Le Vieux Carré

Tucked in at 36 ½, rue Saint-Pierre, steps from Place Royale, in the Maison Leber in Old Quebec, le Vieux Carré is one of the finest stylish addresses to open in the old city in recent years. A « speakeasy »-style bar named in honour of the great cocktail classic, it also nods to the French Quarter of New Orleans. A lovely cultural wink that sets the mood right away! This new gem is the latest from Groupe La Tanière (Tanière³, Légende, L'Orygine), opened on May 23, 2024. A signature that says plenty on its own about the quality of the experience. As the house puts it so well: the bar and the table come together in a refined, relaxed world, where exceptional cocktails and inventive cooking talk to each other to create unique, festive moments. The place has everything it takes to charm you. With its 22 indoor seats and its elegant, timeless speakeasy atmosphere, le Vieux Carré carries visitors to the heart of Louisiana, into a jazz and Cajun mood. And the showstopper? Its large terrace with a panoramic view over the Place de Paris and the majestic St. Lawrence River — a real favourite for a late-day summer drink. On the drinks side, you'll find a selection of 20 signature cocktails and mocktails created exclusively by the creative team of bartenders, along with a broad selection of liquors, beers, ciders and spirits that showcase many Quebec products. Under the direction of Philippe Veilleux, the focus is on hospitality and the art of classic cocktails executed with precision and a local touch. To accompany this liquid journey, chef Sabrina Lemay (also a co-owner of L'Orygine) has put together a sharing menu that highlights local ingredients and simple but flavourful recipes: fresh oysters, caviar, light salads, venison tartares, mezze such as labneh and marinated feta, mackerel escabeche and a fine cubano sandwich. A signature extra: the mezze are adapted with local ingredients — the muhammara is made with pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts, and the labneh is made in house with yogurt from here. In short, le Vieux Carré is a refined pause in a breathtaking setting, an intimate atmosphere worthy of the great speakeasies, creative cooking and cocktails made with a jeweller's care — everything you need to turn a simple outing into a memorable evening in Old Quebec!