4 Bars To Grab Drinks With Your Friends In NDG

Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (otherwise known as NDG) is an urban oasis close to the downtown core. It features an eclectic mix of students, professionals, families, and immigrants, creating a vibrant neighbourhood. Today, we’re going to look at the best places in NDG to grab a drink and have a good time with friends!

Jardin Iwaki

NDG is a dynamic and multicultural district, and Jardin Iwaki embodies this diversity. Located on Sherbrooke Street West, this small Japanese eatery doubles as a cozy neighbourhood bar that’s perfect for a romantic date night or an evening with friends.

The establishment is owned by chef Tadayuki Endo, who named the place after his hometown of Iwaki that was destroyed during the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami. The gastronomic menu changes every week, but it’s the sake that’s the main draw here.

Made from fermented rice wine, this traditional Japanese beverage is typically served warm with sushi. Each brand of sake tastes different, but the selection of at Jardin Iwaki focuses on a blend between subtle sweetness and acidity, creating a delicious result.

Typhoon Lounge

Are you looking for a good time with your friends but don’t want to venture all the way downtown? Head to Typhoon Lounge on Monkland, which serves as the neighbourhood’s unofficial dive bar. Conspicuously located in the basement of a building, this laid-back establishment serves some of the best cocktails in NDG.

If it’s your first time visiting this hotspot, you’ll find it packed with locals on any given day. We recommend ordering the lychee martini right off the bat, which is made with vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and lychees of course! They’ve also got an extensive food list, so you can always grab dinner with your drinks.

Hopkins

If you’re searching for an upscale restaurant, look no further than Hopkins, also on Monkland. It’s the perfect place to share a meal and a bottle of wine with your inner circle on a Friday night. We suggest making a reservation on Open Table because this place is always packed.

If you’re feeling rather adventurous, get the five-course tasting menu and ask the sommelier to create a wine pairing. This way, you’ll be able to taste their range of red and white wines with the beef, chicken, and fish.

Monkland Tavern

Don’t be fooled by the name; this is no ordinary tavern! Boasting an extensive cocktail and wine list, this establishment also doubles as a bistro, serving delicious upscale dishes like braised beef short rib and pan seared organic salmon.

The Monkland Tavern has been around since 1995, and locals adore this eatery. If you’re thinking about venturing here during the weekends though, we suggest arriving early because the place fills up and it’s first come first served. We also recommend ordering the chartreuse – a French liquor that’s bold, sweet, and slightly spicy. It pairs perfectly with most dishes, and it’s also a great aperitif to accompany their dessert menu.

If you’ve fallen in love with NDG and you need another reason to be there, explore the Beaumont condo project by calling 514-800-6841 or visiting BeaumontCondos.com.