Late-Night Food in Montreal: Bootlegger’s Bar and Kitchen Experience
At Bootlegger, food is no longer just an accompaniment to cocktails. What began as a bar menu has become a central part of the experience, with sharing plates, individual meals, oysters and house preparations designed to be served late into the evening.
Our modern kitchen draws inspiration from American cuisine, certain Cajun flavours, French techniques and Quebec products. It makes it possible to start the evening with a happy hour, have dinner before a show or eat after an activity downtown and in the Quartier des spectacles.
about us
A Food Offering Born with Happy Hour
During Bootlegger’s early years, the establishment opened later and aperitif culture was not really part of our offering. As we specialized in cocktails, residents of the neighbourhood and people working downtown began coming earlier to meet after work.
This enthusiasm led us to open earlier and develop a more substantial food proposition. To become a true happy hour destination, serving drinks was not enough: guests also needed to share, eat and extend their evening in the same place.
Turning Space Constraints into Creative Drivers
Developing the kitchen presented a major challenge: the establishment did not have the space for a conventional restaurant hood or gas lines. We therefore had to build a complete menu around equipment, preparation techniques and cooking methods adapted to the space.
This constraint influenced our culinary identity. By working with a thoughtful selection of ingredients, we were able to emphasize fresh products, house preparations and a menu flexible enough to evolve with the seasons.
Support from L’Art des Vivres in 2018
Bootlegger’s food offering gained real momentum in 2018 when the Montreal company L’Art des Vivres supported us. Their team acted as mentors by implementing a menu and kitchen system adapted to our reality.
This step laid the foundation that allowed us to continue developing the menu internally and gradually make the kitchen an essential component of Bootlegger.
Modern American Cuisine with a French Touch
Over the years, we have explored bar cuisine inspired by American and Cajun flavours while integrating French techniques and Quebec ingredients. The result is deliberately eclectic: comforting, generous and flexible enough to accompany a cocktail, a glass of whisky or a jazz evening.
faqs
Frequently Asked Questions
Charcuterie plates, cheese boards and duck foie gras suit groups who want to discover several products over a drink. Accompaniments and composition may change with the seasons and arrivals.
The menu also includes more generous bar dishes such as nachos, poutine and other recipes designed for sharing. These options make Bootlegger relevant for both an informal meal and an evening focused on cocktails.
Oysters hold a special place in our identity. They are offered according to arrivals and may be part of promotions such as $1 oysters during happy hour or Sunday jazz, according to current conditions.
More Substantial Individual Meals
For guests who want a real meal, the menu offers individual options such as burgers, tartares and other dishes that evolve with the seasons. The goal is to allow everyone to eat at their own pace without having to leave the bar to find a kitchen still open.
House Preparations Connected to the Cocktail Program
The kitchen and bar share the same philosophy: understand ingredients and transform them on site. Sauces, marinades, condiments, garnishes and preparations can create links between the plate and the glass.
This collaboration also allows products to be used more intelligently. A fruit, herb or preparation can inspire both a dish and a cocktail, strengthening menu coherence and reducing waste.
A Kitchen Open Late into the Evening
Bootlegger wants to remain an option for people finishing late, leaving a show or extending their evening on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. The exact closing time should be displayed from a central source and updated everywhere at the same time.
Editorial note — do not publish as-is: the initial document indicates closing at 12:30 a.m., while more recent information mentions 1 a.m. Confirm the official schedule before publication and avoid repeating it manually on several pages.
Groups, Happy Hours and Private Events
The kitchen makes it possible to welcome groups for happy hour, birthdays, team parties or private events. Depending on the number of people, sharing platters, bites or an adapted package can be offered.
Contact the team in advance to confirm room layout, food needs, allergies, service schedule and required equipment.
Delivery and Takeout Orders
The initial document mentions Uber Eats, DoorDash and SkipTheDishes. These platforms and their hours of availability must be verified before publication. When delivery is active, links should be grouped in a single block that is easy to update.
faqs
Frequently Asked Questions
The kitchen remains open late, but the exact time may vary by day or event. View the menu, reservation platform or contact the team to confirm.
Reservations are recommended on weekends and during shows. They also make it possible to confirm that the kitchen will still be in service at the planned time.
Yes. Dishes, accompaniments and available products may evolve with the seasons, arrivals and new ideas from the team.
View the Food Menu
Discover the dishes of the moment, service hours and promotions, then reserve your table at Bootlegger.