Take a seat, stay a while: five can’t-miss lounge spots around Concordia to eat, drink, and kick back at between classes.
Myriade, 1432 Mackay St.
Price point: $
Menu recommendations: Iced vanilla latte, Cinnamon danish
Myriade is a well-loved and internationally renowned third-wave cafe nestled right in the heart of Concordia’s downtown campus. Their coffee is stellar and a must-try for any espresso enthusiast. They also offer a selection of high-quality teas and pastries. Though the space is small and business seems pretty constant, Myriade offers several small tables perfect for a quick catch-up with a friend or giving your notes a refresh before class.
Café Aunja, 1448 Sherbrooke St. W.
Price point: $$
Menu recommendations: Persian fog, Chicken coucou sandwich
Self-titled “The Rose of Iran,” Café Aunja brings Persian culture’s warm character and beauty to downtown Montreal. Just a five-minute walk from Guy-Concordia metro station, this unique cafe boasts beautiful antique Persian decor, plenty of cozy wooden furniture to house its guests, and a menu that promises a symphony of flavour at a fair price for such a high-quality casual dining experience. Whether you’re stopping by for a persian fog on the go or staying in to enjoy their expansive brunch menu, Café Aunja is a rosey, cozy experience any student can appreciate.
Columbus Café & Co, 1370 Sainte-Catherine St. W.
Price point: $
Menu recommendations: Matcha latte, Vegan
Looking for a cafe without the frills? Columbus Café & Co offers a classic coffee shop experience without trying to cater to the sterilized, no-nonsense vibe that so many cafes today seem to have. Their decor is vibrant, fun, and a little tousled — a welcoming atmosphere for anyone walking in from downtown. You can take a seat on one of the well-loved cushioned stools by the window and relax with a matcha latte and one of the many sandwiches they offer. This location has lots of seating and a terrace nearly the same size as the cafe itself, inviting everyone to kick back, revamp, and people-watch along Sainte-Catherine.
Bonus: Their washrooms are huge and clean!
Reggie’s Bar, 1455 Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
Price point: $
Menu recommendations: Greenhouse G&T, Breakfast poutine
Reggie’s is a staple at Concordia. This student-run co-op bar regularly hosts a variety of fun activities by the university’s many student groups, from ice-breakers to live band jam sessions. Located within the Hall building, Reggie’s is the the perfect place for Concordia students to let loose, feel at home among their peers, and dig into their menu of classic bargain comfort food.
Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill, 1254 Mackay St.
Price point: $$
Menu recommendations: Upstairs paloma, Upstairs burger
If students want a unique and culturally vibrant dining experience close to campus, the Upstairs Jazz Bar and Grill provides artistic eats and entertainment in equal measure. The stage sits front and centre at the entrance to this classic basement jazz lounge (cheeky name, right?) and hosts a variety of musical guests Tuesday through Sunday, including a free “Concordia student jazz jam” every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Upstairs’ candle-lit tables, smiling staff, and never-ending setlist of vibrant performances welcomes students to take a moment and live in the music.
