Lovers of hidden bars, in the spirit of speakeasy bars, this is for you. The team behind Magpie pizzas is behind this new anonymous, intimate, chic and cosmopolitan, rather unique address: Magpie Magique.
Do you like secret addresses, are you not afraid to go through closed doors, or even dial a private code, to enter a subdued and mysterious universe, outside of time and above all outside of the world? Like the Big in Japan or the 4th Wall, Magpie Magique, located in the premises of the former Magpie Tavern, offers a relatively unique experience in the Montreal landscape.
Think: anonymous storefront (that of the old Tavern is completely intact) and secret entrance from the back, via Gilford. Again, it’s hard to guess what awaits us here. The only clue: a red light, a nod to Red Light. You finally have to open the door of “Deliveries to take away” to discover the latest from Peter Popovic (Sparrow, Sardine, Corn). Soon, it will also be necessary to dial a secret code, sent by text message, since we intend to only let insiders who have reserved a reservation. For now, and to boost the opening, entry is still free.
Inside, it’s more of a subdued hotel lobby decor that awaits us. It takes a while for the eye to get used to it. Then the charm takes over and you feel completely elsewhere, with a little music playing, surrounded by retro furniture, Venetian masks on the wall, Persian rugs on the floor and other low tables from Thailand.
If we have gone all out on the decoration, the food and drink menu remains rather short, although perfectly in tune, and surprisingly effective. As for drinks, classic cocktails are in the spotlight here (Manhattan, Moscow Mule, Negroni and a solid Sidecar, among others). To nibble on (because we come here for a light bite, no more), some divine plates to share, of Persian inspiration, this time: hummus with confit garlic, olives marinated in pomegranate molasses, roasted eggplant, mouhamara, etc. With pizza of the moment, of course. We come back to it to relax, certainly.
