Bistro Le République Monrteal

Le République Cheeseburger With Bacon

Amidst a wealth of synagogues, Kosher grocery stores and smoked meat delis in Outremont sits the Bistro Le République. Advertising a deal for every day of the week, Tuesday’s special offered us $15 gourmet burgers, including two pints of Creemore Springs beer – not bad at all, if you ask me. Its enormous terrasse curves around the corner of the street, almost doubling the seating area inside. Raised on a platform, the wooden benches (softened by cushions) allow not only for a great view of the surrounding area but can also serve as an observation deck for some superb people watching (Shtreimel wearing Hasidic Jews, multiple children in matching clothes all riding scooters, well dressed and good looking youth etc).

I ordered the Vieux-Montreal burger served with half a portion of fries and half a portion of salad. With the meat being all at once moist, tender and firm, the burger was accompanied by red peppers, avocado purée and melted brie cheese that oozed out with every bite, giving each mouthful a satisfying flavor. My other three companions got the cheeseburger with bacon which was what you would imagine it to be, but better. Being a non-beer drinker, I handed out my pints and decided to be somewhat adventurous and try the Panaché – not quite beer, but beer-y enough for me. Apparently a Parisian favorite, the drink is lemonade mixed with beer, medium heavy in taste, filled with sediments and grainy bits swirling around the bottom. Coming in a surprisingly large pint sized glass, the cocktail was only $4. Cocktails the price of beer? Never in my life. You are getting your money’s worth here. Eager for more, I got the Americano – a simple campari and soda – for only $5, hey-o!

Le République has free WiFi, a vintage coffee roaster, a flat screen television, a cool looking bar and amazing/cheap food. Worth checking out regardless of whether or not the terrasse is open.