The old is celebrated in new ways at Bar George, a modern-day rendezvous set in the grand heritage home once belonging to Sir George Stephen. Honouring the former resident’s roots, our chefs cook up contemporary takes on classic U.K. fare, spiked with Québécois quirks, while our bar pours time-tested drinks.
Reviews describe Bar George as a stunning historic space inside the Mount Stephen hotel, with ornate mahogany woodwork and a Downton Abbey feel that makes the bar and dining rooms both chic and convivial. The cocktails are consistently praised and the beef Wellington is a standout, along with lobster risotto and mushroom soup, though a few dishes and portions are noted as small or uneven and some guests feel the prices are high. Service is described as attentive and knowledgeable by many, with solid wine and cocktail recommendations, but a few visits mention slower or inconsistent timing during peak hours. Brunch and lunch experiences are highlighted for the ambiance and the quality of the food, while some guests point to the bustle and loud music as caveats. Overall Bar George is seen as an impressive, date-worthy or special occasion setting where the atmosphere and architecture often outweigh some flaws in value or execution.
During our Montréal trip, we went to Bar George for a date night. It's such a beautiful spot with stunning decor. When we walked through the front doors, even though we had a reservation, we still had to line up with everyone else. A lot of people were lining up for the bar section near the entrance, & there was also a wedding happening upstairs, which made things a bit busier than usual.
We were booked in the dining area, which is located in a second room past the bar. We had to wait a while before someone helped us, & the arrangement at the entrance felt a little chaotic. I can't say the initial experience standing in line was great. However, once we got seated, the dining room itself was absolutely beautiful.
The vibe at the entrance felt more like a lively bar or party scene, while the dining area was much more refined & relaxed - an interesting contrast.
Once at our table, the service was fantastic. Our host was very attentive & gave us great food recommendations. We started with the mussels, which were fresh & delicious. My husband ordered the risotto, but when our food arrived, he was mistakenly served the gnocchi. The staff quickly caught the error & brought him the risotto, which he fully enjoyed.
I had the beef Wellington dish, & it was perfect - not a huge portion, but just the right amount, rich & full of flavor. We ended the night with a yummy dessert, though I can't quite remember which one it was, but I remember thoroughly enjoying it.
One thing I have to add: our bill ended up being just under $500, which, to be honest, felt way too high for a casual evening out. Even though the food was good, I can't really justify spending that much, & it definitely took away a bit from the overall experience for me. I left feeling like it just wasn't quite worth that price.
On a mis les pieds au Bar George récemment, & dès qu'on est entrés, on a senti qu'on était dans un endroit vraiment spécial. Du plancher au plafond, chaque détail du décor est pensé pour créer une atmosphère à la fois chic & chaleureuse. Les boiseries, les lustres & les touches de décoration ancienne donnent un cachet unique, presque royal, qui invite à s'installer & à profiter du moment. Côté ambiance, c'est magnifique, confortable & très accueillant. On se sent transportés dans une autre époque, sans pour autant perdre le côté convivial qu'on aime tant au Québec. Le service est au même niveau que le décor: impeccable. Le personnel est souriant, à l'écoute & prêt à faire de bonnes suggestions. On a d'ailleurs suivi la recommandation de notre serveuse pour un vin blanc qui s'est avéré délicieux. En accompagnement, on a commandé les "Devils on horseback", un plat surprenant mêlant bacon, amandes, prunes, foie fouetté & sauce Réforme. Honnêtement, c'était un pur régal! Entre l'ambiance feutrée, la grande classe des lieux & le service irréprochable, on peut dire que Bar George sait comment choyer ses clients. Si vous cherchez un endroit raffiné pour un verre ou un repas, c'est définitivement un incontournable à Montréal. Cheers!
During our recent visit to Bar George in Montreal, we were thoroughly impressed by the exceptional dining experience. The filet mignon was cooked to perfection, offering a tender & flavorful bite, while the haddock was equally delightful, showcasing the chef's expertise in seafood preparation. The atmosphere of Bar George is truly captivating. Housed in a historic building, the elegant décor & warm ambiance create a sophisticated yet inviting setting that enhances the overall dining experience. The attentive & professional service further contributed to a memorable evening. For those seeking a remarkable meal in a charming environment, Bar George is a must-visit destination in Montreal. We look forward to returning & exploring more of their exquisite menu offerings.
Got drinks. Service is meh. It's such a shame that they have such a great historical building & the original interiors feel like opulence, but the service & upkeep of the space is a huge letdown. The lounge section of the bar is not worth it. Same price for drinks but zero ambiance. Decor, seating arrangements & lighting feels cheap & easy; worlds away from the main room.
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Bar George, & it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The ambiance is truly luxurious, with elegant decor & a warm, inviting atmosphere. The staff were incredibly attentive & professional, ensuring every detail was perfect.
Un lieu surprenant... On ose à peine pousser leurs immenses portes. Mais l'endroit vaut clairement le détour ! Le bâtiment est juste magnifique, & très bien conservé & décoré. & les brunchs proposés sont à prix raisonnables & goûteux.
The moment you enter, you're welcomed by ornate Victorian décor. The staff are polite & helpful, even offering free bread to make up for a small mix-up. The food is well-prepared with quality ingredients, but at the price point, it could use more flair. Portions are fair, but without the extra bread, I would have still been a bit hungry. Overall, the ambiance is lovely, & the service is excellent, but the food doesn't quite justify the cost.
The interior decor was well-crafted woodworking. Started at the bar & got good service as the bartender worked with the hostess to ensure a smooth move to the dining room-rolled the drinks into a single check. The ambiance in the dining room was even nicer. Such a soothing, quiet evening with my wife. The burrata & halibut were top-notch. Portions are only moderately-sized so our usual strategy of splitting an appetizer & an entree left me still a little hungry so I ordered some dessert named after a mountain in Switzerland that they set on fire before I got a chance to eat it. It was also delicious, but my wife only took one bite because she wanted to watch her figure. Unfortunately, it rained on our walk back to the hotel & my wife's hair got messed up, or so she claims. I didn't notice any difference in her hair.
Aug 25, 2024
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Bar George is really fancy & the food is delicious & extremely rich. It is in a really cool hotel & the decor is exquisite. They have the best beef Wellington that I have ever had in my life because it is unique & has a lot of ingredients that I really appreciated, such as a ground up mushroom paste of some kind that was inside the pastry. They also have a fine selection of wine.
Great restaurant, fantastic decorations & architecture. One thing I would complain is the speed of meal serving. Otherwise all good. Really enjoyed holibut.
This restaurant impresses with its luxurious old-money style & richly decorated vintage interior. The staff is professional & courteous, adding significant value to the overall dining experience. Although the dishes are served slowly & in small portions, this seems to be a common trait among high-end restaurants. Notably, the restaurant offers free Wi-Fi, allowing guests to stay connected during their wait. Additionally, the waitstaff frequently refills water, ensuring comfort while waiting. Overall, this restaurant's ambiance & service are top-notch, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a refined dining experience.
Been here for lunch & brunch. Really nice decor. Original & tasty items on the menu & nice presentation. Quick/courteous service even when restaurant was full.
Wonderful spot! Rich decor & history. Staff very friendly & nice. Shout out to Landry & Zachary!! Landry was very hospitable & took extra time to make us feel special & comfortable. Zachary explained each dish so precisely & elegantly that I just wished I could hear him speak more...
Magnificent atmosphere, the utmost staff professionalism & some of the tastiest food & drinks I've ever had. I recommend anyone to pay a visit themselves, & at a bare minimum try the bar. It is very haute-couture with a dash of modernity, so dress in a reasonably decent fashion; I would say smart casual is the cut. The scenery is of an ostentatious late 19th century decor that contains 140+ years of Montreal history. The stained glass is mesmerizing, the woodwork unbelievable. Shout out to Jonathan, the best waiter in the dining hall for the last 3 years I've been visiting - an absolute champion who's extremely knowledgeable & provides the most fantastic service I've ever received at any restaurant. Cheers!
