POP beginner’s guide to 5 à 7’s

We don’t know exactly who invented the tradition of 5 à 7’s, but whoever it was, we’re glad they did.

If you’re new to the city, the term “5 à 7″ might not sound familiar, but fear not; it’s basically happy hour, but with a bit of a Québecois twist. The name refers to the time after the standardized work day – 9am to 5pm – when office workers spill out into the bars. 5 à 7 – the hours when you’re probably most in need of a drink, and though it’s not yet late enough in the evening to start playing drinking games, but just early enough to reconvene with co-workers, friends and family alike over a cold one (or two, or three…).

Here’s a list of the bars that host a few of our favourite Montréal 5 à 7s. Also, don’t forget to keep an eye out for vernissages (art openings), store launches and other evening-events, which usually feature free drinks – the poor person’s 5 à 7!