Cafe$mile-endMon-Fri 08:00-15:00Work-friendlyWifi
Cafe Falco is a serene, Japanese-minded coffee bar hidden in a Mile-Ex studio building in Montreal, making siphon coffee and onigiri in a plant-lined room.
Signature drink: Siphon coffee
Tip: It is tucked inside an old garment building and closes weekends; go on a weekday morning for the calm.
Cafe$downtownMon-Fri 07:30-18:00; Sat-Sun 09:00-17:00Work-friendlyWifi
Pourquoi Pas is a tiny, welcoming espresso bar in the Village near downtown Montreal, a longtime neighbourhood favourite for careful coffee and a chat.
Signature drink: Espresso
Tip: It is small and friendly rather than a work cafe; go for a proper espresso and a chat with the barista.
Cafe$$old-montrealMon-Wed 10:30-16:00; Thu 10:30-17:00; Fri 10:30-18:00; Sat-Sun 10:30-16:00
Cafe Pave is a snug, design-minded coffee bar on Rue Notre-Dame in Old Montreal, a calm stop for espresso, natural wine and light daytime plates.
Signature drink: Cappuccino
Tip: It is a small daytime coffee bar that pours wine later; a quiet alternative to the busier Old Montreal cafes.
Cafe$mile-endDaily 06:00-24:00
Cafe Olimpico has poured Italian espresso in Mile End since 1970, a loud, cash-friendly Montreal institution where regulars argue over soccer at the counter.
Signature drink: Cappuccino
Tip: It is cash-only and standing-room busy on weekends; take your cappuccino to the terrace out front.
Cafe$plateauMon-Sat 07:30-21:00; Sun 08:30-19:00Work-friendlyWifi
Cafe Myriade helped launch Montreal's third-wave scene, pulling precise espresso and pour-overs on Avenue du Mont-Royal for a laptop-and-book crowd.
Signature drink: Filter coffee
Tip: The Mont-Royal branch has more seats than the tiny Mackay original; come mid-morning for a table.
Cafe$downtownMon-Fri 07:30-19:00; Sat-Sun 08:00-18:00Work-friendlyWifi
Pikolo Espresso Bar is a two-level jewel near Montreal's Quartier des Spectacles, serving careful espresso and pastries to students off Rue Clark.
Signature drink: Cortado
Tip: The mezzanine has the quiet seats; the ground floor fills with a takeaway rush around lunchtime.