Québec City's Best Happy Hour Spots

Francis Gagnon

In town on holiday? Start the night off right with pre‑dinner drinks. Québec City is packed with fine places to kick back and relax after a day of sightseeing. Microbreweries aside, here are a few personal favourites:

- @maelstromcafe
1 Maelstrøm

A velvety speakeasy that’s wildly unpretentious, Maelstrøm is one of the best cocktail places in town. Definitely a personal favourite. If I’m not in the mood for the regular menu, the bartender is always happy to mix up a custom drink.

Go for: the mixologist Jérémie Brunet!
- @deux.22
2 Deux22

Drinks and shopping? Yes you can. Deux22’s combination of clothing and cocktails has stolen my heart and put a dent in my wallet. The Mexican‑inspired menu and cocktails are great, but it’s the year‑round patio that keeps me coming back—even in the dead of winter.

Go for: browsing with mojitos.
- @cheztaoqc
3 Chez Tao!

This little Asian restaurant in Saint-Sauveur is a hole-in-the-wall worth hunting down. Friendly service, succulent Asian street food, and a drinks menu that’s plenty tempting.

Go for: the drinks served in lucky cat glasses with golden straws!
- @bistrolesam
4 Le Sam Bistro Évolutif

Located in the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Le Sam is an experience unto itself, not least because of the amazing view of the St. Lawrence River. It’s lush and swanky and they play jazz. Need I say more?

Go for: the Fairmont service, which is truly impeccable.
- @aubergesaintantoine
5 Bar Artefact au Auberge Saint-Antoine

Bar Artefact has always been one of my favourites. Set just across the way from the St. Lawrence River and Place des Canotiers, Bar Artefact makes me feel like I’m on vacation, even though I’m minutes away from home.

Go for: the chance to raise a glass in one of Québec City’s prettiest hotels.
- @petitscreuxcorsica
6 Petits Creux Corsica Origina

This total gem on Avenue Cartier just makes me want to sail away to Corsica. It’s where I go to try new wines and have a bite with friends.

Go for: the impressive list of privately imported wines and knowledgeable servers.
- @mikhael99
7 Tapas & Liège

A classy little joint on Avenue Maguire that serves up Mexican flavours and a Spanish vinoteca vibe—the perfect pairing!

Go for: the bar! Even if you’re in a group, pull up a chair. It’s the best spot in the house.
- @belleetboeufstefoy
8 La Belle & La Bœuf

There is one restaurant that draws me out of my urban cocoon and into the burbs of Ste‑Foy for tasty cocktails and a playlist that’s straight out of the 90s. The interior is eclectic, the drinks menu is creative, and with all those great tunes I dare you not to have a good time.

Go for: the music, the interior, the menu… It’s like it was made for my generation (25–35 year-olds).