioned though! Yeah, I do agree that they rush you out to turn the tables, but I can't really blame them for trying to make money. Most places will do the same on Sunday brunch. Fri Jan 30 11:26:05 -0800 2009 4371990 208595 The Chemist 3 4468491 Third for Bagel Etc. The blintzes are delicious and it's nice to get a bagel sometimes instead of toast. Cozy atmosphere too. Tue Mar 03 05:31:59 -0800 2009 4371990 248163 Joel_L 1 4372462 Where are the best eggs benedict in Montreal? Fri Jan 30 07:58:29 -0800 2009 4367038 12421 hungryann 2 4372821 My favourite (that doesn't mean best) is at Fruits Folies served with smoked salmon. 3817 Rue St. Denis, Montreal, PQ Phone: 514-840-9011 Fri Jan 30 09:38:04 -0800 2009 4372462 125376 pyropaul99 3 4373226 I used to go there all the time for the eggs benedict but now they are under new management and the food is inconsistent. Sometimes it will be great, other times terrible. I wish that they would go back to the way they were... Also, they got rid of my favorite servers (we were regulars for maybe a year) and replaced them with who I can only assume are family or friends who don't match up really. Fri Jan 30 11:28:02 -0800 2009 4372821 208595 The Chemist 3 4373414 What about the classic version, i.e. no smoked salmon? Fri Jan 30 12:21:50 -0800 2009 4372821 12421 hungryann 4 4374697 Yeah, that's what I always had; Traditional. I like smoked salmon, but fish and runny eggs together (and eggs Benedict MUST be runny!) kind of puts me off. When we used to go, it was always perfect: Yolks liquidy, muffins toasted, hollandaise lemony, and potatoes crispy... after a while, it was a real lucky day if all of these things came together. There is nothing more tragic than when your regular breakfast dive starts to degrade. Also, I learned a lot of French when I frist moved here by interacitng with the staff... now they are replaced. Boo. Now, I tend to make my own eggs benidict. That way I know it's perfect! =D It's probably the thing that I am most picky about when I eat out. Some things (steak, burgers, etc.) are just so personal to taste, that I can't leave it up to anyone else! =D Aaron Fri Jan 30 20:43:44 -0800 2009 4373414 208595 The Chemist 5 4378380 The "complet" brunch from Aux Vivres is amazing... yes it is vegan, but they sure do know what they are doing! Today I was feeling a bit under the weather and not in the mood to sit in a busy restaurant, and to my delight I was able to order ahead, pick up my meal and eat brunch in the comfort of my own home. Sun Feb 01 14:54:43 -0800 2009 4374697 244837 queen of tartar 6 4465315 I second that! I find the standard egg-based breakfasts in this city to be boring at best, at least since the Sala Rosa stopped serving brunch, but the "complet" at Aux Vivires is excellent! Sweet potatoes, tempeh bacon, tofu scramble and fresh cornbread...mmm. Give it a try, you might be surprised. My very carnivorous brother says it's his favourite breakfast joint. Mon Mar 02 07:24:37 -0800 2009 4378380 269364 chililala 2 4508125 I had the most sublime eggs benedict experience at Holder. It was delicious; the eggs were very well done and I remember the english muffin wasn't too toasted, so I didn't have to fight to eat the egg and muffin in one bite. It's also a wonderful place to have brunch in, they give you really good jam (not out of a plastic container) and they have a great variety of waffles, pancakes, etc. Sun Mar 15 19:59:22 -0700 2009 4372462 180762 sushilovah 1 4469019 Try The Beauty on Mont Royal by Saint Urbain. Tue Mar 03 08:49:54 -0800 2009 4367038 28258 rabbijohn 2 4469097 It's Beauty's & many folks on these boards would not recommend it at all. It's heyday has long since passed & IMHO people only go there for nostalgia reasons & not for the food. Tue Mar 03 09:11:48 -0800 2009 4469019 43126 RhondaB 3 4469170 peple sad same things 25 years ago. it is the same as it was then. Tue Mar 03 09:33:43 -0800 2009 4469097 184086 MartinSLR 3 4500919 Have to disagree. I love Beauty's. Not everyday, but once or twice a year. They make very good juice and I just love the food. Fri Mar 13 07:13:18 -0700 2009 4469097 10894 Frenchie 4 4834033 just a heads-up: they mix tropicana into the "freshly squeezed" OJ. that being said, I love their blueberry pancakes, and anything chicken there. the chicken salad sandwich on russian rye is YUMMY. they used to put a bit of dill in it, and it makes the sandwich. Mon Jul 06 13:14:10 -0700 2009 4500919 14157 C70 5 4834415 no you do not know truth Mon Jul 06 15:06:05 -0700 2009 4834033 184086 MartinSLR 2 4601172 Beauty's is amazing but you forgot to mention way over priced for what they offer. Most breakfast places give fruit on the plate.. Beauty's doesn't The Bacon is also super salty Thu Apr 16 09:18:10 -0700 2009 4469019 283184 Alyson777 1 4474800 Cafe Souvenir on Bernard Le Cartet on McGill Both great... and so Montreal Anybody know of a good brunch spot downtown? Wed Mar 04 20:01:23 -0800 2009 4367038 271449 RicBer 2 4493742 Does Le Cartet serve breakfast? I thought it was only brunch on weekends. Wed Mar 11 06:39:45 -0700 2009 4474800 48563 mainsqueeze 3 4501760 Le Cartet has a beautiful space...and food to match (the OP did mention weekends as well). Fri Mar 13 11:06:31 -0700 2009 4493742 14419 Chester Eleganté 4 4501904 Yes, well I'm also interested to know whether they serve breakfast during the week, which is why I asked. Fri Mar 13 11:43:18 -0700 2009 4501760 48563 mainsqueeze 5 4502622 Ya, they have it during the week as well. It won't be the complete brunch menu for breakfast, but they should have most of the standards. Fri Mar 13 14:48:17 -0700 2009 4501904 14419 Chester Eleganté 2 4601176 Le cartlet is good but the service is terrible! Thu Apr 16 09:18:43 -0700 2009 4474800 283184 Alyson777 1 4478276 It's surprising how many of the city's diner-style places do such a poor job of basic eggs and potatoes. While not the most original menu, I find they at least get the basics right: the Bistro du marché in the middle of the Marché central. They do a fine eggs benedict and claim to use organic eggs and beef. Thu Mar 05 20:23:12 -0800 2009 4367038 57453 FoodNovice 1 4489354 Not something to recommend, but somehow some folks love Cosmo's (on Sherbrooke in NDG). Ultimate dingy greasy spoon with colourful locals if you're lucky. Mon Mar 09 19:14:20 -0700 2009 4367038 203842 TheSnowpea 2 4493266 depends on your taste and budget...but cosmo's (above reccom) is yes greasy but man is it ever good..you will either need a good walk after or simply return to bed.... Tue Mar 10 21:24:21 -0700 2009 4489354 196530 ribboy 2 4508135 i agree, cosmos has the best hash browns too. best to wait until summer to go though, the place sits 10 max? In the summer there is what could be called a small terrace out front. Sun Mar 15 20:03:19 -0700 2009 4489354 180762 sushilovah 3 4601180 B and M makes similar potatoes and probably on a cleaner/ more sanitary grill :) Thu Apr 16 09:19:34 -0700 2009 4508135 283184 Alyson777 1 4493862 I'm surprised that no one has mentioned L'Anecdote on Rachel E. Really excellent eggs benedict, great cafe au lait in bowls, fine service, decent prices, and a sweet diner atmosphere. Wed Mar 11 07:24:35 -0700 2009 4367038 12205 sophie fox 1 4496935 I am not a fan of eating breakfast in restaurants but I like L'Eveque on Laurier. I went there once with my mom and loved it. It has a while so you would have to check to see if they still open for breakfast. Thu Mar 12 03:58:13 -0700 2009 4367038 22859 cricri7 2 4497327 They have a weekend brunch menu: http://www.chezleveque.ca/menus2009_brunch.html But I don't think they're open for breakfast during the week. Thu Mar 12 07:24:26 -0700 2009 4496935 48563 mainsqueeze 3 4502943 If you can get there very early: Restaurant Toasteur (Le) 1310, avenue Laurier Est, Montréal, QC H2J 1H3 N° de téléphone : 514-526-5111 Yummy ! Fri Mar 13 16:57:19 -0700 2009 4497327 274214 BongoPJ 1 4504766 saw this on facebook: Cornmeal Buttermilk Pancakes with Vanilla Bean, Star Anise Pear Compote + Strawberry Rasberry Compote aaaannnnddd to top it all off: Orange Cognac Whipped Cream OR Yam Latke Eggs Benny with your choice of Black Forest or Veggie Ham Hollandaise and Capers +Fresh Fruit Salad Regular brunch and breakfast items always available as well. Come by and say hi! Sat: 9 - 6 Sun 11 - 6 Depanneur Le Pick Up 7032 Waverly just north of Mozart 514.271.8011 Sat Mar 14 13:13:42 -0700 2009 4367038 14181 celfie 2 4507774 Intriguing, celfie, I've cycled past there many times (like taking that street to Parc/Jean-Talon Loblaws, as there is little traffic) and noticed that old-fashioned dépanneur with a little lunch counter, but didn't know they still prepared food. Sun Mar 15 17:40:45 -0700 2009 4504766 84119 lagatta 3 4507820 it was bought by some locals - i believe they're related to cagibi on st laurent and st viateur here is their menu http://depanneurlepickup.com/menu Sun Mar 15 18:00:13 -0700 2009 4507774 14181 celfie 4 4510371 Wow that area really is becoming the next Mile-End... Thanks for the heads-up. I'm always on the lookout for a good pulled pork sandwich. Plus they have "events." Mon Mar 16 14:24:25 -0700 2009 4507820 224174 foodinspace 5 4511334 Is brunch a regular thing, or is it just an event? I couldn't figure it out from the website, somebody said they saw info on Facebook?? Does anybody know, or has anybody been there for brunch? Mon Mar 16 18:45:21 -0700 2009 4510371 269364 chililala 6 4511853 my friends went and said it was scrumptuous. i believe they do a regular breakfast thing - perhaps not as extravagant but i will report back with further details tomorrow Mon Mar 16 22:07:32 -0700 2009 4511334 14181 celfie 5 4551368 That sounds like a neat option and I think that I'll check it out. Thanks for the headsup. And Shattered: I think that foodinspace meant that there is slowly an increasing variety of things to do, see, and eat in the area, which is undoubtedly a good thing. To address your rant: As a McGill Student who is learning to speak French I can tell you that Montreal is a more challenging environment for learning than you might think. I am concurrently learning Spanish and it's strange but true that I can find more people who are happy to practice Spanish with me than French. It's an almost hostile environment for learning French because you are too often met with the attitude that you just demonstrated. Mon Mar 30 11:31:12 -0700 2009 4512623 208595 The Chemist 1 4512818 It is unfortunate to say but I feel that there are no truly memorable breakfast places in Montreal. When people start raving about Le Reservoir is when you can start asserting that claim. Perhaps Byblos is interesting in its genre. Perhaps Olive & Gourmando is pleasant from time to time. Perhaps M sur Masson makes fluffy omelettes. Perhaps Cafe Souvenir's atmosphere makes up for so-so food. But, at the end of the day, I think the proper course of action to follow when it comes to breakfasts in Montreal is to go to a different place every time. A lot of potential "dates", no potential marriages... Tue Mar 17 09:09:46 -0700 2009 4367038 137615 1Marlowe1 2 4549032 I hate to admit it but I agree...I have been back in my beloved Montreal for 7 years and have had a devil of a time finding a fabulous brunch spot. I usually end up at cafe Souvenir for lack of other options. I am embarrassed to say this but Toronto had better brunch options Beauty's sucks, l'Avenue has so so food and portions enough for 4 people (not to mention a massive line-up. But the Depanneur le pick up sounds like it has potential!! Sun Mar 29 13:44:11 -0700 2009 4512818 110196 Lachapelle 3 4551106 I sadly agree as well. I have had great brunch experiences at L'Avenue and Beautys though.. Tiffanys on Decarie and L'Anecdote on St-Hubert/Rachel haven't deceived me. But nothing to write home about.. Mon Mar 30 10:01:46 -0700 2009 4549032 259164 Natt 4 4551710 I really don't get what all of you complainers are talking about. What is it that constitutes a good breakfast, in your eyes? What is it you want, exactly? I personally find there are lots of great options and if you truly can't find anything you like then there is simply something wrong (with you). That being said, if your reference point is l'Avenue or Beauty's I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Mon Mar 30 12:59:54 -0700 2009 4551106 48563 mainsqueeze 5 4551771 I have trouble finding eggs that are not cooked at too high a temperature. Most place that I've been to could drain a few ounces of oil off then plate. Just a couple of examples of not so good breakfast places. Mon Mar 30 13:16:17 -0700 2009 4551710 259263 bigfellow 5 4551951 There's just something ... missing from Montreal breakfast. The food sometimes seems, to me at least, less "clean" than I'm used to (but for diner food this is hard to quantify). Also a certain style of meat— it's often too salty, too artificially-smoked, not trimmed of gristle and bits (in the case of chicken and others). Little touches on presentation, service, atmosphere ... I can't explain it because there's nothing specifically WRONG, just not as good as elsewhere. Montreal is just not a fried breakfast city. Fried breakfast is too anglo in origin, I think. Montreal seems to do sweet breakfasts, pastries, breads, fruits, and that patisserie sort of thing WAY better than any place else, though, so I think its a trade-off. Me, though, I'm a meat eater. I have high hopes for The Sparrow. Mon Mar 30 14:01:34 -0700 2009 4551710 273307 Delmare 6 4552045 You have chicken for breakfast? OK. ;-) Have you tried Déjeuner Cosmopolitain in Pointe Claire? It's my fave breakfast place on the island. Mon Mar 30 14:32:23 -0700 2009 4551951 66614 kpzoo 5 4552070 I am not complaining. I am stating an opinion different from yours exactly. My points of reference are not l'Avenue or Beauty's as stated above. But, ignoring the pettiness of your remark, I will dignify your question with an answer. A great breakfast/brunch is just the same as a great lunch or dinner: quality ingredients, inspired and caring preparation of those ingredients, variety and seasonality, proper dosage and presentation, interesting surroundings. Let us take the example that is most often cited here: Le Reservoir. First, when I walk in the door, I do not think to myself "what a cozy place to have breakfast". It is tenebrous. It has a faint ambient odor of beer which is entirely off-putting. Then, yes, the menu is interesting, as a read. Because between the potential of the menu items listed and how they arrive served to you, disappointment beckons. Fruit is poorly picked. Eggs are often undercooked and arrive cold. The portions range from smallish to minuscule. The beverage choices are passable but nothing to write home about. And the price is quite steep. Once again, let me emphasize that there is nothing particularly wrong with the place. It is just drab, like so many other places that come with the highest of recommendations on this board. It is a matter of expectations I guess... Mon Mar 30 14:43:32 -0700 2009 4551710 137615 1Marlowe1 6 4552297 I don't know... I guess people have very very different tastes. Reading the paper on a sunny morning at Reservoir and nibbling on my breakfast is one of my favorite things to do in this city. So unlike you, I do say "what a cozy place to have breakfast" every time I enter the place. I like the light, the architecture (designed by Henri Cleinge whom I'd like to commission a house when I win the lottery) and the slight buzz. In the past months we had a few misses (probably due to some reported transitions in the kitchen), and we seem to go there less often but it is still more hits than a miss. And if you find duck confit on a bed of coffee gnocchi for winter, or stuffed zucchini blossoms with perfectly over easy eggs during summer not inspired or seasonal enough, then I guess it will be hard to please you. Mon Mar 30 15:56:36 -0700 2009 4552070 53259 emerilcantcook 6 4553649 Reservoir smells like beer because it is a brasserie. Tue Mar 31 06:16:46 -0700 2009 4552070 48563 mainsqueeze 6 4553765 I think you're starting to hit on something here with the cold eggs. Breakfast is about timing, especially when there's hot items involved. In my opinion, restaurants that cook and serve in what I've come to see as the "Montreal style" (or I should say the "Plateau style") do things a different way. (And when people are drinking coffee, feel free to bring more thx.) Tue Mar 31 07:04:16 -0700 2009 4552070 273307 Delmare 1 4551801 What about the place on the west side of Parc, just north of Mont Royal. It is a pretty good place for breakfast and extremely busy! (Cant remember the name). Mon Mar 30 13:24:03 -0700 2009 4367038 228296 williej 2 4551824 Dusty's. It's good but the coffee used to be quite bad, which was a major drawback. Mon Mar 30 13:29:10 -0700 2009 4551801 262240 everyonelovessushi 2 4551838 I guess that would be Dusty's. Its ok, but it's not the transcendent experience some people here seem to be looking for. I'm no authority on restaurant breakfasts, though. I have a frying pan and a toaster and I'm pretty handy with a spatula. I'd rather spend my hard earned money on something a bit more interesting than eggs and bacon. Mon Mar 30 13:32:36 -0700 2009 4551801 18488 SnackHappy 1 4553027 I enjoy the breakfast at Renoir (Sofitel Hotel) although far from being on the cheap side, their benedicts are always good with eggs having a runny yolk, freshly squeezed OJ, and portions are not too big (for those that hate to throw out half their plates) Even more enjoyable in summer with their terrasse. Mon Mar 30 20:10:17 -0700 2009 4367038 158026 westaust 2 4556695 Westaust, that terrasse is really excellent. It is a great place to enjoy breakfast. I also have had nice breakfasts at Renoir, reasonable quality food, good service, nice selection of plates, overall a good experience. But certainly not cheap. I don't mind going there for the odd conference breakfast, but I don't think I could turn it into a regular stomp. At least, that isn't my lifestyle at this time! But if I am downtown, and want a nice breakfast, it is a good choice in that area. For other breakfasts, I have my usual suspects. I still like Cafe Arte Java on Mont Royal for breakfast, Le Cammioneur breakfast special is a large amount of food! They have very nice Eggs Benedicts as well, and of course good coffee. I also enjoy El Dorado on Mont Royal also. I will put in a vote of support for Reservoir, although if you are looking for a more traditional breakfast, it isn't the best choice. But I've always enjoyed the eclectic selection of plates there, and they are tasty. I always like brunch/breakfast at Bouchees Gourmandes. My love affair is well documented. As is my love affair with Fous Desserts, but you won't get hot breakfast at Fous, just excellent croissant and coffee. I have been enjoying breakfast/brunch at Los Classicos, the Mexican place on St Laurent. The posole is excellent, and I do love chiliquiles! I've decided a few chilis are a nice way to jumpstart the day. Recently had a chance to try the egg and sausage roll at the Sparrow, and boy, that is a kickass breakfast item! I don't know if I can go back to Egg and sausage McMuffins, and I really like those things! But the homemade sausage is fabulous, and the brioche bun is also excellent. Wed Apr 01 04:12:34 -0700 2009 4553027 89969 moh 1 4556091 I went to La Bouche on Mt-Royal and enjoyed it. It has both sweet and savory breakfast options and it's a nice place to stay and linger for a while. I enjoy it everytime I go. I also quite enjoy Pistou Déjeuner on De La Roche in the Plateau as well as another place right next to Byblos on Laurier E., the name of which I can't recall. Tue Mar 31 18:32:13 -0700 2009 4367038 276359 mtlmaven 2 4556217 The place next to Byblos is probably Truffert Bistro de Christophe. I've had one great and one not so great brunch there. I haven't been since the not so great one. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/380438 I like Pistou déjeuner as well, although the service can be overly familiar and bit spotty at times. I certainly don't think it's a place I would suggest to Montreal breakfast naysayers. Tue Mar 31 19:25:26 -0700 2009 4556091 18488 SnackHappy 1 4557866 Reading these posts, saw a mention of Huevos Rancheros.... my absolute favorite breakfast dish. While I occasionally attempt to replicate it at home, I would love to know of a few places in the city that do it right.... Help!! Wed Apr 01 11:04:52 -0700 2009 4367038 279207 JohnnyGe 2 4558257 Los Classicos has good Huevos Rancheros. On St. Laurent. Wed Apr 01 12:45:12 -0700 2009 4557866 89969 moh 1 4585477 I like Eggcetera on Sherbrooke for a nice casual breakfast. Fri Apr 10 14:55:44 -0700 2009 4367038 126915 riverboy 2 4624341 I was at Cafe Souvenir yesterday, and it was divine, we all had something different. I think timing is so crucial with eggs and bread, a few extra minutes and a breakfast dish can be very forgettable, no matter where you go. Friends went to Holder for brunch and got all the egg dishes served, then had to wait 20 minutes for the accompanying toast ; for me, that would be a deal breaker. Not a major catastrophy but I need my toast with my eggs. Fri Apr 24 05:41:21 -0700 2009 4585477 166648 superbossmom 3 4624834 "Not a major catastrophy but I need my toast with my eggs." Agree completely! You need the toast to dip into the hot runny gooey egg yolk. If the egg gets cold, it isn't half as nice... Fri Apr 24 08:40:51 -0700 2009 4624341 89969 moh 1 4627538 I'm surprised that no one's mentioned La Petite Marche on St-Denis below Laurier. They've got the brunch-conventional and non-conventional dishes (apple-cheddar or orange-ricotta crepes) at huge portions and good prices. Service is okay. Sat Apr 25 07:42:33 -0700 2009 4367038 238913 kwy_li 1 4627560 how many times we have been disappointed with montreal brunches/breakfasts with exaggerated prices and lineups, so i am listing the best breakfast deal in town $1.99 at blanche neiges in cote des neiges for eggs, toast, potatoes, unlimited coffee, basics done well but nothing fancy in milieu or presentation. http://www.blancheneigerestaurant.com/ breakfasts 6-11 Mon-Fri; 6am-2pm weekends but my real favourite cheapo breakfast is at the quirky Patati Patata on St. Laurent below Rachel and above Duluth, love that cubbyhole of a restaurant http://www.montrealfood.com/restos/patati.htm breakfast all day I think , 4177 St-Laurent http://missadventureathome.blogspot.com/2009/03/patati-patata.html Sat Apr 25 07:56:50 -0700 2009 4367038 39407 wilmagrace 1 4629906 I just went to Byblos for breakfast yesterday and it was both tasty and relatively inexpensive. Their jams are so yummy and the omelets a delight. I also walked by a place that I enjoyed thoroughly both times I went is l'entretien. I love it because it is both delicious and quite accomodating for kids. Sun Apr 26 11:03:49 -0700 2009 4367038 276359 mtlmaven 1 4833992 Breakfast/brunch is the most "complete" meal that I usually eat when visiting Montreal because I am usually absorbed with Jazz Fest or other evening activities. Over many years of visiting, my go to place has been Cafe Cherrier on St Denis. This week, I have tried two new places: L'Avenue and Toi Moi et Cafe. I have to say that the latter is my new favorite. One complaint that I have often heard from chefs is how difficult it is to turn out perfect omelettes and eggs in a fast moving kitchen. One place in NY now almost exclusively features baked eggs. The egg souffles at Toi Moi et Cafe are the Montreal answer. I loved the fruit that came with my souffle- fresh fruit and a baked apple. The cafe au lait was delicious ( though a little weak for me). I will be back. L'avenue was a disappointment for me because we had heard that they had a really great burger. We arrived at 3:30p ( yes, late for me!) and was told that they were only serving breakfast. One of my companions raved about the sangria. My omelette- while I enjoyed the fillings- was a bit overcooked. Not the relaxing brunch ambiance I was looking for, but I can understand the appeal. I found the waitstaff to be fine and not cold as someone else posted. Mon Jul 06 13:05:01 -0700 2009 4367038 12874 carfreeinla 1 4852442 McKiernan's on Notre Dame... The most amazing Brunch choices on Saturday only. Fresh, unique and SOOOO good! You can't go wrong. Sun Jul 12 20:22:54 -0700 2009 4367038 1089693 ggal 1 4904876 I like Le Pistou Déjeuner, as well as Los Clasicos. Very good, different breakfast. Also La Petite Ardoise on Laurier. Especially in the summer. They have a great terrasse in the back. Thu Jul 30 17:20:19 -0700 2009 4367038 1098040 k123 1 4904958 Forgot another place, Laika on St-Laurent. Great breakfast and brunches!! Thu Jul 30 17:54:08 -0700 2009 4367038 1098040 k123 2 4905751 What does Laika serve for breakfast? When I used to go there the menu was very limited. They only had bread, croissants, coffee and yogourt. Fri Jul 31 05:30:59 -0700 2009 4904958 18488 SnackHappy 3 4906798 That's been my experience too - granola bowls, pastries and big cups of coffee. Their lunch (brunch?) menu seems to offer more things though, and I think I've seen someone eating eggs there once! ;) Fri Jul 31 11:31:35 -0700 2009 4905751 119412 afoodyear 4 4907191 Laika offers crepes (I frequently enjoy the crepes with apple sauce, yogurt, and maple syrup or caramel), and daily lunch/brunch specials (which is why you might have seen eggs). Fri Jul 31 13:42:13 -0700 2009 4906798 194657 alixium 5 4911480 Actually it might be just on week-end. But they do have breakfast/brunch and they're delicious. Really worth it!! It's not just the usual eggs benedict. They do like funky kinds of poached eggs and omelets. Sun Aug 02 16:10:20 -0700 2009 4907191 1098040 k123 1 4911555 I went to Sparrow today (see other post) and was enjoyable. Sun Aug 02 16:44:28 -0700 2009 4367038 11828 Maximilien 1 5035710 So I had to go to the hospital today for a procedure. I got up early and was hungry. Not peckish but hungry. So I decided to go to La Banquoise for some poutine. I've always had take away ther and have never eaten in. I arrive there at 6 am. There is only one other customer. There are about 14 staff members cooking, cleaning and having breakfast. Including one french chap of mixed race who is dancing and singing to Bob Marley! (very cool IMHO). The wait staff wasn';t too comfortable in english so they suffered through my bad French. (Doesn't ANYONE speak Gaelic anymore.lol) The menu that the server dropped off was only for breakfast. The server then seamlessly handed off my table to a young lady that had just arrived. They did it so well too. I was impressed. So going with the flow I ordered a complete breakkie. 3 Eggs over easy, ham, bacon , sausages, creton, toast and fresh fruit. As well as OJ and tea. JESUS WEPT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The meal was perfect. The eggs were not overdone at all. I've been to some places here that are much higher end and who pride themselves on their brunches and breakfasts, but no one except The Sparrow can hold a candle to La Banquoie. IMHO Try it, you'll like it. As they used to say in an old commercial. Wed Sep 16 19:40:49 -0700 2009 4367038 259263 bigfellow 2 5035731 Do you mean La Banquise, the poutine place? Didn't know they do brekkie, I'll have to try it. Thanks! Wed Sep 16 19:51:13 -0700 2009 5035710 66614 kpzoo 3 5036020 Hey, I never claimed to be able to spell! Wed Sep 16 22:20:38 -0700 2009 5035731 259263 bigfellow 4 5037695 I really didn't need to know that you can get their poutine at that hour!! Thu Sep 17 13:47:16 -0700 2009 5036020 1105218 bistrobabe 1 5043398 We tried McKiernan's brunch last weekend. We got there right when they opened at 10 and it seeed that they were not quite ready for service. It took a while to get a server but after that, the food came out pretty quickly. We had an Eggs Benedict with a crab topping and the Johnny Cakes, which came with beans, eggs, and sausage. The benedict was good, but the hollandaise needed a little more pop and if the bread was toasted, it would have had a little more texture. The Johnny cakes were really good, perfect balance of sweet and savory. Overall, it was a little expensive for breakfast, definitely not a place we could go to regularly, and the service was stuffy, which, unfortunately, is the second time we've noticed this at their establishments. Kind of a "you need us more than we need you" feeling. Yesterday, we wanted to go to L'Express for breakfast but it was too early, so we took Bigfellow's suggestion and headed to La Banquise. It was great! We had the ham and cheese omelet, which was stuffed with ham, and we had the french toast, which came with an apple butter and other breakfast "fixins." Really well prepared, and only set us back $17! Sun Sep 20 06:01:30 -0700 2009 4367038 216399 megmtl 2 5077883 My fiance and I went to McKiernan's yesterday and I just had to second megmtl's note of "you need us more than we need you." We had high hopes - the place is so quaint and feels like you're sitting at your aunt's place in Cape Cod. Lots of points on going for the comfy cottage look and getting it bang on, the place feels welcoming and home-y. The food was probably excellent but I can't tell since the service was so poor. I had the johnny cakes (w/ maple syrup (?) feves au lard and 5 or 6 homemade brekkie sausages); he had the apple brioche w/ poached egg and sausage. The portions were right on, and the food was well-executed and definitely a notch above most other brekkie restos. But we waited AN HOUR for our food. The waitress kept on brushing us off when we asked her, didn't apologize, and even had the audacity to ask us to move tables to make room for other customers. I work as a waitress too and get it - mistakes happen. But we felt really unappreciated being there, almost in the way. Too bad, it could've been a regular place. Sun Oct 04 07:33:53 -0700 2009 5043398 260916 torontrealais 1 5044869 We went to Lola Rosa, who opens at 11 am on Sat/Sun. Wonderful brunch. Very good service. Large portions. Well worth it. (not expensive -- as low as 6$ and as high as $15). Vegetarian, and friendly to vegans, too. Sun Sep 20 19:31:08 -0700 2009 4367038 228296 williej