One historical landmark, two distinct venues… The building they share was built in 1688 by a French Soldier and became the first inn in all of North America. After being passed around quite a bit, the Bolay family purchased Auberge in 1987 and the rest is history.
Upstairs: Restaurant de l’Auberge St-Gabriel, an upscale fine dining establishment run by Chef Eric Gonzalez. The decor of the restaurant incorporates both rustic and modern influences. On the one hand, stonewalls, a whale spine replica and taxidermy featuring two moose bodies merged at the neck are a symbol of Quebec’s history and, by extension, Auberge’s history. On the other hand, modern red barstools and transparent light fixtures give Auberge a modern, trendy flair. The menu, much like the decor, is a mix of old and new inspirations. Chef Gonzalez invites you to taste his amazing duck “à la presse”, a dish that dates back to nineteenth century France (call to reserve). If that’s not your thing, don’t worry; the pan seared scallops and the lamb shoulder are just a few examples of other delicious options. Head to the bar area after your meal and lounge on the lavish beige couches. If you’re in the mood to party, Velvet awaits you.
Downstairs: Velvet Speakeasy, an underground (in both senses) nightclub open from 10:00pm to 3:00am Thursday to Saturday. To get there, you will need to walk through the cobblestone tunnel, lit with what appears to be torches on both sides. As you walk through it, you’ll hear the music getting louder and louder. Once inside, you’ll feel as though you’ve entered another world. Candlelight and rustic paintings give Velvet a dark demeanor that is truly evocative of what a speakeasy might have looked like during the Prohibition. With a mix of trance, techno and house blasting through a high-quality sound system, Velvet is like a one-of-a-kind electro vault. Booths are available for those who want bottle service. Otherwise, simply head to one of the bars; there is one located at each end of the club. Join the chic crowd of artists, hipsters and electro lovers and dance the night away at Velvet Speakeasy.
426 St Gabriel St, Montreal, QC H2Y 2Z9
(514) 878-3561
