Mellön: A Neighborhood Bar Like No Other

Nestled on Saint-André Street, in the shadow of Plaza Saint-Hubert, Mellön bar opened its doors at the dawn of 2020. Since its launch, this small microbrewery has been embraced by the locals, though its secret is becoming less and less well kept—and for good reason!

This microbrewery is the brainchild of Alexandre Pontbriand and David Goudreau. Friends since high school, they worked in agencies before making the leap into the brewing world. As the sign inside the bar humorously states, Started from a rond d’poële now we’re here, it all began with small homebrewing experiments. Over time, the dream of opening a microbrewery took shape. Alexandre pursued formal training at the Institut Brassicole du Québec and gained experience brewing for other breweries (Saint-Houblon, Avant-Garde, Beauregard) before Mellön finally came to life.

The more die-hard fans might recognize the word mellön from The Lord of the Rings. As huge admirers of J.R.R. Tolkien’s universe, the founders landed on the name while watching the films for the umpteenth time. They were inspired by the iconic phrase “Speak, friend, and enter,” where the Elvish word for friend is pronounced mellön. As an extra nod to Middle-earth, rumor has it that a hidden ring lies somewhere in the bar. If you find it, it’s up to you to stash it in a new hiding spot!

What’s on Tap

The beer menu is fairly modest, with only eight draft options at a time. However, the selection rotates frequently, ensuring a diverse lineup. “They’re all thirst-quenching beers!” The staples include European-style blond beers, carefully crafted to match their continental counterparts, one or two hoppier offerings, and usually a sour or fruit-based brew.

Here, beer is served à la tchèque—a special Czech-style pour that uses unique kegs to create a thick, creamy foam, an integral part of the Mellön experience. If you spot any unfamiliar terms on the menu, don’t hesitate to ask the staff—they’re true experts and always happy to help!

Petite-Patrie’s Biergarten

The space itself is a large, open hall filled with lush greenery and an eclectic mix of decorations. Long wooden tables, reminiscent of European biergartens, take center stage. Ordering is done directly at the counter, a choice that Alexandre explains: “We love the connection it creates with the staff. If you’re thirsty or have lots of questions, you’re free to come up as often as you like!”

In summer, the line may look long, but it moves quickly. This setup also allows the space to transform according to the night’s crowd, with no fixed atmosphere. It’s not uncommon to see large, lively groups enjoying their drinks next to couples playing board games—a mix that gives Mellön its welcoming, laid-back charm. When the weather is nice, the garage-style front door opens, and the spacious terrace becomes the perfect spot to soak up the sun.

During the warmer months, food comes from Pizza Toni a small stand at the end of the terrace serving pizza by the slice. In winter, a selection of snacks like sausages, dips, and nuts is available, and guests are welcome to bring their own food to make the most of their time at the bar. Before heading out, you might want to stop by the beer fridge and take a few cans home with you.

A Bar for the Community, by the Community

Over the past year, Mellön has launched a weekly running club that brings together passionate runners, as well as board game nights, reading events, and much more. “One of our space’s greatest strengths is its versatility, and that’s what we want to build on in the coming months.” Keep an eye out for upcoming activities and be sure to stop by!

We love Mellön because it’s a true neighborhood hub, where the beer is always excellent. As Alexandre puts it, “When people come back, it’s like they’re picking up conversations right where they left off. It feels like a second home, and it’s great to see that.” We couldn’t agree more.