Top five post-Pop late-night Montreal eats

THE MAIN: The site of many a greasy late-night eating binge
Photo by Owain Harris

Pop Montreal is a party marathon. With shows, events and impromptu after-parties happening all over the city into the wee hours of the night from Wednesday ‘til Sunday, even the most diehard fans need refueling at some point — and I’m not talking about more booze.

From classic French cuisine to greasy Quebec poutine, here are the top five restaurants that will help you make it to the end, or at least send you to bed on a full stomach.

The Main
Forget Schwartz’s, with its long lines and overpriced smoked meat — the Main is where locals know to go when they’re craving late-night deli fare. At half the price of Schwartz’s, it’s as good as you’re going to get on lower St-Laurent. The Main’s glaringly bright lights and speedy service will have you sobering up in no time. This landmark serves up everything from sandwiches and steaks to baby back ribs until 5 a.m. 3864 St-Laurent (corner St-Cuthbert)

Chez Claudette
This corner casse-croûte is one of Montreal’s finest, and has the added bonus of being open 24 hours a day. Touted by some as serving up the best poutine in the city, they also offer the whole gamut of greasy-spoon goodness to sop up all that booze and send you out into the night refueled and ready for more. And if you happen to get there as early as 8 a.m., no one’s going to judge you if you order a beer with your breakfast. 351 Laurier E. (corner Drolet)

L’Express
For those who want to experience something a little more sophisticated, L’Express, on St-Denis, is one of the city’s best-loved French bistros. With its checkered tile floors, big, long bar, impeccable service and great wine list, this is where many of Montreal’s restaurant community go for a bite after work. Food service runs until 2 a.m., so look no further if you’re craving a steak-frites and a nice glass of wine. 3927 St-Denis (between Duluth and Roy)

Notre Dame des Quilles
Located on Beaubien, just off St-Laurent, Notre Dame des Quilles is a real triple threat, boasting booze, bowling and food until 3 a.m. This eclectic space lets you bowl for free while you watch the kitchen prepare your food, which includes grilled cheese, roast beef sandwiches, vegan chicken-fried tofu and the ever-popular Grease Truck, consisting of fish and shrimp croquettes. It’s also nice to give yourself an excuse to have a drink, because, hey, you’re already there to bowl and eat, right? 32 Beaubien E. (corner St-Laurent)

Le Chien Fumant
Tucked into the Plateau on Gilford, a few blocks west of Papineau, this cozy little sliver of a restaurant really packs a punch. Its owners and chef come from some of Montreal’s best bars and restaurants, so these guys know their food and can mix a mean cocktail. With a changing daily chalkboard menu and kitchen serving until 2 a.m., the slight detour from St-Denis is definitely worth the trip. 4710 De Lanaudière (corner Gilford) ■