Fun, Festive and Affordable: Good times at a good price

satay brothers notre dame ouest saint Henri

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than a relaxed evening out at a restaurant – one where your date’s voice is louder than the music playing (if you know what we’re talking about, check out our list of bars where you can hear yourself speak). Other times, however, nothing can beat a lively and festive night out, made perfect with the addition of delicious food and drinks, and of course, the right company. The only problem with those types of evenings are that it can be easy to get carried away and forget the fact that there’s a bill to pay when you leave. To avoid putting a damper on the end of a great night, here is our list of the best fun, festive and affordable addresses in Montreal! 

For all those who like to eat well, drink well, be in a lively atmosphere and spend a memorable night out with friends, this list of fun, festive and affordable restaurants is certainly the right one for you. The addresses featured here are  perfect for larger groups and for introducing visiting friends to the fun side of dining in Montreal. Beyond a lively and entertaining atmosphere, these restaurants also offer delicious and interesting cuisines – a necessity for a spot on any of our lists. Finally, the evenings spent at any of these restaurants will surely end with a win, because the bill will most likely be reasonable – after all, it’s up to you if you decide to offer a round of shots to the entire restaurant, in which case we can’t guarantee the state of your final bill.

If you prefer to have food as an accompaniment to your drinks rather than vise versa, here is our list of bars that serve the best food

Le Red Tiger

The neon lights that greet you illuminate the phrase « The crazier, the merrier ». This is pretty much the atmosphere you will find at Le Red Tiger; a charming, warm and unpretentious place, full of people who like to eat. This Montreal restaurant is both festive and affordable. Since the day it opened, the Red Tiger has been continuously busy and the reason is simple – they serve delicious Vietnamese street food in an original setting and all at a very good price. What could be better? The team of passionate people behind the project are very hands on, so customers always feel welcomed and taken care of. Vadim Daniel

1201 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Est
Montréal

Junior

Considering the fact that this spot was opened by two DJs who wanted to showcase the food from their home country, it should come as no surprise that this address is always has a festive vibe. Junior is a small restaurant on Notre Dame Street West that has a seating capacity of 30 people. It serves dishes inspired by family recipes; typical afternoon snacks, Sunday dishes, family starters, etc. Nothing pretentious and the menu is rather exotic and very affordable. The atmosphere is very pleasant and the service is always warm and friendly. They offer local beers and an interesting wine list. The décor is simple and colourful. At Junior, you will undoubtedly discover the charms of the Philippines.  Facebook Junior

1964 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest
Montréal

Satay Brothers

Satay Brothers is a small refuge of happiness on Notre Dame Street West. This little gem is the work of brothers Alex and Mat Winnicki and as of recently, quite a few other key people. The Satay Brothers project is indeed devoted to creating a pleasant, entertaining place to enjoy dishes that take our minds off of the cold Quebec winter. Here, we eat the type of food that the owners grew up with- they call it South Asian, because it’s not associated with any particular country. The atmosphere here is always festive, crowded and warm. Laksa, buns and kebabs are our favourite dishes.  Alison Slattery 

3721 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest
Montréal

Escondite

A stone’s throw from the old fur district, Escondite is a small, friendly Mexican restaurant. This kitchen offers a selection of original tacos and small plates. You’ll fall in love with the braised tongue and codfish tacos – we promise. You also must absolutely taste their churros, because they are some of the best in the city! Here, there is a tequila and Mezcal bar and a fun cocktail menu. The atmosphere of the restaurant is lively and the place is always crowded. A great address to have in your back pocket whenever you’re downtown.

1206 Avenue Union
Montréal

Kampai Garden

Kampai Garden is always buzzing during cocktail hours, not surprising when it can hold around 650 people!  This bar and restaurant has three separate open-plan spaces, spread over three half-floors. Adding to the lively atmosphere is the particularly modern and colourful decor. The menu at the bar is pretty healthy and Asian-inspired and customers come mainly for tatakis, poke, hot dogs with Gaspor sausages and tacos of braised beef or tempura shrimps. If you’re looking for a unique place for a lively date, then Kampai Garden should be your destination.

1225 Rue Saint Mathieu
Montréal

Le Petit Alep

Despite the fact that this address has been open for more than 20 years, it is still one of our favourite restaurants in town. We love it for their lively atmosphere, tasty dishes and remarkable wine list! Le Petit Alep is the younger sibling of restaurant Alep (which we also recommend checking out). Here, you’ll find a wine list of over 250 labels, a menu full of rich and impactful Middle Eastern flavours, and a very welcoming atmosphere that will keep you coming back for more. Alison Slattery

191 Rue Jean-Talon Est
Montréal

Saint Sushi

Saint Sushi is a great option if you’re in need of fresh food in a bright and energizing environment. This establishment has been serving some of the top sushi in Montreal for years now, making it the perfect place to treat yourself to an evening out without breaking the bank. The menu was created collaboratively and features impressive reinventions of traditional Japanese dishes. The address also holds a bar licence with a programme of sake, whiskies, beer, wine and a refreshing cocktail menu. Alison Slattery

1359 Avenue Greene
Westmount

Hanzō

Hanzō is a izakaya located in the heart of Old Montreal. This establishment serves a wonderful menu of small Japanese dishes, all at a relatively low price. Their alcohol list offers a number of different sakés – the perfect way to kick off an evening of festivities and fun. Thanks to their charming and contemporary atmosphere, this address is a wonderful spot to take a deep dive into the pleasures of saké drinking. We love it! Alison Slattery 

417 Rue Saint-Nicolas
Montréal

Gokudo

Located in the city centre, this Japanese cocktail bar welcomes everyone into a unique and mysterious space.  The different Japanese-influenced cocktails currently on the drinks list are carefully prepared and the quality of the ingredients are excellent – you really get the most bang for your buck at a place like this. Gokudo is located within Ryõshi restaurant, whose delicious cuisine can be ordered while at the bar. This address is an ideal place to let loose and have a great time without going overboard on the bill. Alison Slattery

630 Rue Cathcart
Montréal

Following in the footsteps of Hà on Mount Royal Avenue, Hà Old Montreal continues the restaurant’s winning formula. You can still eat delicious chicken wings, crazy steamed buns, comforting soups and some of the best tartars in Montreal. The decor is more modern and still welcoming. The atmosphere is as festive as the food is delicious and original. Photo Patricia Brochu

600 Rue William
Montréal

Verdun Beach

Exploiting a concept not yet used in Montreal, Verdun Beach takes the form of a guinguette where you can drink well, eat well and dance to your heart’s content.

4816 Rue Wellington
Montréal

Isle de Garde

Isle de Garde est une superbe brasserie artisanale où il fait bon de prendre une très bonne bière dans la Petite Patrie, en savourant une bouchée dans une atmosphère sans prétention! On aime l’Isle de Garde principalement pour ses bonnes bières et pour son atmosphère unique. Les proprios s’y connaissent et on réussit à créer un endroit convivial où il est possible de savourer et bonne bouffe et bons breuvages sans se ruiner.

1039 Rue Beaubien Est
Montréal

BarBara Vin

La formule annoncée se veut plurielle. Avant toute chose, BarBara a pour vocation d’être un bar à vin où le bon jus coule à flot à prix abordable. BarBara est une belle addition dans Saint-Henri qui prouve que l’on peut profiter des belles et bonnes choses sans se ruiner et l’ambiance y est toujours au rendez-vous!

4450 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest
Montréal

Épicerie Pumpui

L’Épicerie Pumpui est un petit resto-comptoir qui a ouvert ses portes en novembre 2017 sur la rue St-Zotique et qui propose un excellent menu aux saveurs de la Thaïlande! Le menu proposé à l’Épicerie Pumpui offre des plats principalement thaï, mais avec quelques influences de l’Asie du Sud-Est générale. Les plats sont réconfortants, offrent des goûts authentiques et sont des plus savoureux!

83 Rue Saint-Zotique East
Montréal

Bar Furco

Le bar Furco a ouvert ses portes en octobre 2012. Depuis, l’endroit ne désemplit pas. Les propriétaires jouent avec le concept de «Bar où l’on peut bien manger», et le bar Furco, c’est ça. Le menu de la cheffe Joëlle Trottier (Pistou (aujourd’hui disparu et la Buvette Chez Simone) change chaque mois. Elle aime innover et propose des plats en portions généreuses qui nous forcent à revenir et à revenir encore ; snacks réconfortants, assiettes pleines de fraîcheur et idéales à déguster en prenant un verre.

425 Rue Mayor
Montréal

Buvette Chez Simone

La Buvette Chez Simone a ouvert sur l’Avenue du Parc en 2008. Depuis, le bar est devenu un classique convivial où il fait bon aller prendre un verre ou célébrer une occasion spéciale! Le service est chaleureux, l’ambiance toujours vibrante, les verres de vin aux justes prix, et le menu simple et délicieux. Le bar à vin la Buvette Chez Simone est un pionnier dans le genre d’établissement de vrais « plats à partager » dans une ambiance de bar.

4869 Avenue du Parc
Montréal

Pizzeria Gema

La Pizzéria GEMA est une charmante pizzéria de la Petite-Italie qui sert parmi les meilleures pizzas de Montréal selon nous. C’est définitivement un restaurant sympathique et réconfortant où il fait bon venir pour manger une bonne pizza! L’établissement est aussi une ode à la famille, un restaurant qui accueille avec plaisir les enfants dans une atmosphère détendue. Tout le monde est le bienvenu ici : parents, amis, couples, enfants, grands-parents, etc.

6827 Rue Saint-Dominique
Montréal

La Toxica

La Toxica s’est mérité une place parmi notre liste des restaurants beaux, bons, pas chers de Montréal en plus de faire partie de notre liste d’adresses où manger pour pas cher à Montréal. L’atmosphère est invitante, chaleureuse et donne le goût non seulement de s’attabler et de se délecter d’un fabuleux repas, mais aussi de bouger les hanches au milieu de la piste de danse. Restez à l’affût, car Rosa compte organiser des soirées dansantes avec des musiciens et dj mexicains afin de rendre hommage et de célébrer son riche héritage culturel. Ça promet!

1059 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Montréal

Taverne Atlantic

La Taverne Atlantic fait une entrée remarquable en fin d’été 2019 dans le paysage du Mile Ex. Cette très belle taverne prend ses quartiers au coin de l’avenue du Parc et de la rue Beaubien et propose un bar gourmand où festoyer jusqu’à tard. Pour grignoter, la maison propose un menu style « casse-croûte » abordable.

6512 Avenue du Parc
Montréal

La Toxica

La Toxica s’est mérité une place parmi notre liste des restaurants beaux, bons, pas chers de Montréal en plus de faire partie de notre liste d’adresses où manger pour pas cher à Montréal. L’atmosphère est invitante, chaleureuse et donne le goût non seulement de s’attabler et de se délecter d’un fabuleux repas, mais aussi de bouger les hanches au milieu de la piste de danse. Restez à l’affût, car Rosa compte organiser des soirées dansantes avec des musiciens et dj mexicains afin de rendre hommage et de célébrer son riche héritage culturel. Ça promet!

1059 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Montréal

Taverne Atlantic

La Taverne Atlantic fait une entrée remarquable en fin d’été 2019 dans le paysage du Mile Ex. Cette très belle taverne prend ses quartiers au coin de l’avenue du Parc et de la rue Beaubien et propose un bar gourmand où festoyer jusqu’à tard. Pour grignoter, la maison propose un menu style « casse-croûte » abordable.

6512 Avenue du Parc
Montréal

Octo

Ouvert en janvier 2023 sur la promenade Ontario, Octo propose une expérience dim sum revisitée et particulièrement divertissante. L’adresse est une belle addition dans le quartier Hochelaga-Maisonneuve si vous recherchez des plats originaux et délicieux à des prix très abordables. 

4045 Rue Ontario East
Montréal
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