Overall reviews portray Café Santropol as a beloved, quirky Montreal spot with a lush garden, a serene courtyard and a lively terrace that shines in good weather, making it a favorite spot for coffee, lunch or casual meetups, yet it can test patience when lines are long and seating is slow during peak hours. Food and drinks are frequently praised for generous, well crafted sandwiches, solid soups and desserts, with vegan and veggie options readily available; the bread and fillings are often described as comforting and satisfying. The atmosphere is repeatedly described as cozy, bohemian and charming, with the backyard and decor contributing to a special vibe, and some reviewers especially enjoy the hibiscus lemonade and chai. Service quality is variable: many find the staff friendly, attentive and helpful, while others report slow service, miscommunications about seating or moments of cold or unfriendly service in busy times. Some remarks touch on cleanliness and restrooms and others note high prices though portions are large and value is fair. Overall Café Santropol remains a standout for its ambiance and generous, comforting fare, drawing people back again and again despite occasional delays or uneven service.
Honesty the experience was ruined by the long wait outside to get a table. First we were excited, then we were cold but still hopeful, & by the time we finally gave up & accepted a table *near* the terrace instead of on the terrace, we were feeling a bit grumpy. The line moved incredibly slowly. & when we got inside we were shocked to find that there were people camping out at tables with their laptops nursing a single coffee forever. I can't understand the mentality of someone who would take up a table like that while there are 30+ people lined up in the cold outside waiting to get in. The restaurant should limit the time at each table & ban laptops, at least on the weekend when their restaurant is insanely busy. In the end the terrace was indeed beautiful, & the food was pretty but tasted just okay, but we were left with a bad taste in our mouths after waiting for so long, it pretty much ruined the experience for us :(
Went there at noon for our first visit.
We went on the terrace even though it was a little cold
We had soup & bread which was delicious
Each had a large sandwich with a very small salad which was also delicious
For dessert I had a carrot cake which is so good that after our after lunch walk I went back in to buy a piece to bring home
Cookies are also excellent
Service was top notch
A bit pricy
Atmosphere is like a ln eclectic dream
Very relaxed
Would definitely recommend
Tks to Clara for her excellent service
Café Santropol, nestled in Montreal's Mile-End neighborhood at 3990 Rue Saint-Urbain, is a beloved local spot celebrated for its cozy ambiance, diverse menu, & inviting garden terrace. Founded in 1976, it has become a staple for both locals & visitors seeking a relaxed dining experience.
What a cool place to relax & enjoy !
🥪 Menu Highlights
The café offers a variety of sandwiches, including the popular Duluth, known for its harmonious blend of flavors. Other favorites include the Killer Tomato & the Chaucer Salad. For those with dietary preferences, there are vegan & gluten-free options available.
🍰 Desserts & Beverages
Café Santropol is also renowned for its delectable desserts, such as the three-layer chocolate cake & carrot cake. Beverage options include a selection of teas, lattes, & their signature Santropol Chai.
🌿 Atmosphere & Outdoor Terrace
The café's backyard terrace is a highlight, featuring a koi pond & lush greenery, providing a serene setting for patrons to enjoy their meals. It's particularly popular during the warmer months.
Best terrace in Montreal/Canada -- it's absolutely gorgeous & even has a koi pond. It has such a nice atmosphere, & it's such a relaxing place to spend some time during the day. It's a must visit spot in the warmer months. The food, drinks & desserts are delicious & all worth trying. Servers are attentive & kind.
If you find yourself in Montreal, make sure to pop into Café Santropol-it's an absolute treasure! From the moment you walk through the door, the friendly staff greet you like an old friend, making you feel right at home. Their warmth & attentiveness truly elevate your dining experience! I indulged in the Duluth Sandwich, packed with caramelized onions, cheddar, & sweet pears-it was a flavor party in my mouth! & don't even get me started on the Gâteau au chocolat trois étages; it's a rich, chocolatey delight that's simply irresistible. The charming outdoor terrace is perfect for soaking up the sun while enjoying your meal. Just a fun heads-up: tipping is mandatory here, but trust me, those amazing staff members absolutely deserve it for their stellar service! In short, Café Santropol is a cozy gem that combines fantastic food with top-notch hospitality. You'll definitely want to come back for more!
The best sandwiches that I dream of between visits 💭 Get the triplex saint urbain if you are hungry & really want to be wowed! Backyard garden/terrace is a must, when the weather allows.
Sep 2, 2024
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Very pretty cafe, both inside & the terrace, with a lovely pond with cute red fish! The food options are limited though, mainly vegan & I believe a bit expensive for what you get. I liked my spiced chai though, & a warm bowl of soup was what I needed on the terrace, cause I visited early November when Its chilly Overall, worth visiting because of the cute ambiance (I think it would even be more lovely in Summer), but maybe for drinks, not the food.
Nov 4, 2023
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i thought it would be expensive because of the location & beautiful garden terrace, but the food was cheap, *&* they had a lot of vegan options, including vegan dessert.
i ate a very good vegan chili which was a good portion for the price, & a small but good vegan "cheesecake".
