Ste-Cunegonde Drinkery

Ste-Cunegonde Drinkery, located on the burgeoning Notre Dame Avenue, has been carefully cultivating an environment that will attract the type of young clientele you might see sauntering the streets of Saint-Henri during the week. Its aim is to distinguish itself from the other bars in town with its look and ambiance.

“We don’t want to be a club. We’re trying to go for a more neighbourhood bar kind of feel. During the week we kind of want that speakeasy atmosphere,” says manager Simon Dunn. The furniture and artwork are reminiscent of a New York City-style décor and layout. Ste-Cunegonde Drinkery has distinguished itself nicely amongst the modern and hip spots popping up in this area of town, many of which seem to be catering to that young professional crowd. “During the week we see a lot of dates.”

As for why people are drawn in, it might have to do with the DJ nights from Wednesday to Sunday. “Sundays are vinyl night, which is pretty cool and people love it. People from the neighbourhood just come in and enjoy the vinyl that the DJ has on rotation that night. It’s not like we advertise it or anything, people just started popping in and the vinyl music experience became more and more important. You’d pick a piece of vinyl and the DJ would play it if it made sense,” says Simon.