I'll be staying one night, maybe two in Montreal just looking for tips on a good place to eat/drink and maybe a good bottle shop. Thanks!
I went last year for a Hawks game and hit up Ciel. It's well worth it and there is a bottle shop a few blocks down the street. Was able to get stuff that doesn't get to Chicago. There is a place right off of the university campus called Benelux that has a pretty decent selection. Non-beer related, but for sure hit Schwartz's. Cash only place and super busy, but the deli-style food is great.
Bummer to hear about Dieu du Ciel's pub! I'll definitely check out Benelux, they look to have some neat stuff!
I would double check yourself on that DDC has closed hours for the St Jerome pub at the brewery but the Montreal brewpub is closed like three days of the Christmas holidays.
Rahman near DDC is good but if you're mobile, hit Peluso and Veux-tu une Biere. Get some Dunham, esp. Black IPA (regular) & Leo Early Breakfast. And grab some Naufrageur St-Barnabe, an under-dated stout. Fresh batch just came in. Of course, you gotta get a poutine as well!
There is a better store than Rahman near DDC. When at DDC walk towards the Fire-station turn left and it is on that block, sorry I don't name but the staff at the pub should know. At Rahman if you don't know what you are buying for Quebec products you could end up with a lot of crap, the other store doesn't stock that stuff.
