Knox Taverne
Photos by Monique Simone Floral Arrangement and Runner by Belljar Botanicals
The new kid on the block, Knox Taverne, opens their doors to friends and family to kick off a well deserved celebration. Located in The Point (Point Saint Charles), one of Montreal’s trendiest growing neighbourhoods, the location couldn’t be better. With plenty of booming businesses around and new neighbours moving in (both retail and residential), the guys behind Knox Taverne knew it would be a hit for lunch, 5 à 7s or even late night drinks.
Opening at 11am Monday - Saturday and closing at 3am Thursday-Saturday, Knox caters to the wide variety of locals and visitors headed their way. With successful businesses in The Point like Café Bloom, Paws, Cantina’s Taco and Chez Dallaire, they are joining a crew of forward thinking minds, seeing the industry and residential area shift more and more towards development in PSC.
For someone living in Old Port, Griffintown, Verdun or St Henri, it is merely a small bridge to cross and you’re there. With summer headed our way they will be encountering the mass flow of new residence, market go-ers and canal pedallers looking for lunch in the neighbourhood.
I was lucky enough to have a first look at Knox and got to chat with the four guys behind the project, Adam Mariani, Joe D’angelo, Jeremie Courtemanche and Julian Gauthier. Having had the pleasure of meeting them all prior to opening, I saw the bar transform from what was originally known as the local dive bar Le Diable into Knox Taverne, what will be a staple in the neighbourhood and the development of PSC for years to come.
All four of these guys put their heart and soul into the project, building walls, floors and keeping plants alive until opening day (and trust me this wasn’t easy)! The location is nothing short of spectacular. They will be offering Saturday brunch and the option to hold private events like showers and birthdays on Sunday. Pretty genius and something that people look for on the regular!
The daylight pours in through their three glass garage door walls that open up to the corner of Center street and Shearer, lighting up their dark wood and brick wall interior. From the ceiling panels, brick walls and chairs, the entire custom design was envisioned by this team of four. Pretty talented if you ask me and perfectly tailored to one of their most challenging missions, welcoming all realms of PSC munchers.
So to the food ... After all that's what you'll be coming back for time and time again. I am happy to share some of my favorite dishes on the menu plated and made by the their fabulous chef Vanessa Massarelli, with experience at renown Montreal hot spot Bremner. My personal love affair on the menu, the beet salad and the quinoa burger. Partial as a veg, I have to share that I have heard rave reviews about their chicken and waffles!
For cocktails, they'll be serving up the basics. They want to ensure good quality drinks at a reasonable price for everyone. Their opinion, everyone already knows what they want to drink and what they like and they'll be more than happy to concoct up something if you have a specific taste in mind.
The success of Knox Taverne will come with no surprise as their official launch has yet to happen and the industry support is coming from all around. Each of them with years of experience from catering and eventing, working the best of the best in areas like The Main and Old Port, their talents together will surprise no one. Good vibes all around from this spot!
Follow their Instagram @knoxmtl and Facebook page to stay up to date on menu specials, fun events and the home away from home you'll call Knox!
xx Sam