Exploring Metro Charlevoix and the Pointe-Saint-Charles Neighborhood

Pointe-Saint-Charles (known as “The Pointe” to locals) is a historic Montreal neighborhood brimming with new energy. Bordered by the Lachine Canal and the St. Lawrence River, it’s one of the city’s oldest districts – founded in 1654 – and has evolved from farmland owned by the Knox family in the 19th century into an industrial hub and now a vibrant community tastet.ca. Today, steps from Charlevoix metro station (Green Line), you’ll find an eclectic mix of cozy cafés, inventive restaurants, unique shops, and creative spaces that showcase the Pointe’s unique character. Below, we highlight the variety of local businesses within walking distance (500m–1km) of Charlevoix metro, organized by category for easy browsing.

Coworking & Creative Spaces

2727 Coworking (2727 Rue St-Patrick #109) – We begin with this modern coworking hub perched along the Lachine Canal. Only about 100 meters from Charlevoix station, it offers entrepreneurs and remote workers a bright, 24/7 accessible workspace in a sleek, industrial-chic setting. The location is unbeatable – just across the canal from Atwater Market and on a bike path, giving it an excellent 88 Walk Score and a “Biker’s Paradise” 96 Bike Score. Inside, 2727 Coworking has gigabit high-speed internet, private offices and hot desks, a 9-seat conference room (free to members), phone booths for privacy, and a fully equipped kitchen with unlimited specialty coffee and tea. Cyclists and joggers appreciate the on-site showers and bike racks, and even pets are welcome, fostering a friendly, community vibe. Whether you’re a freelancer, startup team, or just need a day pass (available at ~$40), this coworking space combines productivity and comfort in the heart of the Southwest.

Bâtiment 7 (1900 Rue Le Ber) – At the eastern edge of Pointe-Saint-Charles lies a testament to the community’s creative spirit: Bâtiment 7. This 90,000 sq. ft. heritage industrial building was reclaimed by local citizens after years of activism and opened in 2018 as a collectively run hub of “autonomous culture” en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org. Inside, you’ll find an array of projects and services operated by the 7 à Nous collective – from Le Détour, a volunteer-run affordable grocery, to Sans-Taverne, a cooperative microbrewery and taproom that has quickly become a local favorite en.wikipedia.org. There are also art studios, metal and wood workshops, community event spaces and even an urban farm outside. Bâtiment 7 isn’t just a business – it’s a community gathering spot where locals can enjoy a craft beer or attend a workshop, all while witnessing how an abandoned train yard building transformed into a vibrant social hub en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org. It perfectly encapsulates the Pointe’s grassroots creativity and collaborative spirit. Coworking spaces https://2727coworking.com/articles/coworking-spaces-in-montreal-pros-cons-and-local-trends are increasingly popular in Montreal.

Cafés and Coffee Spots

The Pointe-Saint-Charles area around Charlevoix metro has become a haven for café lovers, with everything from classic coffee counters to healthy brunch spots:

• Clarke Café (2483 Rue Centre) – An Italian-style café and sandwich shop with a heartwarming backstory. Clarke is the revival of a beloved Mile End bakery that closed in 2015 montreal.eater.com. Founder Frank Servedio (the son of the original bakery’s owners) reopened Clarke Café in Pointe-St-Charles to offer the same generous sandwiches and cannoli in a more “timeless” setting montreal.eater.com montreal.eater.com. Located just a “stone’s throw from Charlevoix metro” montreal.eater.com, this bright, friendly spot serves up Italian espresso, porchetta and capicollo panini, and homemade pastries – all at reasonable prices to stay true to its roots. (Website: clarkecafe.com)

• Café Bloom (1940 Rue Centre) – A cornerstone of the neighborhood’s café scene, Café Bloom is a colorful and artsy café known for its delicious brunch menu and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where locals linger over expertly brewed coffee and homemade desserts, surrounded by rotating art on the walls. By day, you might see people working on laptops or catching up with friends. By weekend, Bloom attracts crowds for its famous “bun déj” breakfast sandwiches and even Saturday doughnuts – a treat not to be missed mtl.org. They also offer natural wines and seasonal lunch specials, making it a versatile hangout from morning to afternoon mtl.org. (Website: lecafebloom.com)

• Café Cosé (1883 Rue Centre) – This little gem brings a touch of Vietnam to Pointe-Saint-Charles. Café Cosé (a play on “cosy”) has a minimalist, cozy decor and serves up quality espresso-based drinks alongside Vietnamese specialties. It’s a unique spot where you can enjoy a creamy latte or Vietnamese iced coffee and also savor a báhn mì or spring rolls. The friendly owners infuse a bit of their heritage into the menu (you might find a hint of fish sauce or lemongrass in your brunch), making Cosé a delightful fusion of Montreal café culture and Vietnamese comfort food.

• Sunday Cuisine & Café (1905 Rue Centre) – A newer addition to the neighborhood (opened in 2022), Sunday is an ode to wellness and healthy eating. Run by a young couple with roots in Montreal’s culinary scene, this bright and modern café offers vibrant smoothie bowls, fresh-pressed juices, gourmet salads, and wholesome sandwiches that don’t skimp on flavor. The owners, Lélia Vincent and Thomas Vernis, draw on experience at other beloved eateries (like June Buvette and Buvette Pastek) to craft a menu that fuels your body and soul. Don’t worry – you can still get an excellent cappuccino here, but perhaps you’ll pair it with an acai bowl or avocado toast. As the name suggests, it’s the perfect spot to slow down and recharge any day of the week (not just Sunday).

• Florence Café (2425 Rue Centre) – A charming neighborhood café-bakery that wears many hats. Florence is part espresso bar – where you can grab a rich Americano and a freshly baked croissant – and part lunch counter, dishing out pizzas al taglio, sandwiches, and salads. Their display case tempts with sweet and savoury pastries, and in summertime they even serve homemade gelato and a unique soft-serve twist. With its vintage decor and friendly baristas, Florence Café feels like a slice of Old Montreal café culture transplanted to the South-West. It’s a great pit stop while exploring the area, located near the historic Maison Saint-Gabriel museum and other sights.

• Mollo Café & Gelato (2069 Rue Wellington) – “A family story,” is how Mollo describes itself. This delightful spot, recently relocated just a few steps from its original home, doubles as a café and a gelateria tastet.ca. By day, Mollo serves quality coffee, Italian-style gelato made in-house, and fresh baked goods. By early evening, locals swing by for a scoop (or two) of their best-in-the-neighborhood gelato to enjoy at nearby Parc Marguerite-Bourgeoys mtl.org. Mollo also opened a next-door bakery lab offering artisanal sourdough breads and viennoiseries, so the scent of baking often wafts down Wellington Street. If you visit, try a seasonal gelato flavor or one of their iced coffees on a warm day – a true neighborhood treat. (Website: monmollo.com)

! https://www.mtl.org/en/experience/food-itinerary-pointe-saint-charles A homemade toast topped with jam and almonds at a local café (similar to treats found at Café Bloom) – illustrating the cozy, artisanal vibe of Pointe-Saint-Charles cafés. mtl.org

Restaurants & Eateries

From inventive gourmet cuisine to beloved local diners, the Charlevoix metro vicinity offers a world of flavors within a short walk. Here’s a culinary tour of the Pointe:

• Café Cantina (1880 Rue Centre) – A pioneer of California-style Mexican cuisine in the area, Café Cantina has been a Pointe-St-Charles staple since 2010 tastet.ca. This unassuming taqueria was opened by Serge Landae – a Parisian who fell in love with San Francisco’s Mexican food – at a time when the neighborhood had few dining options tastet.ca. He transformed a simple space into a lively cantina adorned with colorful murals and an open layout ideal for groups tastet.ca. Locals flock here for the fresh Cali-Mex menu: think big burritos, fish tacos with zesty slaw, and margaritas or horchata to wash it down. Everything is made with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and the flavors Landae loves, so the menu evolves with seasonal inspiration tastet.ca. Casual, tasty, and budget-friendly, Café Cantina is the kind of place where you can grab a quick lunch or unwind with friends over tacos and beers in the evening. It truly “became a staple lunch and dinner venue for the community” tastet.ca.

• Le Petit Sao (1870 Rue Centre) – Craving Vietnamese cuisine? Le Petit Sao is a cheerful Vietnamese canteen right on Centre Street. Part of a local mini-chain, this Pointe-Saint-Charles location is known for its friendly service and reimagined Vietnamese dishes – from fragrant phở soups to banh mi packed with pickled veggies. The setting is bright and colorful, with lanterns and murals evoking a Saigon street scene. Their menu is affordable and offers several vegetarian options, making it popular for quick lunches. A steaming bowl of their curry or a cold vermicelli noodle salad can be especially satisfying after a walk along the canal. It’s a great example of how the neighborhood’s dining has diversified, bringing authentic Asian flavors into the mix of local eats.

• Sep Lai (2501 Rue Centre at Charlevoix) – A true culinary hidden gem, Sep Lai is a Laotian lunch-and-dinner spot that opened in summer 2021 and quickly earned rave reviews. It occupies the corner space that once housed an old BYOB bistro, but now Chef Natassia Marier – whose mother is Laotian – has transformed it with her heritage. “Sep Lai” means “that was delicious!” in Lao montreal.eater.com, which perfectly captures diners’ reactions to Marier’s herb-filled Laotian dishes. The menu features fresh and fried spring rolls (some even stuffed with mozzarella), vibrant papaya and mint salads, and soothing bowls of khao poon (spicy red curry noodle soup) montreal.eater.com. In the evenings, Sep Lai expands its offerings with specialties like fish steamed in banana leaf, homemade Lao pork sausages, and sticky rice desserts montreal.eater.com. The restaurant remains BYOB (bring your own wine), preserving a neighborhood tradition, and with its 14-seat dining room, it feels intimate and homey. Sep Lai’s story is also one of local evolution – Marier ran the previous restaurant (Machiavelli) but longed to cook the food of her roots, so she reinvented the space to share Laotian family recipes with Pointe-Saint-Charles montreal.eater.com montreal.eater.com. The result is one of Montreal’s most unique small restaurants, where you can discover flavors like lemongrass, galangal, and tamarind in every bite. (Note: It’s wise to reserve or go early, as seating is limited.)

• Shushuto (🏮 Bar à Ramen + Tapas) – A relatively new entrant (opened 2023), Shushuto brings Japanese flair to Charlevoix’s doorstep. Styled as a bar à ramen and izakaya, it serves steaming bowls of tonkotsu ramen alongside Asian-inspired tapas and cocktails. Patrons love the cozy, modern decor and the open kitchen where you can watch the chefs torching char siu pork for your bowl or artfully plating tuna tataki. The ramen broth simmers for hours, yielding deep flavor, and the menu often features creative mash-ups – think ramen poutine or karaage chicken bites with local twists. Located just a short walk from the metro, Shushuto has quickly become a go-to for a comforting lunch or casual dinner with friends. (Insider tip: they sometimes have a late-night happy hour, making it a fun spot for an evening bite.)

• **Machiavelli / (now Sabayon) – While Sep Lai took over Machiavelli’s space, another part of Pointe-Saint-Charles’ culinary landscape lives on through Sabayon. This is a 14-seat micro-restaurant by renowned pastry chef Patrice Demers and sommelier Marie-Josée Beaudoin that opened in late 2023 tastet.ca. Sabayon is an intimate, reservation-only experience that offers a single nightly tasting menu blending savory and sweet courses tastet.ca. Each dinner consists of four inventive savory dishes followed by two of Demers’ signature desserts – all prepared by the chef right in front of the 14 guests seated at the counter tastet.ca. On Friday and Saturday afternoons, Sabayon also hosts a refined tea time service featuring three plated desserts paired with teas tastet.ca. It’s essentially a stage for Demers (formerly of the celebrated Patrice Pâtissier) to show off both the “savoury side” of his creativity and the “sweet side we know and love” tastet.ca. With only the two owners staffing the restaurant, Sabayon provides a highly personalized dining experience – Marie-Josée handles the wine pairings, tea, and attentive service, while Patrice crafts each dish with meticulous care tastet.ca tastet.ca. Reservations open just once a month and tend to sell out instantly tastet.ca, so dining here is a special occasion indeed. For foodies in the neighborhood, Sabayon signals that Pointe-Saint-Charles is now on Montreal’s high-end dining map. (Website: sabayon.ca, at 2194 Rue Centre)

• Fugazzi Pizza (1886 Rue Centre) – Pizza lovers are in luck: Fugazzi brought its acclaimed neo-Neapolitan pizzas to PSC, and it’s been a hit. Fugazzi’s vibe is irreverent and fun – think neon signs, quirky artwork, and creative topping combinations with equally creative names. Their wood-fired pizzas have bubbly crusts and come with toppings ranging from classic Margherita to more daring options like the “Macaulay Culkin” (white sauce, cheese, basil, lemon zest) or “Kevin McCallister” (pepperoni with a twist). Fugazzi shares its space with a trendy upstairs Milky Way Cocktail Bar, so you can make an evening of it: start with a pizza and then slip upstairs through a hidden entrance to Milky Way for drinks. Milky Way itself is noteworthy – it’s one of Montreal’s most beautiful cocktail bars, a “cosmic”-themed lounge with a glass roof and 70’s-inspired decor. Under the twinkle of its faux starlit sky, expert bartenders serve whimsical concoctions (their menu looks like something out of a retro sci-fi comic). The combination of Fugazzi + Milky Way, housed in a converted industrial space, has turned 1886 Centre Street into a nightlife destination. (Both are projects of the Barroco Group, also behind Foiegwa and Milky Way in Saint-Henri.) For a fun night in the Pointe, you can’t go wrong with pizza and cocktails here. (Website: fugazzipizza.com)

• June Buvette (1900 Rue Centre) – Just next door to Fugazzi is June, a tiny wine bar and bistro that oozes charm. June Buvette offers a short menu of playful, nostalgic dishes and an expertly curated natural wine list. The chefs reinvent comfort food with finesse – one day you might find a refined take on mac ’n’ cheese or a seasonal vegetable tart, next time perhaps handmade gnocchi or venison tartare. The intimate, dimly-lit space (once a neighborhood diner, now transformed with vintage decor and vinyl records playing) makes you feel like you’ve discovered a secret Parisian wine bar. Given its size, June is best for a date night or a catch-up with a close friend. And if you’re into wine, ask the sommelier for recommendations – they delight in introducing guests to small organic winemakers. This buvette has quickly become a neighborhood favorite for those seeking an unpretentious gourmet experience with a side of excellent vino.

• Boom J’s Cuisine (1890 Rue Centre) – Adding Caribbean flavor to the mix, Boom J’s is a family-run Jamaican eatery that’s garnered a loyal following in PSC. It’s often said they serve “the best Jamaican food in the area,” especially famous for their jerk chicken cooked on an authentic steel drum imported from Kingston, Jamaica restomontreal.ca. The aroma of pimento and spice that greets you at the door is enough to make your mouth water. The menu covers Jamaican staples: spicy jerk pork, curry goat with roti, oxtail stew, and festivals (sweet fried dumplings) on the side. Don’t miss their house-made sorrel drink or ginger beer to cool your palate. The atmosphere is no-frills – it feels a bit like a lunch counter – but the service is warm and the portions generous. Boom J’s also does a brisk takeout business; on weekends you might see a line of people picking up foil containers of smoky jerk and rice ’n’ peas. It’s a must-try for anyone craving authentic Caribbean home cooking.

• Paul Patates (760 Rue Charlevoix) – A true local institution, Paul Patates has been satisfying comfort-food cravings since 1958 mtl.org. This classic casse-croûte (Québécois diner) looks modest from the outside, but it’s a beloved relic where time stands still. The menu is all about “greasy spoon” Québécois favorites: golden frites, steamed hot dogs (“steamés”), poutine dripping with rich gravy and squeaky cheese curds, and hearty club sandwiches mtl.org. Regulars will tell you Paul Patates also has the best “bière d’épinette” (spruce beer) in town – a sweet, old-fashioned soda brewed on-site (the restaurant’s website is even bieredepinette.ca). It’s the perfect retro accompaniment to your hot dog loaded with mustard and coleslaw (known as “all-dressed” in Montreal). The interior is simple and a bit nostalgic, with vintage photos of Pointe-Saint-Charles on the walls. Eating here feels like a step back in time in the best way. As Tourisme Montréal noted, sometimes “it just feels good to chuck out your healthy eating rules and give in to your ‘bad’ cravings” mtl.org – and Paul Patates is exactly where to do it. Whether you’re a visitor or a long-time resident, a stop at this decades-old joint is a tasty lesson in local Montreal comfort food. (Website: bieredepinette.ca)

! https://www.mtl.org/en/experience/food-itinerary-pointe-saint-charles Classic Quebec comfort food at Paul Patates – a plate of gooey poutine and two “all-dressed” steamé hot dogs. This Pointe-Saint-Charles diner has been serving these favorites since the 1950s mtl.org.

Shops & Specialty Stores

While dining options around Charlevoix steal the spotlight, there are also unique shops and gourmet stops worth visiting:

• Taglio Boucherie & Deli (1889 Rue Centre) – Part butcher shop, part sandwich counter, Taglio carries on a delicious legacy. It opened in 2023 to revive the tradition of Quebec Smoked Meat, taking over the smokehouse of a historic meat producer that had operated on Centre Street since the 1950s. The new Taglio is an artisanal boucherie where you can buy quality cuts of meat and charcuterie, but many folks come for the ready-to-eat offerings. Their smoked meat sandwich – piled high on rye bread with mustard – is easily one of the best in town, a true rival to Schwartz’s. They also make excellent smoked salmon, porchetta, beef carpaccio, and prosciutto cotto, bringing a gourmet flair to old-school favorites. You can grab a sandwich or deli platter to go, or enjoy it on their small outdoor terrace in summer. Taglio has quickly become a new essential of the neighborhood, pleasing both old-timers (who missed the classic smoked meat) and newcomers seeking local craft food.

• Lecavalier Petrone (2423 Rue Centre) – A designer chocolate and pastry shop that will dazzle your eyes and taste buds. Lecavalier Petrone was founded by two talented pastry chefs, Chloé Migneault-Lecavalier and Loïse Desjardins-Petrone, and it has gained a reputation as one of Montreal’s best chocolateries. Originally run out of a tiny workshop, they moved into a larger, beautifully designed boutique on Centre Street to meet demand. Inside, it feels part art gallery, part bakery: glossy, jewel-like bonbons lined up in display cases, alongside delicate petits gâteaux and pastries that look almost too pretty to eat. They play with surprising flavors – you might find a yuzu-infused ganache or a pastry with thyme and honey. Seasonal specialties (Easter eggs, holiday confections) draw crowds, and Valentine’s Day at Lecavalier Petrone is especially popular for obvious reasons. If you have a sweet tooth, this shop is a must-visit. Treat yourself to a box of their signature chocolates (each one hand-painted) or their inspired take on a Paris-Brest pastry – you won’t regret it mtl.org. (Website: lecavalierpetrone.com)

• BBagels (2126 Rue Centre) – A new contender in Montreal’s bagel scene, BBagels (yes, with two B’s) opened in July 2023 and has quickly charmed Pointe-Saint-Charles residents with its homemade artisanal bagels tastet.ca. Don’t come here expecting a St-Viateur or Fairmount style bagel; BBagels are a breed of their own. Founder Alon Biron, a passionate home baker turned entrepreneur, created a recipe that yields extra-large, vegan, sugar-free bagels that are both crunchy on the outside and soft inside tastet.ca. They’re twice the size of a typical Montreal bagel and stay tender even the next day – not that they’ll last that long! Flavors range from classic sesame or poppy to a fragrant za’atar-spiced bagel that’s a nod to Biron’s Middle-Eastern inspiration tastet.ca. Instead of cream cheese, BBagels serves “schmears,” which are house-made spreads bursting with flavor. Customers rave about the dill-pickle schmear and the green onion & lemon schmear as perfect accompaniments tastet.ca. The shop’s atmosphere is upbeat and contagiously energetic – expect music playing and a warm welcome from the staff as soon as you step in tastet.ca. Grab a trio or six-pack of bagels to share (their motto: “food is meant to be shared”) and some schmear, and you have the makings of a great picnic by the canal. (Website: bbagels.ca)

• Rubie’s (2194B Rue Centre) – Fried chicken fans, rejoice. Rubie’s is a gourmet fried chicken counter opened by chef Hakim Chajar (known from TV’s Les Chefs) that specializes in gluten-free fried chicken mtl.org. Yes, you read that right – the crust is so crisp and flavorful, you’d never guess it’s gluten-free. This takeout-oriented spot started as a pop-up but quickly turned into a permanent venture due to high demand and rave word-of-mouth. Rubie’s uses organic Québec chicken, marinated and fried to order, served as either three or six-piece combos or in hefty sandwiches. The fried chicken is wonderfully juicy, and the seasoning has a hint of Middle Eastern spices (a nod to Chajar’s Moroccan background). Sides include truffle mac ’n’ cheese, tangy coleslaw, and waffle fries, making it a comfort food haven. There’s no dine-in, so most people grab a box to go – perhaps to enjoy at home during a Netflix night or at a nearby park. Located just across from Gadbois recreation complex, Rubie’s also attracts families and teens post-hockey practice. It’s a cool example of a chef-driven concept hitting the streets of PSC, and proving that even fast food can be elevated when done with passion and quality ingredients mtl.org. (Website: rubiesmtl.com)

• Fromagerie Copette & Cie (1960 Centre Street) – Cheese lovers should make a slight detour to this charming fromagerie (technically just a bit beyond 1km, but worth the stroll). Copette & Cie is a gourmet cheese and specialty foods shop on Centre Street at Charon. Inside, the shelves are stocked with Québec artisan cheeses, imported European cheeses, charcuterie, fresh baguettes, and an array of jams, oils, and goodies to build the perfect charcuterie board. The owners are incredibly knowledgeable – tell them what you’re planning and they’ll happily give pairing suggestions or let you taste a sliver of something rare. Copette also serves great coffee and has a lunch menu of grilled cheese sandwiches (using their fine cheeses, of course) and soups. It’s the kind of place that smells heavenly (if you’re a cheese fan) and embodies the gourmet grocery side of Pointe-Saint-Charles. Pick up some 2-year-old cheddar or creamy riopelle cheese and have yourself a picnic by the canal.

(Shopping for everyday needs? The area has convenience stores and small grocers, but for a larger grocery run there’s a Super C supermarket on Charlevoix St. a short walk south of the metro, as well as the famous Atwater Market just across the canal via the footbridge.)

Bars & Breweries

For those looking to unwind with a drink or enjoy Montreal’s craft beer scene, the neighborhood around Charlevoix station doesn’t disappoint:

• Knox Taverne (1871 Rue Centre) – In the heart of The Pointe sits Knox, a gastropub with a perfect blend of character and comfort. The tavern’s name honors the Knox family, 19th-century landowners who left their mark on the area tastet.ca, and its decor nods to the neighborhood’s working-class history. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by a long bar of rich wood, exposed brick walls, and even a stunning “living wall” of climbing plants that stretches toward the ceiling tastet.ca tastet.ca. By day, sunlight pours through garage-door-style windows; by night, the atmosphere turns cozy and convivial under dimmed lights and the glow of the backlit bar. Knox Taverne is famous for its elevated pub food. Chef Aldo Loud (formerly of L’Orignal) serves up what he calls comfort food with a twist: think beer-battered fish tacos with tomatillo salsa, pulled-pork poutine, and seasonal creations like wild mushroom risotto tastet.ca. The undisputed star, however, is the “Knox Burger”, a behemoth topped with bacon, aged cheddar, and a housemade Coca-Cola mayo – Tastet magazine even declared it “one of Montreal’s finest burgers,” a “fascinating blend of flavours” tastet.ca. Menu prices are reasonable for the quality (mains ~$15) and the kitchen stays open late, which draws in the post-hockey crowd from the local arena. On the drink side, Knox shines with an extensive beer list, over 50 whiskey varieties, and craft cocktails featuring house-made syrups and bitters tastet.ca tastet.ca. Their mixologists change the cocktail menu with the seasons, ensuring there’s always something new to try. In summer, the tavern’s sidewalk terrace is a prime spot, while winter might find you nursing an Irish coffee at the bar. All in all, Knox has become “a superb destination in Pointe-St-Charles” that locals return to for the friendly service, great drinks, and reliably delicious fare tastet.ca. (Facebook/Instagram: @knoxmtl)

• Memento Brasserie Artisanale (2471 Rue Saint-Patrick) – Beer enthusiasts should head toward the canal, where Brasserie Memento has set up a funky two-story microbrewery and taproom brasseriememento.com. Opened in 2022 in a refurbished industrial space along St-Patrick (near the Nordelec complex), Memento embraces a playful, geek-chic theme – you might spot vintage arcade décor or colorful street art inside. They brew a rotating selection of craft beers on-site, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, often with witty names nodding to pop culture. Not a beer drinker? Memento also offers a surprisingly vast menu of organic wines and creative cocktails mtl.org, making it welcoming to all. The space is large and often hosts events: trivia nights, live music, even board game meetups. In warmer months, their beautiful terrace by the Lachine Canal is a fantastic place to relax with a pint in hand tastet.ca – you can watch cyclists pass by on the bike path and enjoy the sunset over the water. For a snack, they serve gourmet hot dogs, poutine, and bar bites with a twist. Memento has quickly become a community hangout, adding to Pointe-Saint-Charles’ reputation as an up-and-coming spot for craft beer. (Website: brasseriememento.com)

• Microbrasserie 4 Origines (1304 Rue Saint-Patrick) – Another player in the local beer scene, 4 Origines Brewery is located a short walk west of the metro (closer to Hibernia Street, but still in PSC). Founded by four friends from different backgrounds (hence “4 origins”), this brewery taproom helped spearhead the neighborhood’s revitalization when it opened a few years ago. The taproom is spacious and rustic-modern, often filled with a mix of hip young adults and older folks from the area – all enjoying fresh beer. The selection ranges from easy-drinking blond ales to experimental sours and barrel-aged porters. They encourage tasting flights, so you can sample a bit of everything. 4 Origines doesn’t have a kitchen, but they frequently partner with food trucks or allow BYO food (sometimes you’ll see someone bring in a pizza from Fugazzi to enjoy with their flight). They also sell cans to go – perfect as souvenirs or for continuing the evening at home. If you’re a craft beer aficionado, checking out both 4 Origines and Memento makes for a fun mini pub crawl entirely within Pointe-Saint-Charles.

• Milky Way Cocktail Bar (1886 Rue Centre, upstairs) – Mentioned earlier alongside Fugazzi Pizza, Milky Way deserves its own shout-out for nightlife. Tucked above the pizza parlour, this bar is literally hidden – you enter through an unmarked pastel door and ascend a staircase to find a stunning space with a retractable glass roof. The design is retro-futuristic: midnight blue walls, starry lights, lush plants, and a centerpiece bar. Milky Way’s cocktail menu is as creative as its decor. Drinks are categorized by planetary themes and use eclectic ingredients. One standout is the “Saturn Spritz”, a gin-based cocktail with passionfruit and sparkling wine that arrives garnished with a ring-shaped citrus peel (a nod to Saturn’s rings). Another is the “Red Giant”, a spicy tequila cocktail served flaming. If adventurous mixology isn’t your thing, they also offer natural wines and craft beers. The bar has a DJ on weekends spinning funk and disco, which, combined with the venue’s tropical greenhouse feel when the roof is open, makes any night here feel a bit magical. No reservations – first come, first served, and it can fill up fast after 9 PM, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s worth the wait for a taste of one of Montreal’s most talked-about cocktail experiences.

Community and Culture

Beyond eating, drinking, and shopping, the area around Metro Charlevoix has a rich community life and cultural attractions:

• Share the Warmth (625 Rue Fortune) – Housed in a former church, Share the Warmth is a long-standing community organization in The Pointe that operates a thrift shop, used bookstore, and café with a social mission. During weekdays, the public can browse affordable second-hand clothing, household items, and a large selection of books (proceeds support the charity’s programs). In one corner, there’s often a pot of coffee brewing and homemade muffins for sale – the feel is like a cozy community center. Share the Warmth’s impact is significant: they run a food bank, school lunch programs, music lessons for kids, and job training initiatives, all aimed at improving the lives of local residents. Visitors are welcome to drop in, shop for a cause, or even volunteer. It’s a great way to see the neighborhood’s caring side in action and maybe find a unique vintage Montréal souvenir or two. (Website: sharethewarmth.ca)

• Maison Saint-Gabriel Museum (2146 Place Dublin) – Tucked near the river about 1 km from Charlevoix station, Maison Saint-Gabriel is a gem for history buffs. This 300-year-old farmhouse turned museum was once the site where Marguerite Bourgeoys welcomed “les Filles du Roy” (the King’s Wards) in the 17th century. It is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Montreal. Today, the museum offers a window into New France-era life: you can tour the stone house with its antique furniture and kitchen tools, stroll the gardens where heirloom vegetables grow, and even see demonstrations of colonial crafts like wool spinning or bread baking in an outdoor oven. Guides in period costume recount stories of early settlers, including the Irish laborers who later populated Pointe-Saint-Charles in the 19th century. The site also hosts special events, like storytelling evenings and historical reenactments. Visiting Maison Saint-Gabriel provides deeper context to the area – after immersing in the new restaurants and hip hangouts, it’s enlightening to step back in time and appreciate the layers of history beneath. (Website: maisonsaint-gabriel.qc.ca)

• Lachine Canal Park & Bike Path – The green ribbon along the canal is an attraction unto itself. Just a short walk north of the metro, you can access the Lachine Canal multi-use path, which is popular for cycling, jogging, and leisurely walks. In summer, you’ll see kayaks and electric boats cruising the calm canal waters, and picnickers on the grassy banks. One convenient option here is Ma Bicyclette (at Atwater Market, 10 minutes west along the canal), where you can rent a bike to explore further iglta.org. Head east and you’ll pass the historic Five Roses flour mill and Griffintown; head west and you’ll reach Verdun’s trendy Wellington Street. The canal path is also dotted with interpretive panels about the area’s industrial past – including the factories and rail yards that once employed many Pointe-Saint-Charles residents. For locals, the canal is like an extension of their backyard: you might spot people fishing, painting en plein air, or doing morning yoga by the water. No visit to The Pointe is complete without enjoying this slice of urban nature that has defined the neighborhood’s geography and is now a cherished recreational space.

Pointe-Saint-Charles may be one of Montreal’s oldest quarters, but around Metro Charlevoix it feels alive with new possibilities. The juxtaposition of old taverns and ultra-modern restaurants, of traditional bakeries and avant-garde coworking spaces, all within a few blocks, is what gives the area its charm. Whether you’re a resident looking for your next go-to brunch spot or a visitor eager to venture beyond downtown, The Pointe offers a welcoming, walkable community with authentic Montreal character.

From sipping a latte at a cozy café to savoring poutine at a 60-year-old diner, browsing local art, and raising a glass at a canal-side microbrewery, you can experience a whole spectrum of city life here. So next time you hop off at Charlevoix station, take a day to explore the neighborhood – you just might discover your new favorite hangout or a piece of Montreal history you never knew. Enjoy your exploration of Pointe-Saint-Charles, one local business at a time!

Sources: Local business websites, Tourisme Montréal mtl.org mtl.org, Tastet.ca foodie guides tastet.ca, and community archives en.wikipedia.org for historical context. All information is current as of 2025 and highlights currently operating businesses. Get out there and enjoy the Pointe’s unique local gems!

Sources

• tastet.ca
• en.wikipedia.org
• montreal.eater.com
• mtl.org
• restomontreal.ca
• brasseriememento.com
• iglta.org