Beerfest

Rated this place:

1160 De La Gauchetiere Street West, Montreal, QC, H3B2S2

Summer festival: The well-established Jazz Fest and Just for Laughs Festival may be better established, but the Beer Festival (aka Mondial de la Biere) has that "je ne sais quoi" that appeals to everyone immediately. Maybe it's the beer. Whatever it is, it's a winning concept. Breweries from around the world showcase their stuff for cheap. You buy coupons and trade them for cups of beer. If you buy an $8 mug, you get bigger samples. 1160 de la Gauchtiere St. O.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• summer festival

International Jazz Festival

Rated this place:

400 Maisonneuve Blvd West, Montreal, QC, H3A 1L4

Jazz: Every summer, Montreal hosts one of the biggest jazz fests in the world, hosting the likes of BB King, Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, and other industry greats. If you haven't figured it out already, the acts don't limit themselves to jazz - this year you can catch Radiohead, Aretha Franklin and Ladytron on stage. Various venues.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• jazz

Amelio's

Rated this place:

201 Rue Milton, Montreal, QC, H2X1V5

Italian restaurant, Pizza: A neighbourhood fave, Amelio's draws regulars from in and around the McGill ghetto. Beware the weekends - Amelio's does not accept reservations and there will be a lineup out on the street. But this place has everything you could ask for - a homey atmosphere, delicious pizzas and pastas, AND it's BYOW, so it won't drill a hole in your pocket. It's also cash only; so come prepared (there is an ATM inside if need be). 201 Rue Milton.

The white pizza is TO DIE FOR. four white cheese. tomato-sauce free. simply delicious.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Pizza
• italian restaurant

Right to Move / La Voie Libre

Rated this place:

1500 de Maisonneuve Ouest, Suite 204, Montreal, QC, H3G 1N1

Bike help: Concordia University's bike co-op was created with the right intentions. Go there for advice, parts, and repairs and you leave with a new, clearer understanding of your ride. Participate in the open knowledge and skills exchange. Located behind Concordia's Hall Building, accessible by Mackay St. Near Guy-Concordia metro.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• bike help

Piknic Electronik

Rated this place:

Parc Jean-Drapeau: 1 circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, Montreal

Electro-dance party: It takes place outdoors in the middle of the day. Everyone is your friend. This is the kind of place where you can just point to a stranger in the crowded mass of urban hippies, make eye contact, and give them a big hug. And no one will realize that you are a big weirdo... they'll love you for it. Get on your dancing shoes.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• electro-dance party

Atwater market

Rated this place:

138 Atwater Street, Montreal, QC, H4C2G3

Produce market: Two massive floors of gourmet foods and rare ethnic ingredients. Fancy olive oils, hot sauces, vinegars... you name it and it's at Atwater market. Also a beer store, several butchers, a poissonerie, cheese shops, pasta shops, and MORE. You have no excuse not to cook that masterpiece meal you've been meaning to get around to. 138 Atwater.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• produce market

la sala rossa

Rated this place:

4848 boul. St- Laurent , Montreal, QC, H2T1R6

Concert venue: It's large enough to host some big names, like Beirut, but small enough that you can see their nose hairs if you look hard enough. Plus, I love a building with some history. This one was build in the 1930s by a leftwing Jewish group and has hosted everyone from Eleanor Roosevelt to 1940s workmen's circles. It's now owned by a Spanish cultural group. The venue doesn't limit itself to music either - if you're lucky, you can also catch a poetry slam or breakdance competition. 4848 St-Laurent.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• concert venue

Casa del Popolo

Rated this place:

4873 St. Laurent, Montreal, QC, H2T1R6

Live music: In the mood for some live music, but not the crowds that often go with it? Try Sala Rossa's little sister across the street. This place tends to host lesser known local acts and is more of a bar than a concert venue. Comfy couches and tasty food. Cafe by day. 4873 St-Laurent.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Live Music

Lola Rosa

Rated this place:

545 Milton, Montreal, QC

Breakfast spot: New this year - Lola Rosa finally serves breakfast. It began with a baked goods but has expanded to include all your favourites - omelettes, french toast, and best of all, breakfast burritos. Unfortunately, you won't find bacon or breakfast sausages at this veggie restaurant, but you definitely will find something different - try a banana and Earl Grey flavoured scone or a chocolate and chili muffin. Available baked goods change daily, but they're always avante-garde. 545 Milton.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Breakfast Spot

Spirite Lounge

Rated this place:

1205 rue Ontario Est, Montreal, QC, H2L 1R5

Restaurant with a gimmick: This place has rules: 1) You must finish everything on your plate, or pay a $2 fine (which will go to charity). You can chose either a small or large portion, so choose wisely. 2) There is no menu. The meals are made fresh daily and will differ from one day to the next. Hope you're not a picky eater. 3) If you order dessert, you must finish it. Or be banished from the restaurant FOREVER. Up for the challenge? 1201 Ontario St. E.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• restaurant with a gimmick

Funky Toque

Rated this place:

3688 St. Laurent, Montreal, QC, H2X2V4

Hair salon: Catering mostly to the young and the hip, you can ask for anything from a safe trim to a Montreal-style assymetrical mop. I ask for a different stylist each time, and my only moment of doubt came when one stylist describe his hair creations as looking like "rats had taken bites out of it." That's the risk of telling someone in leather pants to "do whatever your feel." Go with a bit of vision; you won't be disappointed. Did I mention the head massages?

Cafe Depot

Rated this place:

1200, McGill college, Montreal

Coffee chain: ... at least it's not Starbucks. 3601 St. Laurent.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• coffee chain

Village des Valeurs

Rated this place:

2033 boulevard Pie-IX, Montreal, QC, H1V 2C9

Used clothing: Better known to us anglos as "Value Village." For some reason, renaming something "vintage" allows retailers to jack up the price to unreasonable heights. Go to the source and buy that to-die-for sixties jumper at the unglamourous superstore - before those boutique owners get to it first. 4906 Jean-Talon O.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• used clothing

Biodome

Rated this place:

4777 avenue Pierre-de-Coubertin, Montreal, QC, H1V1B3

Kid's activity: Everytime someone visits me in Montreal, I take them here and none of them have been below the age of 20. But judging from the families infesting the Biodome, the young'ns won't be disappointed either. This is better than your average zoo - it is an indoor microworld divided into four distinct ecozones filled with native plants and animals, but without the usual cages. Strolling through the tropical area, you might find a monkey blocking your path. Cool! 4777 Ave Pierre-de-Coubertin

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• kid's activity

The Word

Rated this place:

469 rue Milton, Montreal, QC, H2X1W3

Bookstore: This hole-in-the-wall used bookstore has garnered legendary status thanks to loyal locals. Somehow, the little cranny always has the title you're looking for; it feels like the kind of enchanted space where you might run into Harry Potter himself. Got a good book that you just don't have space for on your shelf ? The Word will take it off your hands and leave you a few dollars richer. Bonus for students: look for selected used textbooks for reasonable prices. 469 Rue Milton.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• bookstore

the reservoir

Rated this place:

Secret hideout: No, I don't mean that trendy bar on Duluth. I mean the dirty, underground, probably Ninja-Turtle-infested reservoir down below. Bored of your usual strolls down St-Laurent and feeling like a little exploratory adventure? Check out the city's leaky basement - I dare you. While it may not be entirely legal, it's worth the risk.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• secret hideout

Chez Mein

Rated this place:

3754 Boul. St.Laurent , Montreal, QC, H2W 1X6

Late-night snack: This place probably has a real name - but who knows what it is... and who cares? If you mention "$2 chow mein" or "peanut butter noodles" to anyone around St-Laurent's party core, you will be sent immediately in the right direction. I recommend keeping this as an end-of-the-night destination though; somehow it's just not as tasty to the sober man's palette. From about 1:30am-3:30am, expect a line at this walk-up window - don't worry, it moves quickly. Corner of St-Laurent

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• late-night snack

Buddhi Lounge

Rated this place:

253 Duluth East, Montreal, QC, H2T 1P3

Shisha, Tea house: Buddhi Lounge has the perfect atmosphere for chilling out with friends around a hookah. The mellow vibe that this place radiates is entirely warm and inviting, and makes you feel right at home. Complement that shisha with some exotic teas or a delicious chocolate pyramid cake. Feeling a little playful? Play a boardgame. Live music from jazz to folk available on select nights. **New location: St. Denis and Rachel

Feel like a night at home... just not your home? Check out hipster haven Buddhi Lounge; you'll feel at home immediately thanks to the comfy unmatched furniture, DIY decorations (like strainers as light-covers), and your favourite board games. This bohemian retreat draws some of Montreal's most interesting people and offers live music, shisha, exotic teas, delicious pyramid cakes, and alcohol. **New location: St. Denis and Rachel

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• shisha
• tea house

Parc LaFontaine

Rated this place:

Rue du Parc Lafontaine & Rachel E, Montreal, QC

Park: This oasis in the middle of the Plateau is one of the city's largest parks. Hop on your bike, bring a picnic, claim a spot on the grassy slopes, and you can people watch for hours. Two linked ponds, sports fields, a dog area, beautiful bike paths, playgrounds and wading areas ensure that everyone can find their place here. Skating in winter. Feel good about having a thoroughly entertaining day without spending a penny. Located a few streets NE of Berri, between Sherbrooke and Rachel.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• park

Aux Vivres

Rated this place:

4631 Saint Laurent, Montreal, QC, H2T1R2

Vegan food: As a non-vegan, I am especially picky about vegan food. Don't you notice how people tend to make vegan food sound sooo good, just because it's vegan? "Amazing" vegan food is usually just "mediocre" when compared with ALL food. So when my hippie friends dragged me along to this place, I was skeptical. Would it have that bland tofu taste? Would it even fill me up? But after becoming so full that I couldn't finish my DELICIOUS mushroom burger, I was humbled. Truly tasty.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• vegan food

Cash et Curry

Rated this place:

68 Duluth East, Montreal, QC, H2W1G7

Malaysian food: Chef Nantha is a legend. When he's finished cooking your meal he'll sit down with a beer and watch you eat it. No need to fake enthusiasm in front of him; once you taste his mussels, you will be genuinely raving about what a genius he is. He flavours his dishes to perfection using just the right amount of spice and it is all very affordable, so you'll be coming back for more in no time. BYOW and arrive relatively early; this place only has about 10 tables. 68 Duluth E.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Malaysian food

Brutopia

Rated this place:

1219 Rue Crescent, Montreal, QC, H3G2B1

Microbrewery: This city is scattered with microbreweries, but few can compete with Brutopia. It has the feel of an Irish pub, but offers that little something extra. Monday is trivia night, Sunday is open mic night, and every other night features some live musical act (typically foot-stomping Irish fiddlers or classic rock cover bands). It has huge capacity, with three bars on three floors - not to mention the three terraces. My fave brew? The raspberry blonde. 1219 Crescent St.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• microbrewery

The Cock & Bull

Rated this place:

1944 rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Montreal, QC, H3H1M4

Arts & crafts: Arts & crafts night at a pub? Why didn't someone think of this sooner?! What better way to throw back a pint than to let your inner Michaelangelo shine with some plastercine and endless creative stimulation. Keep your eyes out for some impressive artistry - like this Wonderwoman I watched a stranger mold. Craft night is Monday and the craft changes every week. No charge and you can take your masterpieces home. 1944 Rue Ste-Catherine Ouest

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• arts & crafts

University of the Streets Cafe

Rated this place:

7141 Sherbrooke West (Institute in Community Development, Concordia University), Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6

Learning experience: Bear with me - this is more abstract than it sounds. It is not actually a cafe, but more of a community concept, encouraging egalitarian public engagement and learning "in the form of collective discussion." It venue-hops, creating spaces for people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and classes to meet and share their practical experiences and perspectives on critical issues. Anyone can host an event (EG of a past event: "Does public education benefit the public?"). http:

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• learning experience

Sharx

Rated this place:

1606 St. Catherine West, Monreal, QC, H3H 1L7

Bowling: Apparently Justin Timberlake once rented this entire venue for a party. If that's not enough incentive to fave this place, I don't know what is. Sharx is huge and bowling is one way to pass the time - try your hand at the classic arcade games or pool if you're just not in the mood to knock pins down. Much classier than your average bowlerama. 1606 Ste-Catherine O.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• bowling