Else's comes across as a warm, cozy, and characterful spot on a charming Montreal street, with a welcoming energy and a mix of intimate tables and lively chatter that makes it feel both neighborhood and special; the menu is small but well loved, delivering comforting dishes like mac and cheese, dumplings, chicken curry, pulled pork tacos, and other crowd favorites, complemented by a house blonde beer and thoughtful cocktails; decor and atmosphere draw on Nordic roots and bookish curiosities, creating a unique sense of place that feels removed from the city grind; service is repeatedly praised for friendliness and attentiveness, though crowds can slow things down and noise levels can be high; the overall sentiment is that Else's is a must visit for a casual dinner, a date night, or a social hangout, described as a hidden gem by many and a place that invites return, with occasional notes about slower service or a wish for outdoor seating or moments of quieter conversation.
My partner had introduced me to Else's a couple of years ago & I'm sooo happy, because I love coming here now. The energy really feels so present, as if you almost weren't in the city. The dumplings are phenomenal, the mac & cheese… oooomg. The staff is always so kind & up to the beat of the crowd, & the atmosphere is really unique & cool. Very special spot!
Just got the salad for myself & it was perfectly filling with so many flavors in one place!! Loved the roasted pecans, goat cheese & crispy prosciutto... with so many tables packed into one spot you can only expect service to be so quick. Go for the vibes & community, didn't feel rushed to leave even though the place was packed!!
Nov 27, 2025
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This place is truly a hidden gem in Montreal, tucked away on one of the city's cutest & most charming streets. We stumbled upon it on Halloween night, & it turned out to be one of the best spontaneous decisions we made that evening. The atmosphere was warm, cozy, & full of life - the kind of place that immediately makes you feel welcome. Despite showing up as a group of eight without a reservation, the staff went out of their way to find us a table, which was honestly impressive on such a busy night.
The service was excellent - friendly, attentive, & relaxed in the best way. We ordered a mix of dishes, including the chicken teriyaki, mac & cheese, salad, & mini burgers. The mac & cheese definitely stood out as the highlight: creamy, flavorful, & perfectly comforting for a chilly night. The mini burgers were also tasty, though they were quite small & better suited as individual portions rather than for sharing.
Overall, this spot strikes a perfect balance between cozy & lively. It's the kind of place that works equally well for a casual night out with friends or a laid-back dinner date. I'd definitely recommend giving it a try - especially if you love finding those lesser-known Montreal spots with great vibes & solid food.
Else's in Montreal is the kind of date spot you hope to stumble upon-cozy, charming, & effortlessly full of character. Tucked into a quiet corner of the Plateau, it exudes a warm, lived-in atmosphere that makes you feel instantly at home. We settled at a round table nestled among lush plants & vintage artwork, the perfect setting for an unhurried evening. Sharing shrimp tacos & pulled pork mac & cheese, paired with beers that hit all the right notes, we found comfort not just in the food but in the entire experience. The service was genuinely kind, the vibe easygoing, & the space seemed to invite good conversation. It's the sort of place that stays with you.
May 9, 2025
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Beautifully decorated bar & good vibes. Drinks were good but the Mac & Cheese was very mediocre. It was more like macaroni with melted cheese on top but no actual Mac&Cheese sauce... October 2024 edit: Mac & cheese with pulled pork was excellent! Creamy & cheesy! Amazing vibes as per usual.
I was pleasantly surprised with the variety & quality of the ingredients in the salad! Topped with bacon & honey peacans, it is a complete meal. But also Brussels sprouts, carrots & goat cheese! Healthy & Balanced!
A quaint cozy bar with lots of personality! After being a few times now, the best part of Else's is the ambiance. Though they have a food menu, it mostly is a place to grab drinks & their hot ciders are notably delicious. Expect to wait up to 20 minutes for a table most nights, I've never not seen it packed & people like to linger late. The prices for drinks are reasonable but not the cheapest for food. Their cheesecake is creamy & soft making a solid dessert choice. Accessibility wise there is a step at the double doors, & it's quite close quarters between tables & the bar seating. I would recommend in the area if you are looking for a quintessential plateau bar experience.
Best place for drinks, & the food there was delicious. The mac&cheese is incredible, & they have tons of delicious & flavourful vegetarian options. The carrot cake was so good & it has really good Guinness that is significantly cheaper than other pubs ive been to. The crowd was very nice, & i loved the atmosphere definitely one of my favorite montreal spots for a drink & a chat with friends!! Super cute inside & a lot of tables & space
