Even before the shop in Mile End, Catherine and I were already regular visitors. We’d bike up from Verdun on weekends and spend the day exploring the bustling streets and stores. The neighborhood has changed a lot over the past ten years, but that same vibrant feeling is still there.

Mile End is brimming with history, known for its bagels, music and artists. It’s an old manufacturing district, but the industrial buildings along the railway track have mostly now been taken over by film, technology and communications companies at this point. There are still vestiges of its textile past, like the enormous rusted billboard under the overpass, and places like our shop. Our workshop-boutique was a clothing manufacturer in the 1940s and then home to a hat manufacturer, from 1953 right up until we moved atelier b in, in 2011. The neighborhood is changing, but it’s still a place where trends begin and cultures come together.

We’ve been exploring up past the tracks, to nearby Mile Ex and Little Italy, so I’ve included some of the places we’ve discovered over the past few years, even though they’re a little further. Enjoy our little list, and happy touring around town!

You can also stop by our shop for a paper version of the list, so you can take it along on your long walks. And we’re in the process of creating one for Old Montreal too!

Brunch

For those slow weekday mornings or a special treat on an easy Sunday, here’s a list of delicious brunch spots with menus you can’t make at home!

From left to rigth:
Banc Public, 5161 Av. du Parc.
Butterblume, 5836 Saint-Laurent.
Santa Barbara, 6696 Saint-Vallier.

Coffee shops

Authentic Italian coffee, trendy pink décor, a cozy coop—all just steps away. We love taking a walk down to Club Social to sit on the patio with a book, or just to people-watch. When it’s hot, try their Bob-au-lait—a unsweetened iced coffee. Pastel Rita is pink, pink, pink. And their welcome’s as warm as their walls. I like sitting there to write in the quiet and the natural light. Try their ham and pickle sandwich made with bread from nearby Chez Guillaume bakery. Cagibi is a Mile End institution that was forced to relocate after rents skyrocketed in the area—sadly this is becoming the new Mile End reality. Now they’ve crossed the tracks over to Little Italy. You’ll find live music and vegan eats, and the same vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, where everyone’s free to be themselves.

Clockwise:
Cagibi, 6596 Saint-Laurent. Photo: Thirdwave.
Club Social, 180 Saint-Viateur Ouest. Photo: Voici Mile End.
Pista, 500 Beaubien Est.
Pastel Rita, 5761 Saint-Laurent.

Restaurants

For the best atmosphere and ingredients, these are our first choices: a comforting bowl of soup, a raw bar, and something out of the ordinary.

Clockwise:
Bibiko, 31 Saint-Viateur East.
Lustucru, 5159 Parc Av.
Manitoba, 271 Saint-Zotique West.
Tsukuyomi, 5207 Saint-Laurent.

Drinks

We may not be in our twenties anymore, but we still love going for a drink! Whether it’s a pint, an Old Fashioned or a glass of organic white wine.

From left to right:
Cicchetti, 6703 Parc Av.
Sparrow, 5322 Saint-Laurent.
Taverne Atlantic, 6512 Parc Av (photo: Tastet).

Books

Publisher Drawn and Quarterly’s two beautiful bookshops can be found along Bernard Street—one for adults and one for kids. You’ll find a curated collection of fiction, poetry, graphic novels and magazines, including a wide range of indie presses. Make a post-brunch stop at their main store or their kid’s shop just down the street.

From left to right:
Drawn and Quaterly, 211 Bernard Ouest.
Petite Drawn and Quaterly, 176 Bernard Ouest.

Stationary

Writing and drawing materials, or beautiful wrapping paper: here are four spots to find everything from notebooks, paper and pens to lovely little objects.

Clockwise:
Baltic Club, 5752 Saint-Laurent (nos voisins!).
Boucle et Papier, 5183 Saint-Laurent.
Bref, 261 Bernard Ouest.
Papier Japonais, 24 Av. Fairmount Ouest.

Second-hand shops

We love hunting for vintage pieces in these well-curated consignments shops, finding treasures from classic leather jackets or jeans to cheerful sequins, embroidery or neon.

From left to right:
Annex Vintage, 56 Saint-Viateur west.
Citizen Vintage, 5330 Saint-Laurent. Vitrine by artist Gloria-Sherryl François.
Empire de l'Échange, 51 Bernard West.

Records

Bernard is where it’s at for new and vintage vinyl. And don’t be shy—the knowledgeable staff are more than happy to help find just what you’re looking for.

From left to right:
La Rama, 77 Bernard Ouest.
Phonopolis, 207 Bernard Ouest.
Sonorama, 260 Bernard Ouest.

Art galleries

You can find a little cluster of galleries on De Gaspé in one of the industrial buildings, but when it’s nice out, walk a little further and you’ll find two more—they’re well worth the detour!

From left to right:
Articule, 262 Av. Fairmount. Photo: Guy L'Heureux.
La Centrale Galerie Powerhouse, 4296 Saint-Laurent.
Centre Clark, 5455 de Gaspé #114.
Diagonale, 5455 de Gaspé #110.
Optica, 5445 de Gaspé #106.

A quiet spot, ice cream and flowers

Our three favourite places to take a little time for yourself. A walk in the field along the desire lines, a bouquet picked along the path or bought from Tamey under her beautiful birdcages, and an ice cream that’s worth waiting in line for.

From left to right:
Le Champ des Possibles, south of the railroad tracks, between De Gaspé and Henri-Julien.
Kem Coba, 60 Fairmount West.
Dragon Flower, 159 Bernard West.

Thank you to Al Gofa for the cover illustration (2013).