When I saw that the 1608 Bar within the renowned Fairmount Château Frontenac landmark hotel was one…read moreof the top cocktail places in all of Canada, I knew that I needed to pay it a visit. The hotel itself had also long been regarded as a must-see in Quebec City, though my friend and I found its lobby underwhelming. The bar, however, was in the back of the main floor and offered stunning views of the St. Lawrence River. We approached the host stand and asked if it would be possible to get a table for two on short notice and without a reservation. While we did not get seats with a view, we were thrilled to secure what seemed to be the lone remaining table. The room was cylinder in shape with a circular bar right in the center. The walls were either windows overlooking the River or bookcases of the classics. There were exposed lightbulbs hanging from the ceiling that provided the only real illumination in the dimly-lit bar. The place had a mix of industrial, rustic, and masculine vibes. It felt almost like a scientist's lair or a professor's library. Our server, Henry, was very refined, yet personable. He helped my friend navigate the mocktail list and ensure she was going to get a concoction that met her needs. Meanwhile, I loved perusing the cocktail list that explained the inspiration behind each of their custom beverages. I immediately selected the Apex, as it included many of my favorite ingredients. The martini had been inspired by The Great Gatsby and was composed of Bistro Vodka, ginger, a passion fruit and vanilla cordial, Suze, pineapple bitters, sesame, and prosecco. The bright yellow drink was topped with a hefty scoop of a ginger-lemongrass foam. The sesame, ginger, and lemongrass gave the drink an exotic, Asian flavor that was as delicious as it was unique. In addition to our drinks, the bar was nice enough to give each table a bowl of potato chips. The couple next to us was going through their snack fairly quickly, so, despite being full from dinner, I figured I needed to at least try a solitary chip. Sadly, they were just plain and nothing out of the ordinary, though they were a tasty rendition for sure. The 1608 Bar was a fun, intriguing, and gorgeous place. It certainly earned its spot of number 41 on Canada's 100 Best Bars list, for its creativity in particular. I would highly recommend grabbing a cocktail there, but I would suggest making a reservation first, as I think that we had just been lucky to get the last table.

Everybody who visits Quebec City knows of the historic Frontenac Hotel. It is so stately and…read morebeautiful that it may seem off-limits to those who are not staying there. However, 1608 Bar is accessible to visitors. After a day of exploring the city, we stopped in for a drink and were rewarded with a beautiful bar area with lots of comfortable seating and a world class view of the river. The drinks were imaginative and lovely. Snacks were promptly served, and the wait staff couldn't have been kinder. Highly recommend.

I came across JJacques while looking at the Canada's 100 Best Bars list and spotted it at number…read more11. Apparently, their cocktails were not the only thing that shined, as their food was also supposed to be so great that the place was a late-night chef hangout. I was wandering around Old Quebec while multitasking to find a dinner destination on my phone. I spotted a bar stool available for reservation at JJacques and spontaneously grabbed it and ran to hail a cab to the Saint Roch neighborhood. Thankfully, I had researched ahead of time to learn that the place was not the easiest to find. My cab pulled up in front of the non-descript metal door in an alleyway, and the driver had his doubts that it was actually the restaurant, but I assured him that I just had to ring the doorbell to enter. I exited the vehicle and pressed the Ring, which triggered a warm greeting from a man inside. He led me through two thick sets of curtains and into their stunning bar area. There was a very lengthy dining counter and bar with velvet stools and views of the open prep area, as well as a few large u-shaped booths. Just beyond that I caught a peak of their dining room that looked cool as well. The place was really just a vibe! The atmosphere made you feel like you were cool enough to be invited to a hidden outlet of culinary and beverage delights. I was escorted to my seat at the bar, where the gracious Francis kept me entertained throughout the experience. Naturally, I wanted to get a drink, so I looked through their custom cocktails and their list of around 175 bottles of wine. For some reason, most of the mixed drinks did not pique my curiosity, except the Golden Nail, which included Hornitos Plata Tequila, Mezcal Del Maguey, Mais Violet, piment ancho, and cacao. The boozy concoction offered a hint of sweet chocolate and was served in a rocks glass with one large ice cube. It was a truly delicious cocktail. However, I did notice that many of the drinks used liquors that were not particularly what I would call "top shelf", such as Absolut, which I found surprising for such a renowned bar. Regardless, I was happy with my selection and even ordered a second one to enjoy with my few courses. Speaking of my meal progression, I started with an order of the Roasted Carrots. The mini carrots included their tops and were plated into a small stack. The perfectly cooked orange points were served over a green pea purée and topped with almonds, crispy parmesan, and fresh mint. I am not typically a fan of peas, but, wow, if I could have bottled that chunky sauce, I would have. It was like a bright, earthy, non-oily chimichurri. My entree was similarly phenomenal. Three scallops were seared to a golden brown and served over buttery mashed potatoes. The other side of the plate included a mussel bisque. A funky farmer's cheese called Alfred le Fermier and crispy breadcrumbs were sprinkled over the dish. I thought that two of the scallops could have been cooked a touch more, but the creamy, rich potatoes and sauces were just sheer decadence, offering flavors of both the earth and the sea. While I was getting full at that point, I simply had to order the Blondie for dessert, as it included all sorts of Fall flavors that I adored. When it arrived, it was not quite what I had expected. Instead of being a square piece of chocolate chip brownie, it was actually broken chunks of a moist, plain cake plated with swirls of decadent chocolate and coffee ganache, a fresh heirloom pumpkin jam, and a dusting of autumn spices. I ordered a generic espresso martini to pair with it, and, boy, was it delicious! It was well-balanced, smooth, not too sweet, and topped with a decent portion of foam. When I was ready to leave, Francis was even nice enough to call me a cab and make sure it actually arrived. His generosity was just another aspect that highlighted how extraordinary my JJacques experience truly was. While I adored the drinks that I ordered, I would say that the place should be even more known for their stellar cuisine.

A mysterious little place tucked away in an alley, where you have to buzz to get in--and once you…read moredo, you discover a hidden oasis. The atmosphere is very quaint, intimate, and wonderfully dark, making the whole experience feel like you've stumbled upon a well-kept secret. The service was exceptional. Sam was incredibly attentive and offered excellent recommendations from the menu, which made choosing what to order much easier. The entire meal was unique, creative, and absolutely delicious. From the atmosphere to the food and service, this was a truly memorable dining experience. Definitely a hidden gem worth discovering!

This was our favorite spot in Vieux Quebec. It's a slightly hidden cocktail bar behind Bistro…read moreL'Orygine. You make a separate reservation and then enter through a black door and green curtain. Service is phenomenal. The bartenders and weight staff, as well as manager, all greet and serve you. They are extremely knowledgeable, and I love their forward thinking. They only use local ingredients for their drinks. If it doesn't grow in Canada or Quebec, they do not use it. So they do not use things like citrus. Instead, they come up with other ways to bring the flavor into their cocktails and food. And definitely try some food! We went for the drinks, but the food blew our minds. We got some mixed tapa plates and loved it all- especially the homemade beef jerky. The back patio is so nice during the summer. And the inside is a definite vibe. Can't wait to go back!

Stopped in for cocktails and small bites. The cocktail menu is extensive and features local items…read more The staff were very helpful and friendly. The cocktails were well balanced and delicious. We shared the Lobster Toast and the Cubano Sandwich. Both were wonderful!!!

The onion soup was something you will dream about. Beer selection great, ambiance and service…read moreimpeccable. Definitely recommend!

OniOn SoooouuP! +…read more Ambiance is oLd as in hundreds of years, very cozy, dark stone walled cave-like open bar-kitchen and 2 tiny DRs. Low ceilings with some U$D on a door way, tiny rooms that add to the warm atmosphere. They surprisingly have narrow and deep subterranean levels ( not DR ). On warmer and not rainy days, a few tables are on a made do sidewalk patio. OA maybe the oldest pub in QC. ++. Food is pub fare. OA is known for their French Onion Soup and that's what I came for. They do serve draft beers. I was happy to find OA serving FOS as many places in the uptown didn't serve it yet ( I was told it's too warm .... Ummm it's 50-65F and rainy! ). The FOS was hot, cheesy and flavorful! It wasn't too salty and light on onions. I would've liked a bit more onions but very much enjoyed it! +. Price seemed fair enough for this hot and flavorful FOS on this cold rainy day. ++. Service was prompt, friendly and cheerful! =. Parking is challenging in this old cobble stone city. There are several paid lots in a (long) walking distance. Enjoy! MY RATINGS - -- Inhumane -- Disgusted - Don't bother = Missed the Mark + Good ++ Better +++ EDIBLE...WHERE have you been all my LiFe!

Nice little basement bar that comes to life on weekend nights with québécois music - performed both…read moreby a guitar player on stage and by the whole audience singing along! Great atmosphere, reasonably priced beers, fast service. Best to be there around 9pm for the 9.30pm show unless you have a reservation.

Five stars. This is my kind of bar. It's dark, it's in a cellar, and it has a cozy relaxed…read moreatmosphere. This place was recommended to me by a maitre de' when I inquired about a calm relaxed bar to visit on Grande Alle. He didn't steer me wrong. On the Sunday night I visited, I was fortunate enough to catch the one man guitar act. I loved it. And I loved the female bartender behind the bar serving drinks. She was without a doubt the most beautiful girl my eyes have ever laid upon. And that observation was made long before I ordered my first beer.

Went there on a cold Tuesday night in August 2017, mostly for a pint of Guinness and to rest my…read moretired legs. The drink was amazing, whiskey collection on point. But what ensued would turn out to be one of the most memorable nights of my trip. Sitting in the back room crushing my pint, I slowly noticed people walking in with instruments one by one. I am talking harmonica, fiddlers, guitars, banjos, drums - you get gist. And in the most nonchalant and most welcoming way, one by one they ALL started playing together!!! I am not talking 5 people, imagine more like 15-20 people all playing together! Just sitting around causally, drinking beers, enjoying each other's company and playing some of the most impromptu Irish music you will ever hear! I can't recommend this place enough. I have never seen anything like this. Will definitely turn up if I'm ever in the area!

Was not expecting to find a great Irish bar in Quebec City with perfect pints of Guinness, but here…read morewe are. This entire bar with barrels for tables in the front and chairs and regular tables in the back was just what I needed for my afternoon drinking. I raise a glass to this great bar which I'll gladly return to when I'm back in town.

Came for the karaoke Friday and Saturday. KJ is excellent, keeps in between music lively and fun…read more Great sound system, lots of good singers, some not so, but all applaud anyhow! All good fun. That is until the drunk group comes in and are obnoxious, rude and ruin the nice vibe. That is when we leave. It's too bad that this seems to be a regular thing. Will definitely be back, but hoping something will be done about checking at the door turning away extremely drunk groups. One star off for this, otherwise a fantastic karaoke find in Quebec City.

Stopped by mid-afternoon for cocktails and snacks. We were pointed towards a table by a window,…read more(nice view of the street), then ignored for the next quarter of an hour. We were just about to 'dip' when someone came and took our order. Another ten minutes later, cocktails arrived, almost half an hour for a plate of nachos and an order of poutine! Meanwhile, the staff kept stepping out front for smoke breaks with the 'regulars'. (?) The whole vibe was that this was a place for a small 'in group' of staff and regulars, and no one else was welcome!

Location: Halfway down the Escallier casse cou. Those red…read moreumbrellas you see on photos? That's them. The perfect place to stop when the skies suddenly open up and soak you as you are walking down! Parking: ummmm.. why would you drive here? Place: It's a pub. Obviously havent been updated in a while but the that's what all the good pubs are like :) There are 2 sections I sat in the back part, the front was filled with customers who had been sitting out under those umbrellas before the rain came . Lots of different sized tables. Ooh they have a shelf full of board games. Food: I don't drink but they have lots of craft beers and the couple next to me loved the amount they had on tap. When I first walked in the waitress walked by with what looked like a giant lasagna with salad and I thought oh I want that. When I looked at the menu I realized they don't have lasagna and I figured it must be the croques Monsieur. So that is what I ordered and that is exactly what came. It was very generous and full of cheese which was toasted golden brown it was really good. The salad was good too really fresh the dressing was good. I'm glad I chose it. Staff was nice. They spoke both French and English depending on what you were more comfortable with. I stumbled through French because I'm in Quebec I should speak French. It was a really casual vibe it was like a nice little oasis I had been walking a lot that day and it was just relaxing and chill. Would totally go again. I really like the food. I mean there's a thousand other reasons to be in the area but in the area I would stop there

Smack in the middle of Old Quebec, it was the easiest spot we could get that was dog-friendly. The…read moreplace is nice, kinda dive bar-ish. Decent outdoor seating. The staff was friendly and accommodating. They immediately offered water to my dog. They were also attentive, but seemed to be a bit scatter-brained at times. Food was good. Bar food. Can't complain. You didn't feel horrible eating it. Quite filling and tasty actually. Yes, it's in the middle of a heavy traffic area. It may seem like a tourist trap, but it isn't. Worth a stop of a good bite while going through the city.