Back in 2014, L'Gros Luxe landed on the scene with the promise of "luxurious" comfort fare that's accessible to all. With an initial outpost in the Plateau, the chain-that-doesn't-feel-like-a-chain concept quickly expanded to Mile-End, Longueuil, Sud-Ouest and Quebec City.
Tonight we hit up the one-year-old Little Burgundy location for a latish bite and drink. Motorists will be happy to know that parking is still attainable on or around this competitive, happening stretch of Notre-Dame Street.
tagged: TAKE THE CAR
The dark, dimly-lit interior features wall mouldings and chandeliers, creating a warm, antique-like atmosphere. Things were rather quiet around 10PM on this balmy Saturday night, with a young crowd occupying about two thirds of the dining space which counts a small, awkward terrace in the back. After evaluating our options, we opted for two stools at the attractive bar, where cocktail mixing was in full effect.
tagged: SIT AT THE BAR
The resto/café/bar's menu comprises reimagined bar grub along with whimsical cocktails. The latter count classics – old fashioned, mojito – as well as inventions – le daltonien, le sans thé – ending in a large selection of bloody caesars outrageously-garnished with anything from onion rings and fried pickles to sliders and quesadillas!
Moving on to nosh, starters such as wings, tacos and nachos are followed by burgers, grilled cheeses and burritos; all spruced up with international touches à la piri piri, hoisin sauce, sriracha and chimichurri. Both food and drinks are aggressively-priced as advertised, with literally one item reaching double digits.
Bourbon in a caesar? We'll stick to our guts next time and avoid this aberration. The fried pickle and onion rings add an amusing touch though.
The presence of cumin and tahini lent an earthy/nutty Middle Eastern undertone, while the florets could have benefited from more crunch.
Garden-variety dill pickles were heavily battered; resulting in casing that came off too easily. As for the sriracha mayo? Been there, done that.
Our bartender/waitress was friendly, chatty but also a tad amateurish and clownish. Drinks and food were received at a decent pace; no complaints there. We were taken aback when the last call on alcohol was announced shortly after 11PM; a self-described "resto/bar" that closes at midnight on Saturday is surprising to say the least!
To wrap things up, our first visit to a L'Gros Luxe location was lacklustre. The fun food proposition was just average for us while the muted ambiance and unpolished service put a mild damper on our night out. The saving grace here is the low pricing, making this relative newcomer a rare spot where one can pig out AND have a couple drinks for under $40.
tagged: PLAN B.
Price per person: $16.50
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.