Chez Mère Grand operates as a quintessential bistro featuring a menu centered on classic comfort food preparations and traditional cafe offerings. Patrons encounter a setting defined by functional wooden furniture and a focused layout prioritizing accessibility and efficient service. The culinary output emphasizes freshly ground coffee, artisanal pastries, and savory dishes crafted from reliable, locally sourced ingredients. Each plate reflects an adherence to time-honored techniques, ensuring consistency across a diverse selection of bistro staples. The space remains dedicated to serving straightforward refreshments alongside balanced meals in a streamlined environment. Guests find a cohesive integration of hearty, simple recipes that maintain high standards of quality. The establishment functions as an essential utility for those seeking consistent nourishment through a steady rotation of prepared refreshments and savory culinary essentials.
Chez Mère Grand is widely praised as a charming, cozy destination near the Old Port, celebrated for its high-quality coffee, fresh house-made pastries, and inviting atmosphere. Many patrons describe the shop as a hidden gem, highlighting the delicious croissants, scones, and thoughtful decor that evoke a sense of being in a small village cafe. While the majority of visitors experience exceptional hospitality and friendly service from the staff and proprietor, a notable subset of reviews reports inconsistent interactions, specifically regarding rigid menu policies and occasional dismissive behavior from management, which can lead to polarizing experiences for customers.
It's a great location within steps from Old Montreal & a lovely terrace space, but customer service leaves a lot to be desired with two recent visits being met by an unpleasant attitude from the barista (an older gentleman whom I assume is the owner).
On the first occasion, I ordered an iced Americano & was told by the man'We don't make iced americanos, just cold brew'. When I asked him whether it was possible to still make one given they have an espresso machine & offer hot americanos (it's the simplest thing to make after all: pull a double espresso shot over cold water, add some ice, & call it a day...), he goes on to say'It just tastes a lot better'. Alright, so I understood it was an off menu request that they couldn't service for whatever reason, but the interaction didn't stop there. His colleague, a younger man, interjected & agreed with me, saying he personally prefers iced Americano over cold brew. The older man then proceeded to say to him in a displeased manner'OK, why don't you make it for him then'. When you witness internal arguments over a business product offerings, it leaves a bad taste & makes you wonder whether their team aligns on the products they are serving.
2nd visit today: Now with the understanding that ordering iced Americanos is a contentious topic for this cafe, I went ahead & ordered a cold brew with a shot of espresso inside (An order that any other coffee shop in Montreal has made for me without issue or hesitation, & known as a cold version of a Red Eye). Once again, the older gentleman questioned my choice & his first response was'Are you really sure about that?', while staring at me like I had just said some travesty. He then continues to say,'you know that the espresso is already a double shot, & the cold brew is infused overnight'. Yes, I know what I'm ordering. I'm not stupid or an newbie coffee drinker... I had to again proceed to say that's what I wanted to order.
Why would I be ordering something I don't know what I'm getting?
Is it that hard to have basic customer service skills & respond with a smile & something like'Absolutely! can I get you anything else?', rather than question your customer's coffee orders & make them feel like some outer space alien that's never had coffee in their life before?
These interactions made me question whether the man really wanted my business at all. Coffee & pastries are mediocre as well
Giving an extra star for location. Will not be returning after today's visit which is sad given the proximity to my place. I hope this review serves for them to improve their customer service experience.
Jul 6, 2026
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Bonnes pâtisseries maison, fraîches & savoureuses, accompagnées d'un excellent café provenant d'un torréfacteur de qualité. La décoration intérieure est chaleureuse & soignée, offrant un endroit agréable pour prendre une pause ou discuter autour d'un café. Le service est accueillant & l'ambiance invite à revenir😍
Loved this find.
A wee cafe in a quiet part of town. Such a good vibe, great coffee & delicious food.
Very laid back with interesting decor.
A wonderful place to take a break from our busy lives.
The staff will make you feel incredibly welcome.
Eating breakfast & having our coffee here (3/30/2025) & this little café is absolutely exquisite.
For drinks, I had an iced latte with maple syrup & my husband had a long espresso. Both were excellent. My husband enjoyed that the espress was quite strong, & my latte had an excellent flavor.
For food we had ham & cheese croissants, I had a bostock, & my husband had a lavender scone. Again, everything was scrumptious! The ham & cheese croissants (homemade pastry at the café) were a revelation, & my bostock was the best sweet pastry I've had in a very long time. The lavender scone was amazing, with a lovely lavender scent that didn't become a soapy taste on the palate.
The ambience is lovely, with an old-fashioned vibe & an open bakery. The smells of the fresh baked goods wafts over you enticingly as soon as you open the door
To boot, the owner/proprietor is an absolute gem of a human! Funny, personable, helpful, & eager to provide excellent service.
Everyone should come visit Chez Mère-Grand Café & Épicerie!
I got a scone & it was very dry, as if it had been made days ago & not stored properly. I also got the smoked salmon bagel, I had been made the day before or few days ago. The salmon slices were dry on the edges, the crème cheese was dried out & the cucumber looked like it was out of date. For the price, I expected better. The coffee is good though.
