Quebec, Gourmet City: Want to drink? There are three bars here, where the decor is as refined as the cocktails

The popularity of cocktails continues unabated in Quebec and the quality and creativity of what ends up in our glasses continues to amaze me. Mixologists learn complex techniques such as smoking and use sophisticated and sometimes surprising products. If you're thirsty for innovation, I suggest three bars in Quebec that stand out as much for their tasteful decor as their cocktail menu.

Vieux Carré: A little bit of Louisiana in the heart of Old Quebec

Open for only a month, this new bar-lounge already has its regulars, I noticed during my first visit. And we quickly understand why when we enter this cozy and warm cocoon. The latest addition to the La Tanière Group (which includes restaurants Légende, l'Orygine and Tanière³) is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink.

Why not tempt yourself Old square, a Louisiana cocktail made with cognac, whiskey, vermouth and Benedictine that gave the establishment its name? Otherwise, a selection of around twenty cocktails with or without alcohol is offered.

In the foreground, the Vieux Carré cocktail, which shares the same name as the Petit Champlain establishment.

Photo by Marian White

Origin's chef, Sabrina Lemay, serves a sharing menu of a dozen simple and delicious dishes until 1 a.m., including the amazing marinated mushrooms and Cubano sandwich. On sunny days, the 20-seat bar expands with two terraces with a breathtaking view of the Place de Paris and the river.

36 1⁄2, rue Saint-Pierre
Open Thursday to Sunday from 4pm to 1am.
Late June to mid October, Tuesday to Sunday 1pm.

jjacques: One of the best bars in the country

Restaurant-bar jjacquesLocated in the Saint-Roch district, recently included in the prestigious list of the best bars in the country, CANADA's 100 Best. After 50th rank^e In 2022 and 28^e The following year, the establishment reached 16^e position this year. I love the atmosphereOzzy The place, which looks like a secret bar with no windows, can be reached through a back door on rue Notre-Dame-des-Anges.

The decor of jjacques cocktail bar is reminiscent of a train carriage

Photo courtesy of Samuel St Onge, jjacques

Here you can sip on ingenious and refined cocktails, almost artfully displayed on the cocktail menu – no QR code leading to the website.

A creation from Bar jjacques

Photo by Alma Kismic, jjacques

Jacques is also known for its oysters and seafood towers, but the menu also offers a good selection of dishes to share. Here too, the kitchen is open till 1 am. Some appetizers, including oysters, are available on Fridays and Saturdays until closing at 3am.

341, rue Notre-Dame-des-Anges
Open from 5 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays

1608: A timeless classic

Want to live the castle life? Excellent Bar 1608 du Château Frontenac – which takes its name from the year the town was founded – has everything to please you. Located on the ground floor of this icon of Quebec, this establishment has been attracting tourists and locals alike to the river and its luxurious setting for years. The team of mixologists working behind the impressive circular bar also stood out by taking 41^e Ranked among the best bars in Canada.

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Chateau Frontenac at Bar 1608

Photo courtesy of Chateau Frontenac

Ask them to surprise you with a creation inspired by your tastes, or indulge in a whiskey or scotch from their vast selection, as if Winston Churchill stayed there.

A cocktail is being made at Bar 1608 at Chateau Frontenac

Photo courtesy of Chateau Frontenac

Please note: small dishes and cheese and charcuterie boards are offered to satisfy your cravings.

1, rue des carriers
Open Monday through Friday and weekends from 2 p.m