Get a Great Cup of Coffee: Montreal

Montreal Coffee Shops

Introduction

Montreal’s streets are steeped in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, a city beloved for its vibrant café culture and the sheer variety of coffee experiences it offers. From the well-known big chain cafés to charming, privately-owned gems, Montreal has a spot for every type of coffee enthusiast, local, traveller, and especially our senior travellers who have a penchant for a delightful cup and the joy of people watching. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my personal take on where you can find that perfect cup of joe that is enticing to the nose, deliciously balanced in flavour, and leaves no lingering aftertastes—just the memory of a coffee experience done right.

Note: I love a great cup of black coffee so my tastes may not fall in line with yours. My advise is to experiment! Love is too short to get stuck in a rut!

5 Best Big Chain Coffee Shops in Montreal

1. Second Cup

The Second Cup Cafes have always been my favourite. They stand out for their commitment to quality coffee served with a personal touch. Their aromatic bean blends are a treat but not overpowering.

A few years back, I would have said that they were the standout of the Canadian coffee scene. But a too fast expansion led to financial difficulties. Now they are a little harder to find. But if you do go in and grab a cup.

Along St. Catharine Street or up in the “plateau” area, you will find some of the few remaining shops.

My overall rating is A+.

2. Tim Hortons

A staple on the Canadian coffee scene, Tim Hortons brings familiarity to that morning cuppa. With consistent taste and quick service and drive-through stores everywhere, you will be able to get your fix.

Unlike Second Cup, you will find a “Timmies” just about on every street corner. They will quickly become your rest-stop while touring the city. My suggestion: grab a French Vanilla brew along with a Boston Cream Doughnut. Your energy will quickly surge!

My overall rating is A.

3. McDonalds

Yes, I know what you’re thinking: What? McDonald’s! But I feel their McCafe offering has taken great steps forward in the past few years. Good value; great tastes; handy locations. My only comment is that they serve their coffee and tea way too hot. (but that could just be me!).

Overall rating: A-

4. Van Houtte Cafes

I first encountered Van Houtte coffee while attending the National Bank Tennis Tournament in Montreal. I fell in love with the coffee. The taste was robust but definitely, for me, didn’t leave an aftertaste.

Van Houtte cafes boast a sophisticated coffee selection in a cozy setting. Their roasting expertise is evident in every inviting sip that you take.

A drawback is that as a smaller chain, they may be harder to find. They tend to be tucked away in food courts (at least in the downtown core where I spend 99% of my time).

Overall rating A-.

5. A&W

This may not be a brand with which non-Canadians are familiar. But I replaced Starbucks on my list with A&W as I find their coffee on par with McDonalds. If I am in the mood for a fast-food breakfast, I will search out an A&W. They produce real breakfasts with good coffee. What more could a traveller ask for?

Overall rating A-.

5 Best Privately Owned Coffee Shops in Montreal

In my many trips to Montreal, I have wandered many of the streets in search of that perfect cup of coffee and pastry. In particular, in spring and summer, I enjoy finding one with a nice patio to people-watch.

That said, with small shops they come and go sometimes faster than I can keep track of. So this list is made up of most that I have personally tried but a couple are recommended by close friends. I will get to those this year!

Note: again coffee and pastry is a personal thing. You may not like the coffees that I like. That’s okay. Trying new things is what travel is about. I also have if one is available linked the coffee shop’s website under their name so you can find out more about them.

1. Le Petit Dep

I found that is shop is a quaint little spot that takes its coffee very seriously! Aesthetic and inviting. It is an escape within the city that offers artisanal experience.

My Rating A++.

2. Cafe Olimpico

A local legend! Cafe Olimpico is a local legend known for its robust coffee and lively atmosphere. It’s a meeting point for coffee lovers who enjoy vibrant scene along with their brew.

My Rating A+.

4. Cafe Paquebot

A maritime-themed spot, Cofe Paquebot delivers on creativity and charm. Their selection of coffees is adventurous, and the atmosphere inspires relaxation, reading, listening to music or just getting together with friends.

My Rating A+.

5. Cafe Bravo

Artistic, eclectic are the words a friend used in their note about Cafe Bravo. They raved about their flavourful coffee. He described it as a truly neighbourhood coffee shop with artistry and a sensory delight. It’s on my list when I visit Montreal soon.

Rating is an A.

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3 Best Coffee Shops with Outdoor Patios For People Watching

In Canada, we say there are two seasons: Winter and Patio Season! Summer is coming and I am looking forward to getting to Montreal with my camera and sitting on one of these patios and passing the afternoon away with my coffee.

1. Shaughnessy Cafe

The perfect spot for indulging in both your love of coffee and the art of people-watching. This cafe has the scenic patio to enjoy both!

Rating: A++

2. Pigeon Espresso Bar

Pigeon Espresso Bar combines quality coffee with a streetside view. Grab your coffee and head out onto their patio to watch the world go by.

Rating A+

3. Cafe Nocturne

Cafe Nocturne offers an intimate outdoor setting that is perfect for leisurely sipping your coffee while soaking up the bustling Montreal atmosphere.

Rating A.

Conclusion

The charm of Montreal’s coffee scene is as much in its variety as it is in the quality and care that each venue pours into their craft. Whether you’re a local in search of a new favourite or a tourist seeking the warmth of a freshly brewed mug, the city’s cafés are a testament to its love for coffee. Are you ready to explore the cozy café corners of Montreal or the famed coffee shops in Montreal? Do some people watching in some of the city’s nicest cafes or find a haven among the coffee houses in Montreal. Your perfect cup is waiting somewhere in the delightful streets of this caffeinated city.

Please note: The opinions expressed in this document should never be construed as advice.  The thoughts are based on my experiences after 40-plus years of business and vacation travel.  My likes and dislikes may vary drastically from yours.  Do your research and find products and experiences that align with your likes and dislikes.   Most of all have happy travels and see you out there on the road!

A Little About Me:

Al of Al Murray Travel & Photography and Big Als Coffee Club:  From the time in my youth, when I would lay on our garage roof watching planes traverse the skies above me, I knew I wanted to see the world. 

My passion grew after spending a semester of my university days in Barcelona.  I spent more time on trains and buses than I did in class.  

After earning my BA from Carleton University, life got in the way.  But I did find time to graduate again from George Brown in Fitness and Lifestyle Management and then work my way through most of a degree in Sports Administration. However I needed to find work and pay for all this education! 

It wasn’t until my “middle age” did I start exploring the world again.  First, transversing the US and Canada to take part in tennis tournaments. Then later to complete my spectator “grand slam” of tennis.  

I accomplished this while earning my certificate in photography from Toronto Metropolitan University.  I am now combining the two passions and now sharing with you my many lessons learned.