If I was going to do one beer thing in Montreal...

Store: go to Peluso. You'll get the best selection.
Bar: Ehhh..... that depends on what you're looking for exactly.

 

Dieu du Ciel there is a reason it is rated as one of the best brewpubs in the world. There are two good stores beer stores close to the pub and if snacks at DdC's pub aren't enough for you there are a ton of great restaurants in that neighbourhood. Although Peluso is a good suggestion, it is out of the way and if you aren't into lugging a bunch of bottles back home it is kind of waste of time. The two beer stores near DdC will suffice for a nice selection of goodies. Ask the staff to point you in the right directions, I can't remember the addresses one is three blocks away and the other is about two blocks away from the pub around the corner from the fire station. If you aren't a hockey fan you might want to check the NHL schedule as the only time DdC puts up TVs is for the Montreal Canadians when they are in the playoffs. If it is a game night it will be crazy there. DdC opens at 3 and closes at 3, things can get really busy in there, I usually go early or late to avoid the crowds.

 

Gotta be DDC, if it's only one place. They have wine and spirits if your GF isn't into beer. Like hoser said, don't go on a game night. I find afternoons to be relaxing there but it depends on the atmosphere you want.

 

DdC is obviously fantastic but, and I don't doubt I'm offside on this, I kind of prefer Benelux. I find it's just easier to get a beer. Yep, I'm a curmudgeon. Might prefer DdC in the afternoon for a few quiet drinks though.

 

Maybe Benelux is better now that they bought Brasseurs San Gluten's old brewery but before they were always running out of their own beer and had guest taps. Next time I am out there I will have to check it out again, haven't been in about 2 years now.

 

go to Dieu du Ciel... no brainer... Although I can't recommend a quiet time to go, it was insanely busy when I went at a time I thought it would be dead.

 

DDC has a nice selection but its always too busy and the majority of the time, i can't find a place to sit down. Instead, go to the Vice versa. They have a great tap list with most of Dunham offering and everything else is from the best breweries in Quebec. They also have some nice food too.

But if you are the type that prefer good session ales, i would highly recomend the L'amère a boire. They have the best lagers and some of the best british style ales in Quebec. My go to place when in Montréal (95% of the time).


Enjoy your stay!

 

L'amère a boire is great and the food is good to. The patio is now open at Dieu du Ciel so there is more room now. Also the Habs are no longer in the playoffs so it will be less busy as well.

 

Love all of DDC's beers but can get very busy and crowded. Benelux is my back-up, and the new one in Verdun has a gorgeous private patio out back, with considerably more food available as it has a kitchen (the Sherbrooke one does not.) Awesome house beer selection at both places!

 

I am heading to Montreal mid-August for our annual siblings weekend and this post has been great.

On a different note - is it common in Montreal to rent out a house/condo? We have 8 of us coming and thought it would be easier to do but most of what I have found on-line is not looking so good. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Also gonna be in Montreal in August. Havent been since '08. I'm pretty sure I hit up DDC but not sure. Is it pretty close to the new forum or whatever it's called where the HABs play? We are staying right near the Atwater stop on the metro. Grew up going there in the summer but hadn't been since '93 when I went in '08 so it was my first time being there and "knowing about beer".