Le Darling comes across as a bustling, stylish bar and bistro with a distinctive vintage, artsy vibe that makes it feel both cozy and festive. The drinks and cocktails are frequently praised for strength and creativity, with several items like oysters, beef tartare, popcorn chicken, burrata and focaccia highlighted as standouts, though some dishes are noted as hit or miss and portions can feel small for the price. The atmosphere is a major draw, featuring warm, attentive staff at times and occasional slow or uneven service and long waits during peak hours. The venue is described as ideal for gatherings with friends, dates or a lively brunch, and the terrace and interior decor receive frequent compliments, though noise levels and crowding can be high and some tables near doors or windows are less ideal. Overall, Le Darling is seen as a beloved, visually striking spot with a strong bar program and varied menu, offering great value on certain items but with some inconsistencies that depend on the visit and time of day.
Visited on September 19, 2021, in late afternoon. This place, located on Saint-Laurent & Marie-Anne, in front of Parc des Portugais, has been opened since 2017 & I'm the first Ratebeerien to rate this place (& to add stuff), so what is so special about Darling, cider! A friend of former Ratebeerien TaktikMtl told him about this place, we meet (for the first time since de pandemic) & when we saw the menu, wow! Eleven ciders on tap, the most I've see was four, plus a good bottle selection. A pretty good beer selection on tap & bottles & cans, some are imported. There other speciality is oysters, in fact it the first thing you see on their menu before the ciders. They also have cocktails, a barista & a small food menu. The inside is very eclectic, seating for just drinking or having a meal, there is a round bar, mismatch decor. The place is just cool.
Lovely bar to drop in during a warm & sunny afternoon to have a drink. We only had a light snack - our main focus was on Quebec ciders & they had 5-6 on tap. The server was originally from Steveston BC (I/we're from Vancouver) & he was quite knowledgeable & helpful - walking us through the various selections. We especially liked the blush (apple skins were left in during fermentation) & another mainly based on Honeycrisp & a crabapple (Dolgo). Will go back on our next trip to Montreal.
If you are looking for a friendly & cozy place in Montreal, you found it! A wide choice of drinks: lots of ciders, cocktails & beers. The food is also pretty good. I recommend the ribs. The desserts all looked good too but I haven't tried. The music isn't too loud & the place is big but often full. There are a few places outside too but on st Laurent boulevard. The service was a bit slow, especially to order but this place s definitely has a vibe!
I had guests from the US & wanted to make sure they had a good time so i chose Darlings, & boy they surpassed my expectations bigtime, extremely cool & friendly vibe , staff was insanely sweet & knowledgeable, the recommended local ciders were some of the best ive ever had , can't wait to go back , 10/10
Jun 21, 2024
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This is a great space! We went for a late night drink & snack, & sat at the round bar. The cider options were plentiful, & the chips & dip a great late night snack. Would love to visit for a meal or coffee on our next visit.
