June Buvette: Cheeky food & wine in Pointe-Saint-Charles

June Buvette opened in Pointe-Saint-Charles in September 2023, and instantly charms with its friendly, festive atmosphere and playful, masterfully executed cuisine. Excellent wines, a cosy, intimate setting and delicious, comforting dishes: that’s what awaits you at June Buvette.

A solid team

Thomas Engasser and Kevyn Houpert of La Traversée have joined forces with Thomas Vernis and Patrick Marion of the Tomahawk group (Santos, Uniburger, Mignon, Buvette Pastek) to create a powerhouse team. Well-known in the restaurant world, the owners had been planning to open a bar in Montreal for some time, and their plans came to fruition when they came across this space on rue Centre. “We were charmed by the garage door, which was 100% representative of the convivial character we wanted to bring to the restaurant, and we really believed in the potential of opening in Pointe-Saint-Charles,” explains Thomas Engasser. And so June was created: cheeky food and wine.

A menu reminiscent of childhood

June’s menu features creative dishes inspired by a variety of styles, freshly prepared using seasonal produce. Chef Patrick, formerly of Noma, has created a collection of nostalgic dishes that are sure to capture our childhood hearts. The menu changes with the seasons, but a few signature items will stick. For example, you can’t miss the decadent scallop pogos or the beef tartare served on a hash brown cake.

Wine not

To accompany all this, sommelier Olivier Deschamps offers a range of wines to suit all tastes. There are some pretty funky wines, but also some more classic grands crus. In short, the wine is excellent, and so are the cocktails.

The design of June, conceptualised by Guillaume Ménard, is hushed and modern, but full of character. With long corduroy Burgundy banquettes that match the white oak of the tables, the space is warm and inviting.

June Saloon

Victims of their own success, the owners, in response to the high demand, have opened the June Saloon. Serving as a waiting area for the June, this establishment operates from Thursday to Saturday. The June Saloon offers a condensed menu featuring finger food options, while maintaining the same exceptional wine list, along with an exclusive selection of 12 to 15 cocktails unique to the Saloon. With its laid-back Western chalet ambiance, the Saloon can accommodate around forty people and provides a charming alternative for those looking to avoid the crowds at the June while still enjoying a cozy and warm atmosphere.

“June is the realisation of all our ideas over the years, and the result really represents what we had in mind: a place that’s comforting, vibrant and alive,” Thomas Engasser says with passion.

We highly recommend that you try June Buvette or the Saloon, whether for a 5@7 around the magnificent island, or for a long supper with friends and, who knows, maybe you’ll have the chance to hear Thomas whisper “c’est coquin” in his charming accent from the south of France.

Enjoy your discovery!

Written by Fabie Lubin
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: February 29, 2024

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