This place is original Mile End, in all its raggedy, weird, homey, D.I.Y., independently-owned and operated glory. Critics who rag on its weirdness must be the kind of folks who use the term "foodies" to describe themselves but actually just judge a place on the decor....the johnny-come-latelys who bought apartments out from under all the artists and now just want to scrub the neighbourhood clean and open high-end bistros that no one can afford. Café Le Dépanneur is a hold out and is also one of my favourite places to get breakfast. The food is tasty, homemade and affordable. The staff are nice. I can see how some love or hate the music thing... the musicians are hit and miss in the same way an open mic can be either great or totally awful, but the whole thing is actually really charming. So no, maybe it isn't the best cafe for a date (unless you are the fun type who can make the misfortune of a bad musician into a conversation piece) and maybe it isn't good for silent study. But I still adore the joint. Give it a chance and you might too.