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Deville Dinerbar:

A Finer Shade of Diner

RESTAURANT COMFORT FOOD DELI DOWNTOWN CORE TRENDY <$40

The Pitch

We initially reviewed Deville back in 2012 – not too long after it opened – so we'll invite you to read our recap from then for the 411 on this American diner redux.  Since then we've returned a dozen times or so, having fallen for the reimagined deli fare – a feeling seemingly shared by many, as made evident by the huddled pack of diners waiting at the entrance for a table to free up tonight.

tagged:  WAIT IN LINE

The Mood

Mood image

The purple-tinged nouveau diner was packed and buzzing early on during this brutally-cold Friday evening.  Deville had recently expanded, adding an adults-only bar section in the space that previously housed its adjacent neighbor.  Tonight, however, we were led to the mezzanine level since we were accompanied by kids.

tagged:  BRING THE KIDS

The Food

Food Image

The never-ending menu lists page after page of reinvented comfort food/diner classics such as steaks, burgers, deli sandwiches, desserts and shakes; most of which we have gotten familiar with – and vouch for – over the years.  Tonight we wanted to veer off course and check out the more wholesome side – namely the salad and pasta sections – but couldn't resist throwing in a guilty pleasure of ours.

Fried Pickles thumbnail (click to enlarge)

Starter

Starter

$11.50

$11.50

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Fried Pickles

Irresistible breaded pickle slices are served with spicy ketchup and maple dijon dipping sauces.  The "chips" are tangy, crispy and perfectly-shaped for scooping – albeit a little oilier than usual today.

Southern Fried Chicken Salad thumbnail (click to enlarge)

Main

Main

$20.50

$20.50

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Southern Fried Chicken Salad

A giant tossup of veggies and fried buttermilk chicken bites is accentuated by smoky bacon bits, shredded cheese and toasted waffle chunks for croutons; the whole thing brought together by a sweet bourbon pear dressing.

Bad Girl Pasta thumbnail (click to enlarge)

Main

Main

$35

$35

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Bad Girl Pasta

Another mammoth-sized portion, this time of heaping egg linguini with mussels, clams as well as perfectly-sautéed shrimps and scallops in a zesty chipotle lobster bisque; a terrific – if pricey and poorly-named – pasta dish!

tagged:  LOOSEN YOUR BELT YOU MAKE ALL THIS?

The Service

From the hostess ushering in the constant flow of customers at the door to the hustling waitstaff bouncing from table to table and busboys hauling loaded crates of dishware, there is nary a second of respite for the body of people running this busy eatery.  Notwithstanding, our young, attractive waitress was available, amicable and efficient.

tagged:  HUBBA-HUBBA HUSTLE & BUSTLE

The Verdict

A modern diner that had already won us over with its revamped tacos, sandwiches and burgers has just scored extra points with its "b-side" of the menu.  Deville is a great downtown destination for either a fun night of pub grub or otherwise a more balanced, well-rounded meal.  Five years later, this retro/chic hotspot is still delivering a finer touch of diner.

tagged:  SOLID

Price per person:  $39.25

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514eats

Montreal restaurant and bar reviews brought to you by two regular guys who like to eat and drink.  We will go anywhere and we will say it like it is.

In the Neighborhood

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DOWNTOWN CORE

DOWNTOWN CORE

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