This corner was a goldmine waiting to happen. While the previous dump (Vasco da Gama?) circled the drain with its overpriced crappy sandwiches and holier-than-thou attitude, whoever owns this place now was plotting to open one bistro in Outremont to end them all.
And what an opening- gorgeous decor accented by driftwood-like beams studding the walls, iron, shades of grey mixed with black and white, all very HGTVish, but done with extreme taste. On summer nights the terrace wraps around the corner and the ambience is absolutely top-notch. The patrons are a total motley crew - everything from pipe-smoking faux-Parisian Outremont snobs, to 50-something MILFs having one too many with their real estate coworkers, to Moroccan guys in their mid-30's with white belts and matching 'crocodile' Aldo shoes. A total melange, and yet it works somehow.
And what about the food, you ask? No one cares. Who needs a killer menu with so many other assets? And yet, the food is not bad. I mean, it's not going to win any awards - but go tell that to the million people lining up every weeknight to snatch a seat outside. That being said, the tartare and good old bistro-burger are excellent, and the breakfast is pretty good, too.
This place is a real treat. If you're from out of town and want to really experience a Montreal summer evening in full bloom, head to this little gem.