An intentionally funky place with a refreshing iced matcha latte. The barista recommended their…read morebrownie, but it was disappointingly dry.

Independent - and very different - coffehouses in the Montreal area - 1 of 2…read more A hectic transition to Montreal - first arriving at YUL and then on to Centre-Ville - called for a rest - a nap - which then brought on the need for a snack and coffee/tea late at about 11:00 p.m. Looking at the phone didn't provide much in the way of choices, and, at that, a place where one could sit. I looked at the listing for La Graine Brulee more than once and had to think about it. I finally went in. This place is indeed weird. However, it all turned out to be better than I thought. There are all these seating areas, with some on either side of the front door and then several on a circular bench radiating from the center and making for quite a few tables. That's where I sat. Take note that there is also a big wooden cube with a lot of graffiti on it. The service was pleasant. I ordered some hot tea and they made a vegetarian burrito for me at late hours. (There's no way in hell you'll find something with meat or poultry in here.) I'm glad I was able to eat something before turning in. The prices were acceptable for what I got and its location, between 2 and 3 blocks east of the city's main Metro station at Berri-UQAM. In looking around, there was a good cross-section of people. It's more about nearby UQAM (translation: students) than it is "Le Village," which is now mid-rise and high-rise condos ... and the cranes that go into making them. Tables with books and laptops were the norm which, in my mind, is a good thing. Either way, there wasn't anyone over 40 here as far as I could see. That said, I don't know how willing I'd be to go back, unless in the same situation, and I have to joke that I don't know if personae who are middle of the road, and right of that, would like it here. However, if you are cut from the same cloth as the ownership and the other patrons, meaning bohemian and "new age-y," then I would strongly recommend it. I'm talking tribe! I will rate it within that context since they are not looking to serve the "mom, apple pie, and Chevrolet" crowd. Also, being on Saint-Catherine Est might foretell its personality, since Est and Ouest along this major thoroughfare can be two different worlds. However, La Graine Brulee delivered on a (vegetarian) burrito and some hot tea that I needed before turning in and did it well.

As like many other reviewers, this adorable cafe was next door to my hotel. I was craving a latte…read moreand croissant and got the most creamy, beautiful latte (with swan latte art) and a fresh, buttery croissant. I found the cafe a bit pricier than others I visited while in Montreal, but the size of the croissant and latte certainly made up for that. The place has a great vibe, is bright, and offers some local goods and crafts. I could tell many of the customers were likely students from the university across the street. I would definitely come here again if I am in the area.

I've been a few times and it's outstanding. The mocha uses real chocolate and isn't too sweet. The…read morepastries are excellent as is the cappuccino. Plenty of seating and friendly workers.

Really enjoyed our visit. The atmosphere is what makes this place special--it feels like working or…read morerelaxing in a beautiful historic library rather than a typical café. The space is spacious, quiet, and has a great vibe. The Wi-Fi also seemed fast, making it a great spot to get some work done. I had the flat white, and my wife had a decaf coffee. We enjoyed both. Definitely worth a visit whether you're looking for a good coffee or a unique place to spend an hour.

After a dandy brunch at Dandy and the striking atrium at the Centre de Commerce Mondial, Jamie W…read moreand I fully expected a Montreal must-experience triple play with this heavily Instagrammed cafe. Housed under the vaunted ceiling of the grand, neo-classical former Royal Bank of Canada building, the cafe, we agreed, was most impressive when we looked upward at the marble and historic detail. It was just when our gazes gravitated toward ground level that we became less entranced. It was a zoo, a triggering tourist vacuum with an endless queue. There was nothing wrong with the attentive staff. What got on our nerves was the complete indifference of entitled customers in front of us, especially families that require constant attention and selfishly barricade every open table. It took us quite a while to find a space for us as we waited for our C$6.47 12-ounce Iced Lattes (Photo 9). It was the first time I saw a surcharge for ice, C$0.22. Anyway, despite the crowds and the middling coffee, it was worth the stop for the architecture. I wondered if the common workspace on the opposite side of the counter was worthwhile for locals. Obviously it meant little to us as tourists. COFFEE - 3.5 stars...rather middling considering the setting...what's with the surcharge for ice? AMBIANCE - 3 stars... historic architecture compromised by the crowds SERVICE - 3.5 stars...pretty efficient considering TOTAL - 3 stars...worth the stop but probably just once CORRESPONDING REVIEWS Dandy: https://yelp.to/91vXGUrXOo Centre de Commerce Mondial: https://yelp.to/ECo5MJJgGa RELATED - Exploring Montreal? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/BaC1c_eBQB

Great little coffee shop. Only had Latte, but it was the best. Cozy place…read more Wonderful

I had a wonderful little lunch here the other day...perhaps the meal was enhanced by the company I…read morewas with and the news I received? Nevertheless, I like this place a lot. First off the ambiance is reminiscent of a cafe in France (minus the outdoor seating), very european and an intimate setting. This place will seat no more than 20 people, and that is on the high end. Secondly, the menu is full of great sandwiches, salads and pastas. I specifically started with the carrot soup, it was very tasty and very homemade. Accompanying the soup are some slices of baguette. I then had a sandwich, the Terra, which consisted of eggplant, egg, avocado, cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a nice panini styled sandwich. Each sandwich comes with a carrot salad, with a balsamic vinaigrette. In the end it was about $12. Highly recommended!

Such a cute coffee shop! I'd say get here early or there will be a line up. There's seating at the…read morefront section of the cafe but there's almost a back section and a little terrace. I saw the breakfast danish online but they unfortunately don't make that anymore. I opted for the breakfast sandwich instead and it didn't disappoint! The BLT bagel was also very yummmy. Bacon was cooked to perfection. Nice and crispy. The iced mocha was delicious. London Fog latte could've been stronger (but I love earl grey and I prefer a verrry strong earl grey taste). In addition to food and beverages, they also sell cute merch (totes, shirts, hats, etc).

I got the Shashoka and French toast and cinnamon roll croissant. Very good! Food came out quickly…read more It was very busy, but there was plenty of seating.

So much fun! Coffee and bouldering! Great coffee! Great holds! Great vibes. I had an amazing time…read moreand went back for seconds!

This is exactly my style gym lol, lots of fun technical and slab problems, I loooooved my time here…read moretrying out as many problems as I could. The gym seems relatively new, it has many beautiful wall arts, and the overall design feels open and welcoming. The second floor's outdoor rooftop area is really special. The cafe offers very decent options such as coffee, snacks and even grilled cheese. We spent almost half a day here. Friend was first time bouldering and they just gave her a very easy intro. Unlike other Canadian gyms, the "intro" portion for me was almost nothing so I appreciate the easy going vibe. One of those gyms I truly wish we have one back home!

Very unique with tasty baked goods. Perfect stop to warm up. I enjoyed one of their tasty hot…read morechocolate with bourbon

Ne vous laisser pas influencer par le nom ou bien par la devanture de se resto car une fois s…read morel'intérieur on est ailleur. Une fois a l'intérieur c'est vraiment charmant. Je suggères le bar car on peu voir un des chef a l'oeuvre. Le resto se spécialise dans les Sashimi et ils suggère dans prendre entre 3 et 4 pour deux personnes. Je suggères fortement le magret de canard servit en fine tranche rosée, il es marinée avec du miso, un rub d'épice et fumée. Wow un mélange de 4 saveurs. Je m'en veux je n'ai pas prit la photo. J'ai ensuite prit des assortiment de Sashimi vraiment bien présentés. Excellent service

Cool vibe once you're inside, getting there a little sketchy. Just into the Chinatown gates and…read moresome unsavory looking characters hanging around outside within a couple blocks. Once inside you feel like you could be o a speakeasy. Somewhat limited menu but everyone who comes here must "know" about it so they know the menu. It is a small restaurant/bar. Tried the toro- melt in your mouth, chiriso all good, noodles with miso delish and lastly the talked about duck which was just ok. Must have been an off night or we just got a very dry one but nothing to write about.

Best way to describe this place is 'lovely'. Amazing attention to details and full of design…read moretouches in every corner, including the ceiling. It's almost being in a museum. The food was excellent, great healthy selection focused in breakfast and salads (they also have a selection of sandwiches). Breakfast plates come with fruits. Polite and helpful staff.

After walking around old Montreal for two hours, my husband and I agreed we could not walk another…read moreblock without some coffee and refreshment. We had a list of cafés that were highly rated on Yelp, but none of them were right in front of us, and this one was. So we walked in without having checked any reviews first. Sometimes we get lucky that way! This time, we did not. First, we really just wanted a cup of drip coffee. That was not offered here. The only options were various espresso drinks, starting at $4.50. We each got a café Americano. They were ok. None of the food in the display cases looked that appealing, so we picked a large chocolate cookie with a fudgy center to share. Can't go wrong with a chocolate cookie, right? Wrong. It was dry and lackluster in flavor. There was only one person working there, and he was surly. We thought perhaps he was just annoyed with us for asking for wifi (not offered) and regular non-espresso coffee, but we listened to him interact with customers who came after us, and he was short and abrupt with them too. The back part of the store sold souvenirs, but nothing unique or exciting, just mugs and magnets and stuff you could get anywhere. The decor was eclectic mix of antique furniture, which seemed kind of funky and fun, until I sat down. The seat part of my old wood stool wobbled and tilted and I slid right off because some screws were missing. I had to catch myself along the counter and regain balance. I was fine, but this would not have been a safe situation for someone less steady on their feet! I liked the pressed tin ceiling and the chandelier. There were different books on the counter available for public browsing while we drank our coffee, which was nice. The windows were large and the potted plants seemed to be doing well in their sunny spot. I liked looking out at the sidewalk passersby. I would not come here again.

Nice atmosphere.. this place went the extra mile to be inviting. I had the Mac and cheese and it…read morewas yummy. We tried the poutine and the gravy was delicious. The club sandwich my husband had was prepared with fresh meat sliced so you know he enjoyed it. Finally we ended the meal with a piece of homemade maple pie topped with whipped cream. So very good. The staff and owner were lovely. Highly recommend

New cafe - good food and friendly staff. The pastries are delicious and the tea selection is…read moresuperb. I've already been here twice in 2 days