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| - Driving down the street, we had a tough time locating this cafe. The restaurant next to it is at 550 Rue Sainte-Catherine, but the building number for L'Escalier is actually out of order, and is the number BEFORE it. Only a darkly painted doorway and a colourful sign is all you have to go on - and possibly stoned-looking youth smoking ciggies in front.
Located on the second floor and sadly, not wheelchair accessible, L'Escalier has a tune of its own - creaky floors, laughter and the clinking of beer glasses. It's kitschy, dark and grungy, but it's alright.
We popped in on a Saturday night, when it was busy as a beehive and made the risky decision of sticking out here when we had a schedule to keep. The small counter where drinks and food are ordered is usually served by one exclusively French-speaking attendant, who scribbles all the orders on a notepad. Yes, it's cash only. As well, the counter is approximately ONE meter away from entrance, a set of narrow and awkward pair of wooden French doors. Therefore, awkward line-ups are often formed and you may find your face in someone's hair as your tummy is growling anxiously.
Drinks get served on the spot as you order, but the cooks here can't do the same - my boyfriend and I ended up waiting more than 30 minutes to get an apple and cheese sandwich and a pesto pasta. I was probably wearing the bitchiest look I owned and I'm sure that I stuck out like a sore thumb in a place that's pretty down-to-Earth.
Lesson learned: don't come here if you're in a time crunch.
Even as I was fuming - smoke was practically coming out of my ears - I'll admit it was a damn good sandwich and pretty tasty pasta. Not only was the timing a turn-off, but the decor didn't impress me one bit. The furniture is old and rocky, the pillows are gritty and I'm not sure how often they run a dust cloth and broom through this place.
Great budget hang-out and reliable food, but not really my scene.
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