Rooftop Poincaré Chinatown in Montreal

Poincaré: Chinatown's rooftop garden

Above Boulevard Saint-Laurent

Poincaré is tucked away on the 2nd and 3rd floors of a building on Boulevard Saint-Laurent, right in Chinatown, a stone's throw from the Quartier des Spectacles. At the very top, the rooftop terrace, planted with flowers and sheltered under colourful awnings, fills up as soon as the first warm days arrive; in the evening, its string lights can be seen from the street. The view stays at the height of the neighbouring buildings: people come mostly for the atmosphere.

Beers, natural wines and ferments

The house takes care of its beer: microbrewery beers, notably from Quebec, are served by the book. The wine list favours natural wines, and the house cocktails dare unexpected pairings, from a gin-kimchi shot to a baijiu cocktail, between $12 and $15. In the kitchen, sharing plates and house ferments: kimchi, fermented fries, Arctic char ceviche, cheeseburger.

First come, first served

The terrace takes no reservations: an indoor section serves as a waiting line, where you can already order a drink before heading up. Groups of 8 to 25 people book indoors, by email. Children are only allowed on the terrace.

Practical information

Open every day from 4pm to 1am, until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays; kitchen until 10pm, 11pm from Thursday to Saturday. A happy hour from 4pm to 7pm takes something off the bill for the plates. The terrace can be enjoyed in the warm months, weather permitting. Access by stairs only. No phone on site: contact by email or Instagram. Expect to pay $12 to $15 for a cocktail and $5 to $11 for a beer. Place-d'Armes metro station (Orange Line) or Saint-Laurent (Green Line).