Written by Montreal Food Divas on 10.03.15

There is date night and then there is girls’/guys’ night. On these nights, men and women go out on the town in single sex groups where they often complain about the opposite sex (girls’ night), or hunt the opposite sex (guys’ night). But if you’re the Divas, you’re definitely out hunting.

These outings can be held at rowdier restaurants and bars, or they can be at quieter places if your friends prefer to talk. What’s important is that the alcohol flows and that the food is delicious. Whether you’re looking to keep a low-key night, or make some bad decisions, the list below will help guide you to the right place.

Garde Manger

When the Divas think of a night out on the town, we think of Chef Chuck Hughes covered in tattoos in his kitchen at Garde Manger. This sign-less restaurant boasts extraordinary dishes like a lobster poutine and a decadent foie gras and veal cheeks on a waffle. The kitchen is open Tuesday to Sunday from 5:30pm to 11:00pm, but the bar stays open until 3:00am. Whether you go by for cocktails or for dinner, you will not be disappointed with Garde Manger. If you want to go there on the weekend, make your reservations at least three weeks in advance or you’ll never get a table at this popular Old Montreal eatery.

408 Rue Saint François Xavier, Montréal, Québec H2Y 2S9
(514) 678-5044

Grinder

Griffintown is the new up and coming area in Montreal and Grinder is a popular spot for dinner and late night cocktails. Their menu is heavy on the raw with tartares and carpaccios, and it features a lengthy list of cooked dishes like their braised beef short ribs in espresso butter. With an extensive wine list, Grinder is the perfect place to unwind. A large bar is displayed in the middle of the restaurant where you can drop by for a drink if you’re not in the mood to eat. But you’ll regret not eating there. Grinder is open for dinner 7 days a week from 5:30pm until 11:00pm or midnight.

1708 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, Québec H3J 1M3
(514) 439-1130

Big in Japan Bar

If you follow the Montreal Food Divas you know that our love for Big in Japan Bar is incomparable to any other bar. The cocktails are spectacular, the ambiance is relaxed and jazzy, and candles illuminate this dark bar. Big in Japan Bar is not meant for large groups, but for more intimate gatherings when all you want to do is chat all night. Located on the Plateau, they are open 7 days a week from 5:00pm until 3:00am. For a real treat, make sure to sit at the bar where you’ll see true mixologists at work. The bar is not to be mistaken with Big in Japan Restaurant down the street, although you should go there too.

4175 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal, Québec H2W 1Y7
(438) 380-5658

Scarlet Exclusive

Opened just this summer in Old Montreal, Scarlet Exclusive is known for their fabulous courtyard terrace during the warmer months. Geared towards an older crowd, you’ll feel fabulous sipping cocktails in heavy set glasses all while enjoying small gourmet plates of food. The kitchen is open Tuesday to Saturday from 6:00pm 11:00pm, and the bar is open until 3:00am. Scarlet Exclusive is Montreal’s newest hot spot: it is where you should go to see and be seen.

139 Rue Saint Paul Ouest, Montréal, Québec H2Y 1Z3
(514) 507-4558

Pizzeria Gema

Unlike our other girls’/guys’ night spots, Pizzeria Gema is much more low-key. Located in Little Italy, this gem (pun intended) is the second brainchild of Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione. Pizzeria Gema has the best pizza in the city. In two months, we have been there at least eight times; it’s our dirty little secret. If you want to enjoy a less rowdy with friends, go to Pizzeria Gema. Once there, make sure to try their frozen custard for dessert: it’s absolutely delicious. This pizzeria is open for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday from 5:00pm to 11:00pm.

6827 Rue Saint Dominique, Montréal, Québec
(514) 419-4448

Le Richmond

Le Richmond is located in Griffintown and simply screams style; it is absolutely gorgeous. Their northern Italian cuisine provides a flair to contemporary Italian fare. The proof is in their lobster risotto (which we absolutely adore) and their beef tartare and veal carpaccio (if you like raw meat, which we definitely do). Le Richmond isperfect for sharing a bottle of wine with friends on a cold winter night. Open Monday to Saturday between 5:30pm and midnight, Le Richmond also has a delectable brunch on Sundays.

377 Rue Richmond, Montréal, Québec H3J 1T9
(514) 508-8749

Spirithouse

New to the Old Montreal bar scene, Spirithouse is an upscale cocktail bar that serves gourmet bar food.With 400 spirits to choose from, you may not know what to choose, but fear not, they also host alcohol tastings in their cellar. Reminiscent of a modern day speakeasy, Spirithouse is perfect for a solid night of drinking and snacking, all while feeling fabulous. Open from Sunday to Wednesday from 5:30pm to 1:00am and until 3:00am from Thursday to Saturday, Spirithouse will soon become one of those “cool spots” to grab a drink in the Old Port.

244 Rue Saint-Jacques #10, Montréal, Québec H2Y 1L9
(514) 285-1187

DeVille

With an amazing terrace in the summer and a large interior, Deville is the perfect spot in downtown Montreal for a fun night out. Near Montreal’s shopping district, we like to stop by DeVille’s for a bite to eat after spending all our money in the area. Their mac and cheese stuffed won tons are to die for, as is their southern fried buttermilk chicken crispers on a waffle. This is not the place to count calories! With a large cocktail menu and plenty of fun food to choose from, DeVille is the perfect spot for a fun night out. They are open from 11:00am to 11:00pm or midnight 7 days a week.

1425 Rue Stanley, Montréal, Québec H3A 1P4
(514) 281-6556

Champagnerie

When you think of a night out with friends, you think of indulgence. And when you think of indulgence, champagne and oysters come to mind. Champagnerie is Old Montreal’s only champagne bar with a long list of bubblies. It also offers a full bar and gourmet eats. Their arancini are delightful and we adore their shrimp tempura as well. Of course, oysters are always a must. Champagnerie is open Tuesday to Sunday from 5:00pm to 3:00am and it is the perfect spot to enjoy a wonderful night out.

343 Rue Saint Paul Est, Montréal, Québec H2Y 1H3
(514) 903-9343

Maestro SVP

There aren’t many things that we love more than oysters. Maestro SVP is all about these lovely bivalves, with a long list of raw oysters and some interesting baked ones. Our favourite stuffed oysters were with balsamic glaze and chives. You can also order other types of seafood like coconut shrimp or lobster gratin. If you want a dessert oyster, you can have them with a Grand Marnier granité or even an oyster shooter with vodka, coriander, and lime juice. Maestro SVP is open every night of the week from 4:00pm to 10:00pm or 11:00pm.

3615 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal, Québec H2X 1V5
(514) 842-6447

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