After a long day of classes, extracurriculars, and small talk, McGill students often find themselves in search of an affordable, relaxing outing. While the low prices at Gerts and Blues can make for a cost-effective evening, The Tribune has compiled a list of restaurants and bars throughout Montreal that also offer discounts and deals. This fall, escape the McGill bubble and enjoy some new eats and cheap drinks.
Lola Rosa
Though technically still within the McGill sphere, located just a block down from Milton Gates, Lola Rosa offers a variety of plant-based menu items from tacos asada to curry, gyro to braised tofu. The restaurant also offers a selection of desserts and caffeinated beverages, serving an excellent cappuccino. While the food is delicious, and the ambiance is warm and intimate (with a range of music choices from Addison Rae to Grimes), it is also economical for broke university students, who can receive a 15 per cent discount with a McGill student ID. For those who live far away from campus, Lola Rosa is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of classes and catch up with a friend over a $14 CAD platter of nachos. If caffeine alone fails to ease your day, Lola Rosa also offers alcoholic coffee beverages.
Le Majestique Bar
For delicious seafood on a budget, Montreal is home to many restaurants that offer deals on oysters—but the atmosphere in Le Majestique is unbeatable. Their typical price for oysters is $3.75 CAD, which drops down to $2.50 CAD for their happy hour deal between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The space, although not particularly spacious, is always bustling with large crowds until 3:00 a.m. Begin your night with an economical platter of oysters and signature cocktails, transitioning into a longer night of casual partying.
Urbanista
If you’re in search of a hot pregame bar or simply an evening of many cheap cocktails, Urbanista, located in the heart of the Plateau area, is the ideal place to go. Their happy hour, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., promotes two-for-one cocktail deals—an ideal arrangement for students on a budget. With booths lining the bar and eclectic, vintage lights hanging from the ceiling, Urbanista curates a laid-back vibe conducive to a night of tipsy chatting among a large group.
Bar Bootlegger
In competition with Le Majestique, Bar Bootlegger is yet another Montreal bar that offers happy hour deals on oysters—but their happy hour menu extends past the $1 CAD oysters, including deals on drinks as well. Available every day of the week between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Bootlegger sells local beer or cider pints for only $5 CAD and signature cocktails for $13 CAD, rather than their usual pricing of around $19 CAD per cocktail. On Tuesdays, enjoy free entry to the spot, with live jazz performances starting at 9:00 p.m.
Barbossa
Barbossa is a known favourite among McGill students. Free entry before 10:00 p.m. is not the only deal this spot offers: It also provides a variety of happy hour deals—$10 CAD martinis all night on Mondays; $10 CAD margaritas on Tuesdays; $10 CAD espresso martinis on Wednesdays. From Thursday through Saturday, Barbossa promotes two-for-one cocktails between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Any day of the week, stop by Barbossa for great deals on drinks and enjoy music from local DJs. Whether you are in the mood for a martini or an amaretto sour, jazz music or house, Barbossa has it all, coupled with a groovy, checker-printed dancefloor.
