This is my favorite bar in Montreal. It's directly across the street from Leonard Cohen's old house, which is located on 28 Rue de Vallières. If you're a Cohen fan, google this address which should lead you to multiple articles on all the businesses he used to frequent on this part of St Laurent.
There's usually a short wait when we arrive. I go there about once or twice a week and there's never been time when it hasn't been crowded. The drinks themselves are spectacular. I prefer cocktails and they make a nice old-fashioned (which is my favorite drink). But they mostly specialize in beer (lots of nice local choices) and wine, and are one of the few places in Montreal to feature a nice range of cider. The food menu is small but delicious. I have tried almost everything on the menu at this point and have been pleasantly surprised at how good some of the dishes have been, especially the mussels and the beef tartare. The portions are very tiny, though, but the prices are super reasonable. The decor is also really special. There are bookshelves and books everywhere, which I feel adds a nice touch. The place is usually lit with a sort of amber colored lighting which makes it a perfect place for a date. My only complaint would be the fact that it is so crowded at times that you might find yourself yelling across the table at the person you came with.