Waverly: Mature Mile Enders will take a liking to new neighbourhood bar

Posted on the northwest corner of St-Laurent and St-Viateur, where an archaic Bar St Laurent used to stand, Waverly opened its doors in early December with a memorable first night and has since positioned itself as a welcome sanctuary for a mature Mile End crowd. Open every day from 4  p.m. to 3  a.m., except Mondays, it welcomes patrons from after work “5  à  7” sessions to steamy last calls and prides itself on being a neighborhood bar, not a club.

The DJ booth is a carved out extension of the bar, where antique desk lamps fixed below subtle ceiling lights give the lighting and atmosphere a rare comfort level. Find the nook behind the bar with its wrap-around booth – it’s the place to be if you come early, especially when the space fills up from the booths in front to the tables at the back.

The attention to detail given to the interior extends to the drink menu. There is no reinvention of the wheel but Waverly’s take on the Negroni, with a top layer of freshly-squeezed orange juice, is a bold touch and you may taste a hint of beef broth on the rim of your Bloody Mary. For amateurs of good Irish Ales, a refreshing Smithwick’s is served on tap. The inconspicuous doorman wishing you a good night as you face the blizzard ahead completes the experience.

Waverly
5550, St-Laurent | Rosemont Metro