We will be spending two full days in Montreal in July - one night- and I've looked at all of the most popular restaurants ie. Club Chasse et Peche, Pied au cochon, Toque, Chez Queux, Raza, Pintxo, etc...and am thinking these are not for us. I don't mind high end - but would like an experience and something fun and a menu that is not so "out-there". Any thoughts? Should I just wing it when I'm there? We'll be staying at the Fairmont Q.E.
Thanks!

I see from another post that your sons are 11 and 13. In this case, I agree that those restaurants you named would not really fit. Our kids were teenagers the last time we lived in Montreal and here are a few suggestions. Although that was quite a few years ago, these places are still going strong.

The Bar B Barn on Guy is a classic for ribs and chicken and is lots of fun. You could take them to Rue Duluth to one of the many Greek brochetteries there--Duluth in the summer will be an experience. If you want something higher end which you teens would still appreciate, try Gibby's Steakhouse in Old Montreal. It's housed in a 200 year old stables.

Great!!!Thank you for your advice! Rue Duluth looks fun...I think we'll do that route. Gibby's looks fantastic- but too far away I'm thinking.
I appreciate your comments!

I just recommended the book Resto a Go Go by Sarah Musgrove on another thread. It lists 180 reasonably priced restaurants in different neighborhoods.
Duluth is a great street to explore for restaurants--many cuisines in addition to the Greek options.

Bar-B-Barn is good, but very casual and notwithstandingthe great food, nothing they'll remember 20 years from now.

Gibby's, on the other hand, is memorable, historic, fancy while still being relaxred, and with a menu containing familiar food.

As for being too far away -- not in Montreal terms.

I've walked from the QE, or other hotels near it, or the railway station, to Gibby's, and even past it, dozens of times, including leading bunches of middle-aged American executives in Montreal as guersts of my organization.

And it'll be easy enough to find a cab to get back to the hotel.

And once dinner is over, you are in a great neighborhood to wander around in for another hour, before returning to the hotel.

BAK

On Rue Duluth the most popular place to eat is Le Jardan des Panos - a very 'happening' Greek place (brochettes) with a wonderful outdoor terrace. Like most of the places in this area, there are no reservations, just line up and wait your turn. If it's a pleasant evening, definitely request the terrace.
Even more interesting for youngsters is Prince Arthur street, which is a pedestrian walkway lined with outdoor restaurants. This is a VERY lively area, with sidewalk entertainers, and throngs of people strolling about. I must admit, however the quality of the restaurants is not as high as on Duluth. A fun evening might be dining on Duluth, then strolling down St. Denis (lots of excitement on this busy street), then cutting thru the small Sq. St Louis park to Prince Arthur to check out the action.

Terrific suggestion from zootsi--we've done that many times and I think that the teens would enjoy the experience.

Both Duluth and Prince Arthur have a number of bring your own bottle restaurants (I think Panos is one). There's a nearby SAQ (government liquor store) where you can buy one, or take your chances on the cheap plonk you can get in one of the dépanneurs (convenience stores).

I agree with zootsi that the restaurants on Duluth are probably better but it is worth taking the stroll to see both.

A restaurant on Duluth that might interest your family is the Khyber Pass--a BYOB restaurant with Afgan cuisine. We haven't tried it yet but it is on our list
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