Chez Popo: a café-boutique by Isle de Garde

If you’re from the neighborhood, “Chez Popo” might ring a bell. It’s the name of a convenience store that operated on Beaubien Street for many years. It also happens to be the neighboring space to the popular Isle de Garde brewery, a spot its owners had their eye on for quite some time.

Breathing New Life into a Neighborhood Icon

In 2022, the idea of annexing Chez Popo to Isle de Garde took shape. The back wall of the space was broken through to create an additional room for the bar. At the front, an adorable café-boutique now greets visitors. Not only did the name remain, but the vintage charm of the walls was preserved, and the illuminated sign on the façade features playful nods to the former convenience store.

“First and foremost, Chez Popo is Isle de Garde’s boutique,” explained Matthieu, co-owner. Despite its tiny size, the shop is packed with products. The shelves are stocked with merchandise in all forms—shirts, beanies, caps, and German-imported steins. At the back of the space, a beer fridge holds some of Isle de Garde’s on-site brews in four-packs. Matthieu noted, “With a few exceptions, this is the only place you can find Isle de Garde beer.”

Additionally, Chez Popo offers orphaned bottles of privately imported wines from Isle de Garde, making it a treasure trove for fans of unique finds.

Coffee Passion

Here, the coffee side of the boutique is far from an afterthought. The small team behind the counter at Chez Popo is truly passionate about coffee, and that’s why locals keep coming back regularly. “We have regulars who we ask about their family because we see them so often!” shared Léa, the café’s head barista.

There are always two third-wave coffee grinders in action. One holds the blend made by Traffic Coffee Co. for Chez Popo, which is more classic and versatile, while the other offers a funkier selection that changes weekly. A great selection of coffee bags from Traffic and Za & Klo are also available, and the baristas are always happy to answer any questions!

Open early, the café also serves a breakfast sandwich made with Automne bread and sausage patty from Boucherie Petite-Patrie. A vegetarian option is also available.