You know that feeling when you walk past an empty Montreal storefront and suddenly remember the legendary poutine or hangover brunch spot that used to be there?
Well, we recently asked Montrealers on Facebook which closed restaurants or hangout spots they still miss, and the responses took us down memory lane. Whether it was a go-to date night spot, a post-club greasy spoon, or a neighbourhood staple that vanished too soon, the answers painted a vivid picture of the city’s culinary past.
Based on your replies, here’s a roundup of the spots Montrealers still think about (and would probably teleport back to if they could).
The Bar B Barn
We got at least a dozen comments from folks who miss the Bar B Barn. And we can’t say we’re surprised.
Known for its rustic theme and delicious ribs, this family-friendly BBQ joint had two bustling locations at its peak. Unfortunately, the downtown location couldn’t survive the COVID lockdowns and shut its doors after 53 years. The West Island location met the same fate in early 2024 after 44 years in business.
Picasso’s
This popular NDG diner closed in 2009 after nearly 30 years, but locals still miss Serre Picasso’s all-day breakfasts, big portions, and classic, no-frills vibe.
Buonanotte
While it was best known for its VIP nightclub scene, this iconic spot on St-Laurent was also a legit Italian restaurant. Before closing for good in 2018, Buonanotte (known as “Buena” by regulars) hosted celebrities, wild parties, and some great eats in its nearly three-decade stint.
Bens De Luxe Delicatessen
Ben’s was more than a deli — it was a piece of Montreal history. Known for its smoked meat, yellow booths, and near round-the-clock hours, the Ste-Catherine Street staple served everyone from locals to celebrities for nearly 100 years before closing its doors in 2006.
It wasn’t just famous for the food, though. Leonard Cohen was interviewed there in a 1965 NFB documentary, and in 1996, the Canadian government chose Ben’s to unveil the brand-new toonie.
Taco Bell
This popular U.S. chain officially pulled out of Quebec in 2022 after gradually shuttering all its locations across the province.
Taco Bell’s Quebec stint was relatively brief. The first spot opened in the West Island in 2007, and at its height, the brand, often paired with KFC, had about 15 locations here.
Red Lobster
Another American franchise to miss the mark in la belle province was Red Lobster. The seafood chain quietly exited the province nearly three decades ago after struggling to gain the same traction here as it did elsewhere in Canada.
Many Montrealers said they still remember it as a go-to for special occasion dinners in the 90s.
The Irish Embassy
After suffering a massive fire in 2018, the Irish Embassy initially planned to rebuild, but those hopes were dashed when the building was replaced by condos in 2020.
Located on Bishop Street, the pub had a warm, classic atmosphere that drew a loyal crowd for hockey nights, weekend brunch, and post-work pints. Its closure still stings for many Montrealers who miss its laid-back charm.
The Main
Right across from Schwartz’s, this smoked meat rival had its loyalists. Plus, it stayed open ridiculously late, making it a magnet for night owls.
The Main’s sudden closure in 2023 took a lot of people by surprise, including former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who praised their signature sandwich.
“Ouch. Surprised at how much this hurts,” Trudeau wrote in an X post. “An end to decades of The. Best. Smoked. Meat. In. Montreal.”
Momesso’s
This NDG sub shop was a cult favourite, especially among Habs fans (and not just because it was run by the family of ex-Canadiens player Sergio Momesso).
When Momesso’s announced its closure in early 2024, plenty of longtime fans were caught off guard, with some regretting not grabbing one last Italian sub before it shut down.
Alpenhaus
The remains of this defunct Swiss restaurant can still be found on the corner of Ste-Catherine and St-Marc.
In its heyday, Alpenhaus, which opened back in 1967, served raclette, schnitzel, and fondue for over 40 years before closing for good in 2019.
Zellers (Restaurant)
For many Canadians, Zellers wasn’t just a department store — it was a place to grab a comforting, affordable meal at its in-store restaurant
But most Zellers stores, including their family-friendly restaurants, closed by 2013. The brand did see a brief comeback (without the food) in 2023 as an extension of The Bay. But we all know how that story ended…
Le Bifthèque
Le Bifthèque earned a loyal following in Montreal for its big portions, no-frills steak dinners, and iconic bread bar. The Côte-de-Liesse institution first opened in 1981 and quickly became a favourite for special occasions and family nights out.
While it closed in 2011, the restaurant briefly reopened in 2012 before shutting down for good in 2015.
Le Lux
For folks who remember, there was no place quite like Le Lux.
Part nightclub, part convenience store, part bookstore, and part restaurant, the quirky Mile End hangout opened in 1984 and quickly became a local legend. It closed in 1993 after nearly a decade in business, citing financial losses, but its memory still hits hard for longtime Montrealers.
