While some good suggestions so far, nothing very creative. I mean Baton Rouge? Keg? Gibby's?Really? While each are fine...given we are talking about Montreal there is so much to choose from! We live in such a gourmand city im surprised none of these came up.
Some of my favorites:
Tapeo on villeray
Www.restotapeo.com
Excellent tapas in vibrant atmosphere.
Another great tapas place:
Pintxo on Roy
Www.pintxo.ca
Highly recommended.
Or
Confusion on St. Denis
Www.restaurantconfusion.com
Great and fun. Sit on the swings!
Bistro Cocagne on st Denis
Www.bistrococagne.com
Quiet casual resto Opened by the sous chef from Toque
Grenadine on Hotel de Ville
Www.grenadine.ca
Byob - Very small busy place with view of the young chefs on open kitchen. Interesting menu fun atmosphere.
Cafe Ferreira on Peel
Www.ferreiracafe.com
Excellent twist on Portuguese cuisine, classy and romantic. Don't miss the pastels nata for desert with a port.
F Bar on Jeanne-Mance next to PDA.
Www.fbar.ca
Same chef as Cafe Ferreira but more vibrant casual style
Brasserie T on Jeanne-Mance next to PDA
Www.brasserie-t.com
Same chef as Au pied de cochon but bistro style.
The Tuck Shop on Notre Dame
Www.tuckshop.ca
Bustling bistro with rustic decor.
Le Local on William in old Montreal
Www.resto-lelocal.com
Fantastic food, great service and atmosphere but a little noisy.
Garde Manger on Saint Francois Xavier old Montreal
Www.crownsalts.com/gardemanger
Chick Hugh's bustling resto. Rustic old Montreal decor. Ask to sit near the open kitchen for fun.
Grinder on Notre Dame old Montreal
Www.restaurantgrinder.ca
More traditional bistro style
Holder on McGill old Montreal
Www.restaurant holder.com
Places I'd like to try that have excellent reviews:
Joe Beef
Nora Gray
I often use Trip Advisor, RestoMontreal (previously mentioned) or urban spoon, Open Table to check reviews. But take with a grain of salt...tourists are not the most reliable reviewers.