Need Your Advice: Steak in Montreal
 

My wife and I along with another couple will be in Montreal in November for one night to see U2 and would like to take our friends to a good place for steak. Have dined 3 or 4 times at Gibby's in the past but would like to possibly try something new. We will be staying at a hotel next to the Bell Centre so walking distance (within 20 minutes of hotel) would be a plus. Was thinking Queue de Cheval but read some reviews where it was said to be overpriced/not worth it though didn't exactly say how much people were spending there. Would like to spend less than $175 CAD to include entrees a drink or two and maybe an appetizer. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Many Thanks

Queue de Cheval is on Sherbrooke right next to the Sheraton so very close and easy to walk to. I was there 4 years ago with 7 girlfriends and yes, it is expensive, but it is an absolutely gorgeous building, and the waiters come around to present the meats for you to order and make a fun show of it. My husband and two friends were there last year and he felt it was one of the best restaurants he's ever been to. As to price, I was wondering how so many people could afford such prices (then $35+ per steak and all a la carte), but when we were leaving we noticed that many people were sharing. One baked potato could feed 2-4, and other sides could easily do the same and split a steak. If you want your own meal plated up for you and not share, then perhaps you would not like it but I think that the place is fantastic and am suprised more guidebooks don't mention it. Good luck and have a great time!

I agree with pks2000's assessment of Queue de Cheval...it is a really beautiful space with a great atmosphere and the food is excellent. While it is expensive, I would not characterize it as overpriced. The portions are generous (my husband and I split the porterhouse for 2 last time we were there and it could have easily fed 3 people), so just order a few things and share to keep the cost down. You will not be disappointed!

Oops sorry, QdC is on Boulevard Rene Levesque.

U2fan, you won't make it on that budget at Queue de Cheval for 4 people with a few drinks each, no way unless you really share everything ; you do get excellent quality and the setting is unique but the price list for food and wine is geared to the expense account crowd.
Montreal does not have a huge selection of true steakhouses, such as you encounter in the states;
last night, I paid $54 U.S.(before tip) at Ruth&Chris in new york city for a petite filet, baked potato and one ginger ale and tea..... so Queue de Cheval is sounding right on the money. You just need to boost up your budget a bit.
Or else Baton Rouge is a moderate rib and steak place near the Bell Centre; more pub style (think Houston's) but the food is good. I would go there for a pre show casual steak dinner within walking distance.

Actually, my budget is $175 CAD for two people. Is that within reason?

You'll have to take a cab, but for a steak house, it's hard to beat Moishe's Steak House on St. Laurent.

Haven't been to Moishe's but if you have that budget you should go for QdC just for the beautiful atmosphere! The cab fare round trip will be $10-$20 to go to St. Laurent so why not spend it on the food? Let us know what you decided on!

What can one reasonably expect to spend at La Queue de Cheval for 2 people including tax and tip? We're not really wine drinkers so probably won't be ordering a bottle. How does it compare to Gibby's re: both food and price?

If you don't order a bottle of wine, I think you'll make it. Taxes and tip are 30% so if your bill is 140$, you'll be on budget.
Their online menu does not quote prices, but from memory I would say 140$ gets you 2 steaks, 2 potatoes , 2 salads and 2 cokes, not much more.
Since you're staying closeby, you should walk over and look at the posted menu at the door.

Decided on QdC since it's right across the street from our hotel and the Bell Centre. Reservation at 5:30, show at 7:30 so hope we have enough time to enjoy without feeling rushed. Has anyone noticed how good a job they do at keeping the non-smoking section free from being infiltrated by smoke from the smoking section as my friend has a significant smoke allergy? Also, any tables better than others? Thanks for all your input.

Why don't you eat a small bite before the show and go to Queue de Cheval after?

They used to allow cigar smoking also ;
asking them to be strategically placed could help, I'm sure they'll know where you would be less bothered.