Suggestions for a date?

[Manka]

Hello,

I'm looking for ideas where to take my out-of-town bf in early to mid-July.

He is not the most adventurous eater (sushi is out of question for both of us), but aside from the general North American fare he likes Mexican and had no problems with Indian food - my fave - so we have a little lee way...

I am thinking Spanish / Portuguese but any suggestions are welcome..
I would like to find a place with a nice atmosphere for a date, maybe with a bar.. My budget is around $100.

I want him to experience Montreal and like it.

Thanks! M

[Manka]

Hello people,

so here is my report back to you: we finally went to La Sala Rosa for two reasons, one being that in the haste of the days leading up to his visit, I totally forgot to make reservations at Pinxto... We will save that for the next time.

La Sala Rosa turned out to be the perfect choice, though! It was not too fancy which I know my bf was concerned about; and he really liked the idea of sharing food.

We each chose 3 different dishes, which for two was a little too much, but we devoured everything... My personal favourite is the goat cheese with caramelized onions, while he loved the quails.

Thank you to all of you for helping with ideas and weighing in... I think we have a success story here :)

M.

[Manka]

Oh you guys are awesome. Thanks for all the recommendations.

Pintxo was one that I have been eyeing as well so you basically confirmed that it's worth a try.

I have also heard good things about the Icehouse and the Comptoir... So I just have to make up my mind now :)

[cherylmtl]

I don't believe you can reserve at Icehouse, and it's not one of those places you can have a quiet, intimate evening (you may end up sharing a table with others), so I'd save that for another time. Stick with Pintxo.

[Fintastic]

Agreed. Icehouse is certainly not reservable and certainly crowded. Most nights would see you waiting in line for two seats at the bar facing the wall...

That being said, they do take out, so you could always grab their amazing food and have a picnic at one of the nearby parks. However, Pintxo might be a bit more romantic...

[Manka]

So Pintxo it is, guys, and I am getting really excited! I will report back after the 1st week of July.

I'm still considering maybe making another "date" and see one of the other places as well.

[jay_81k]

warning you now good chance it will be over 100$ if you want to leave full and you're planning on drinking

[Ched1000]

Indeed

[lindsho]

Agreed, Pinxto gets pricey fast. The Spanish Club (Club Espanol) or Sala Rosa might be good alternatives. Much better prices and great food. If it's a nice day, Spanish Club has a really nice rooftop terrace.

[wattacetti]

Pinxto as Snowpea says, or perhaps le Comptoir.

[stephlovestoeat]

If you want to go along the portugese lines, Cafe Ferreira may work for you. It can be pricey but they have a reduced price menu after 10pm that I think is a great value and would fall into your budget or their other place, F Bar, near PDA. I really like Pinxto as well or you could go for tapas at Tapeo.

[randa_h74]

I would try Joe Beef. It might be a little out of your price range if you plan to drink more than say a bottle of wine, but well worth it.

For old Monteal, try Mechant Boeuf. The ambiance is pretty nice and laid back. There's a live DJ I think on Thurs-Saturday.

Casual, try Icehouse. It's sort of a texas style BBQ place. Chicken, ribs, tacos.... It's a small place so you might have to wait for a table depending on the time you go. Try to get there early for drinks and you're more likely to get a table. Around 6ish should be fine.

-----
Joe Beef
2491 Rue Notre-Dame W, Montreal, QC H3J1N6, CA

[TheSnowpea]

You could look into Pintxo. It's a Spanish tapas place and have a little bar you can sit at (not sure if they offer cocktails, but they do have cava and other wines)

I think it would meet your budget -- it's fun to share little plates together.

http://www.pintxo.ca/