Recs for Solo/Eating at the bar

[nbtsocanos]

I'll be traveling solo to Montreal and Quebec City mid-week and would appreciate recs for restaurants that are good for eating at the bar. Preferably in the farm-to-table/local/seasonal line, medium to not super-expensive. Ideally not to far from the Old Port neighborhood in Montreal and Vieux-Quebec in QC. Extra points for knowledgeable/personable bartenders.

[nbtsocanos]

Thanks for the feedback. I had outstanding meals at Les 400 Coups and Schwartz's in Montreal and Pain Beni in QC. Viva Quebec!

[Fintastic]

Fortunately it seems like most good restaurants in Montreal have good bars for dining solo. Although they're further from Old Montreal, you could also look into Tuck Shop, Joe Beef, Chien Fumant, and Lawrence. I'd say only the first really pushes a farm-to-table mantra, though all of them have a changing menu that is at least somewhat based on fresh ingredients. But to emphasize what was said above, nothing has grown outdoors in Quebec since October so most of what you'd get would be from a greenhouse.

[OliverB]

Kazu - Japanese izakaya bar downtown (mid priced and some seasonal dishes with constantly fluctuating menu).

You won't find much local farm-to-table this time of year.

If you head out to the Plateau you can sit at the bar and enjoy a good solo meal at Le Chien Fumant.

You can go to Barroco in Old Mtl for oysters and martinis and they have bar seating as well. Seems to be more of a tourist destination, and I've never ordered anything more substantial off their menu.

There's dozens of sushi bars ranging in quality and price (Juni-I, Kaizen, Takara, Bishoku, Queen, etc) - all suited to solo bar seating.

[porker]

We ate at Osteria Venti awhile back, its in the 'hood. Good solid Italian. Not necessarily the bar, but theres an eating area (bar-like) that fronts the kitchen. Good show.

[EaterBob]

In Old Montreal there is 400 Coups and DNA that would fit your bill. Both are spectacular. If you ventured further afield, you'd need to stay in Montreal for at least a week, if not two.

[hala]

The bars at Garde Manger and APDC are also fun.