Food and Drink

French-Canadian fast food follows the same concept as American fast food, though barbecue chicken is also popular. Local chains to watch for include St-Hubert, which serves rotisserie chicken; Chez Cora, which specializes in breakfasts; and La Belle Province, Lafleur, and Valentine, all of which serve hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries. For a vegetarian option, try the excellent Montréal chain Resto Végo.

Meals and Mealtimes

Unless otherwise noted, the restaurants listed are open daily for lunch and dinner.

Paying

Major credit cards are widely accepted in both Montréal and Québec City.

Wines, Beer, and Spirits

Some of the best local microbreweries include Unibroue (Fin du Monde, U Blonde, U Rousse), Brasseurs du Nord (Boréale), and McAuslan (Griffon, St. Ambroise). The local hard cider P.O.M. is also excellent. Caribou, a traditional concoction made from red wine, vodka (or some other liquor), spices, and, usually, maple syrup, is available at many winter events and festivals throughout the province, such as Québec City's winter carnival. Small bars may also offer the drink in season.

The province's liquor purveyor, SAQ, stocks a wide choice of wines (with a heavy emphasis on those from France) and is also the only place you can buy hard liquor; most SAQ stores are open regular business hours. Supermarkets and convenience stores carry lower-end wines at notably higher prices but they can sell wine and beer until 11 pm all week (long after SAQ stores have closed). The minimum legal age for alcohol consumption is 18.