When you move into a new neighborhood, the first thing to do is find your bearings. In Shaughnessy Village, we suggest you initiate this journey with a good tea or coffee. Here’s a great list of places where you can get your energy fill and mingle with the neighborhood all at once!
For our first stop, we don’t need to venture too far, the Café de la Maison Ronde (Round House) is located right on Cabot Square. Following an initiative from the “Street Magazine” l’Itinéraire, and subsidized by the City of Montreal, the Round House is managed by people from the Amerindian and Inuit communities. Their coffee is roasted in Kanehsatake. You’ll find several Native American specialties such as the “Bannock”, somewhere between a scone and English muffin, served with butter, cinnamon and maple syrup; perfect with coffee. Their snacks go great with their refreshing strawberry juice (water, fresh strawberries and maple syrup). The service is extremely friendly; Brandon and Alan are always available and are both very passionate about their work. In addition to the pleasant terrace, a wifi connection in the park and a library book exchange, the café has a “suspended payment” program. Essentially people can prepay for a coffee for someone in need. Great initiative! The café is open from May to October and will possibly open this winter as well; yet to be confirmed, we’re keeping our fingers crossed.
Info: Roundhouse Café, Cabot Square.
Open Tuesday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm, and Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm.
For our second stop, we visit nearby Nos Thés. The two young owners of Taiwanese origin are siblings and offer specialties from Taiwan and Japan. Their unforgettable “Bubble Tea” is offered in a wide range of flavors. Two-coloured tapioca, “tiny bubbles” (just smaller spheres) or sorbet, they’re all delicious! As recommended by the owner Vicky, try the “Creamy Dark Roast Oolong Tea”, similar to a cold chai latte, both fresh and comforting, and the “Watermelon Sorbet Iced Tea”. Hard not to gulp it down right away before trying another! More than just a cafe, the establishment is also a bistro. You’ll find sweet potato fries with sweet plum powder, and popcorn chicken with its delicious breading and tasty meat. All spectacular food that melts in your mouth!
Info: NosThés, 1609 Sainte-Catherine West
Open 7 days a week from noon to 10 pm.
Continuing on to a neighborhood landmark, the Kafein Café Bar has been around for over 13 years! Their ‘third wave coffee’ is roasted at the famous Saint-Henri Roasting House. Try the creamy “Godshot Roast” with bits of red fruit and milk chocolate. People come here mainly for the atmosphere and the delicious Mediterranean-themed menu inspired by the friendly Lebanese-born owner Gaby and his Italian chef. The fried halloumi sandwich (traditional Lebanese cheese) with arugula, tomatoes, mint yogurt and cucumber in a rosemary focaccia (Italian) is absolutely perfect. The café is also open for lunch and serves avocado smoothies with blackberry, almond milk and granola, which is delicious and almost a meal in itself! Another interesting aspect of the place: when the café closes its doors at 9 pm the place becomes a bar with events such as quiz nights, poetry and guest DJ’s until midnight!
Info: Kafein Café Bar, 1429a Bishop Street
Open from Monday to Thursday from 9 am to midnight
Friday from 9 am to 1 am, Saturday from 10 am to 1 am, and Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm.
Returning to the world of tea, the Persian Aunja Café provides bohemian elegance in an inviting atmosphere. On cold days, best to try the house favorite and ultimate cure for being frozen: ginger tea. Composed of large pieces of ginger, lime juice, fresh thyme and amber honey, it really warms you up nice! Traditional desserts are also exquisite. Try the “Shiraz Delight” (frozen noodles, rose water, lime juice and pistachio) or saffron ice cream! Service was a little off, but the waitress explained that she was new and a bit overwhelmed… We’ll give her the benefit of the doubt. We also look forward to trying their weekend brunch!
Info: Café Aunja, 1448 Sherbrooke West
Open 7 days, 10 am to 10 pm.
Myriade Café, the quintessential hipster café (3rd generation to boot), is a must. They serve great coffee roasted by the popular 49th parallel Roasting House. The coffee is characterized by a citrus-like acidity, and is usually taken to go since the cafe opens at 7:30 am! For snacks, try the zucchini scone, mushrooms and goat cheese, perfect for the classroom or during a morning meeting!
Info: Myriade Café, 1432 Mackay Street
Open Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm.
You’ve got plenty of choices and a great excuse! Go explore.
Find more: “Top Cafés In & Around Shaughnessy Village“.
