With its green marble formica walls and terrazo floors, Le Cheval Blanc is your vintage working class neighbourhood old time tavern. Located in what used to be called the Faubourg à la Mélasse (the Molasses District), it became the first licensed brew pub in Montréal, back in 1986. People come for the excellence of its beers, its cozy atmosphere, cool staff, great music and a bit of intentional simplicity!
Le Cheval Blanc feels like a relaxed, unpretentious neighbourhood classic with a genuine Montreal atmosphere, where a strong in house beer selection sits beside a reasonably priced menu and solid food. The decor blends art deco charm with a sense of history that adds character and even a retro futuristic vibe reminiscent of a Blade Runner style setting. The street patio in spring through fall is excellent, lively without being overwhelming, and the overall vibe is relaxed, creative, and local, attracting a mix of regulars and visitors. It is a place that people keep coming back to for casual evenings, patio drinks, and easygoing surroundings. Staff are noted as friendly and the service approachable, contributing to a no frills feel that still delivers good beer and simple, satisfying food. A few comments mention more pint size options and a clearer online menu, but the general sentiment is that Le Cheval Blanc is a welcoming, consistently enjoyable spot worth revisiting.
NOTE: This is about long ago, when it was the FIRST micro-pub in Montreal! One long long room, low-key but perfect, slick steel & faux marble...Such good times & beer to die for (we were there nearly everyday for a few years until... we moved, snif!) My favorite bar EVER! Doesn't hurt to hear a bit of history; it wasn't just great until competition came; it was a though act to follow, & thrived! Just 3 selections of the week (some seasonal) but when they say less is more... WOW! (& probably the last place to have a throwback 25c peanut machine at the bar, cute touch!
The staff were sociable, ALL artists (from different domains) & the music really great, not radio music: you went there to hear new, or older, always 'on point' selections! Lots of students, chill older types: it had fun local art & music shows, always changing. Had all the cultural papers on site, exhibitions news, comic strips drawn by staff) so something to do while waiting on a friend or on your own (back before smartphones, lol)
Can't speak of the food or terrasses, which didn't exist then. BUT anywhere THAT great, with THAT great people behind it, while becoming bigger, must have kept some original charm (& the best beer!) I have been in, but quickly since, &... I guess it's just as pleasant, but for another crowd, in different ways, with the new additions. My only sad comment would be that when a place gets large, it seems emptier when not prime time. But hey, the beer on tap is better than anything bottled -even their own-!. Just for that...Worth the try, at any rate! : )
Had an amazing time visiting. This was a random stop visiting from Ottawa as our hotel was around the corner. My partner were impressed at how busy it was here. It says a lot about the place. It has an older crowd, but the most lively bar we stepped in. Not to mention great beer. Recommend for a nice night out with friends on a Saturday night.
Apr 27, 2025
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Lowkey microbrwery. Moderate selection of freshly-brewed beers. Service was good. They have chessboards you can play on as well. This is a more relaxed bar.
Great Looking bar, with lots of people, service was quick, but the waiters need to read the room literally its less being to our beck & call, & more so hurrying us to order everytime, i get the pressure to make money but dont pressure me to buy another round when im enjoying a conversation with friends.
Bar excellent, mais il faut tomber sur le bon personnel au bar, je trouve quelques uns un peu snobes, & vous ignore si vous ne donnez pas assez de pourboire pour un verre servie du bar & donner au client au comptoi
Oct 8, 2023
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Le Cheval Blanc n'est pas votre bar typique; c'est une institution montréalaise qui célèbre l'art de la brasserie artisanale. Situé sur la vibrante rue Ontario, ce bar au décor rétro mais accueillant est un véritable sanctuaire pour les amateurs de bière. Avec une gamme de bières maison qui change régulièrement, il y a toujours quelque chose de nouveau & excitant à déguster. L'atmosphère est décontractée, rendant ce lieu parfait pour une soirée tranquille entre amis ou une date décontractée.
