Café Santropol

Just love this place — 4^th here — and always try the same thing as i can’t just pass up the opportunity to have a Killer Tomato Chicken Salad sandwich! Oh and the soup, rich and tasty. The bread is so fresh. I know I am all over the place on this review, just like that sandwich was all over my face and hands — so big ;). Always friendly service in a nice environment– a great escape from my downtown high rise office!

This is one of my favorite sandwich places in Montréal. I hate going out for most sandwich places, I can make one at home.
However, the selection and flavors you can find here cannot be easily recreated at home. The decoration is eclectic with the collection of furniture, wall art and overall paint job looking like it was pulled together from the «free» bin by the master of home décor. I only visit during the summer evenings because their terrace in back is absolutely gorgeous on summer nights. The same eclectic décor, surrounded by greenery and lit by white Christmas lights throughout the trees.

On this relatively warm Monday for Canada but cold for a Californian date, the place was crowded but I was able to find a seat. Service was a tad bit slow, but I heard that in Montréal waitresses letting you be is a thing, perhaps that was it! All in all a cute café, kind people, and people read and study all day, or have long discussions about who knows what (because everything was in French!). My sun-​dried tomato sandwich with roast beef was just what I needed.

One of the few places where you’ll come out full, but not bloated and weighed down by lethargy. Prices are a little high, though it’s still worth the trip.
I had a Killer Tomato. Their bread must be made of clouds and whole grain cocaine and used as a vessel for their creative fillings.

Great place for sandwiches, soups, and coffee. The garden is the best in the area. a real treat. They do have several veggie options. It’s relatively quite, so having a conversation is easy. Good place to sit and work, or hang out with a couple of friends. I don’t remember large tables for big groups though. Decently priced. Quite unorthodox, but chill and fun.

So glad I finally checked this place out!
The interior of the café is filled with the heavenly aroma of bread, but my friends and I opted to sit in the outdoor garden, wanting to take advantage of the fleeing warm weather.
It was a slightly chilly day, but there were heaters and also blankets available. The outdoor garden is beautiful and cozy, and includes a small pond (with fish!) as well as a super colorful and gorgeous hammock. I can just imagine coming here on a hot summer day, sipping on some coffee and reading a book, and relaxing in the hammock — seems like a perfect escape for a day!
The servers were very friendly and helpful with recommendations. The food is super delicious as well. I got the half and half special, so I got half of the Chaucer sandwich (tofu) and a bowl of rutabaga honey soup, and both were really good. I also tried my friend’s sandwich, the Duluth, which was very tasty as well. The sandwich bread, in particular, is really good.
They also have free wifi, so it’d be a good place to get some work done as well!

So, I was in Montréal for the week for a conference and this restaurant was right by where we were staying. We saw the patio and thought it was so cute. We kept walking past it every day and on our last night there we decided to try it and I am so glad we did.
First, the restaurant is deceptively large. It is much bigger than it looks from the outside. There is plenty of seating inside, but the patio is gorgeous on a summers night and I highly recommend sitting out there if it is available.
They have a full coffee/​tea/​espresso bar. We had several in our party get lattes which they were happy with. We had a couple of lemonades and two chai. Neither of us were impressed with the chai. It seemed bland, almost watered down.
The restaurant serves a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches. We shared a vegetarian chili which was a large portion and had great flavor. The sandwiches and salads are all vegetarian friendly, but if you are a meat eater like me you can add ham to your sandwich. I had the mango madness and it was out of this world. It had ham, cream cheese, and spicy mango chutney on this beautiful brown bread. The sandwich came with a small salad, but the sandwich was quite large and delicious, so I ate most of the sandwich and decided to forgo the salad.
We also sampled a few desserts including a raspberry cheesecake and key lime tart, both of which were awesome.
If I am ever in Montréal again I will likely return.

Many people passing by the Duluth side of the café will surely recognize the colourful terrace at the back of Café Santropol. This spot literally has EVERYTHING you could ever want from a Café — Fantastic coffee and drinks, homemade soups and chilis, delicious sandwiches (on thick bread with custom cream cheeses), loaded salads and delectable cakes.
In the past, I’ve tried and loved:
1. Tuna salad — Ask for extra dressing on their salads. I always feel like there isn’t enough.
2. Killer tomato sandwich — Sundried tomatoes, basil and tomato. I added roast beef
3. Carrot cake — Most likely the best carrot cake I’ve had in my life. Unbelievably moist… I think there may be pineapple chunks or something in the batter. The slice is massive so you could easily share with someone and both be satisfied. There is juuuust enough cream cheese icing so it’s not heavy but you get some with every bite.
4. Soups — I hesitate to name specific ones because they change them daily. Between the vegetable soup, Thai curry chicken and chili, I’ve loved them all so I would recommend whatever their daily special is!
5. Drinks — I love their Americanos, chai lattes and the Santropol herbal iced tea (pomegranate juice with hibiscus tea)
In the summertime, they have ample seating between the indoors and outdoors. There are plenty of plugs along the wall if you want to do work on your computer. Enjoy!

This place is awesome! The food is healthy and extremely delicious! It’s original too, what’s on the menu here, you really can’t find anywhere else. Sandwiches seem simple until you read the interesting «put together» of ingredients.
You can almost TASTE the grand effort put into making each sandwich, salad, soup… whatever it may be! The ambiance is fantastic. It’s the perfect to take your friend from out of town. Santropol does a great job showing just how «cool» Montréal can be.

J’adore cette place!!! C’est ma place préférée pour leurs sandwichs gourmets et leurs milkshakes! Le staff est généralement très chill, l’atmosphère est très bien pour toutes sortes de rencontre (entre amis, couples, pour étudier, ou juste pour prendre quelquechose à manger et boire tout seul!)
Très recommandé!!

Charming restaurant at the foot of the Mont-​Royal; definitely go on their terrace. Their terrace has a big tree in the middle and its vegetation and hippie ambiance will give you that zen feeling you are looking for! Also, there’s quite a bit of shade (probably created by that big tree) so it’s always nice on a sunny day. We went there as a group of 5 and easily found a table. We got their sandwiches and they were huge! Same applies if you get their milkshakes (just saying!). I tried the carrot and tofu sandwiches, and definitely preferred the tofu one. The only thing we found was that it missed some sauce and that it tasted dry. I heard from friends that they loved their coffee (I’m not a big coffee drinker but wanted to put it here in case you were wondering). I’d definitely return to try more plates.

What a special place!
The sandwiches are fresh and very good, they are also huge, I couldn’t finish mine. The staff is friendly, I did order a lemonade that never got to my table, but Hey… We all make mistakes. The coffee is good.
The garden is special, so zen and beautifully arranged. Lots of shade for a hot day.
The prices are fair. They are also kid friendly, offering the option of a high chair for the little ones.

The last time I was here was when I was kid, and I only remember that I didnt like it that much, but I had no idea why. So I decided to give a try and went there with a couple of friends. I have no idea why I didnt like it before!
Its a great place to chill with friends or even study. Their sandwiches seem really basic, but once they bring it to you, its this big sandwiches, filled with whatever choice of food you want. The price is super good! You think that it wouldnt be enough, but I was super full after I had that for lunch!
I’d also suggest the Chocolate milkshake! Comes with ice-​cream and great as a small desert. All my friends were so jealous of me cause I had that, so basically they ended up drinking my milkshake…

Hands down my favourite joint nationwide!
I no longer live in Mtl, but anytime I’m in town this place is a must hit 3−4x per week/​visit (and given 514’s food culture, that’s serious business). Fantastic service, amazing atmosphere and best of all, outstanding food.
Service: staff and menus are bilingual. Service is prompt, courteous, efficient and accomodating.
Atmosphere: cozy eclectic bohemian, but not stuffy or run down. Great location. The only thing I’d suggest is something to make the wait more pleasant on the nights they get slammed with a line of people that goes all the way out the door — totally worth the wait though!
Food: Huge, satisfying portions, amazing and creative flavour combinations, fresh ingredients, including epically fabulous thickly sliced bread… all at a good value.
I’m honestly fanatical about this place, it’s always treated me so well, and I’m sorely missing it right now.

Good place but not convenient.
The sandwich was very big and full of cream cheese which is not good !

I was looking up interesting coffee shop around town with an interesting terrace and came across santropol. as there was a Unilocal event not too far from it, I decided to stop by this place before heading down to the event.
place was easy to find as it’s right across a bus stop so I didn’t had to walk much. once in, I received a menu and went ahead at one of the tables. I’ve read about their terrace and hidden garden so that’s where I went even though weather wise, it was starting to be quite shitty with the wind and all. since I already ate, I settled with an iced latte.
service was prompt and that latte was quite big. it was served in those milkshake glass. taste/​flavor wise, I had way better coffee. on top of that, the cold milk ruined my afternoon since I’m somewhat lactose intolerant therefore, it was making a scene 45 minutes later while I was at another coffee shop to satisfy my palate. in hindsight, I should have went with a hot coffee instead. anyway, for future reference, I won’t go cold but then, I didn’t like the coffee so I’ll most likely not get another one.
so review wise, this is all about the coffee. I’ll need to head back and try their food as that’s what everyone got while I was there and it did looked appetizing.
as for the place, not only is the front very charming but that garden is one hell of a paradise. since it’s still spring, there isn’t much green around but once summer hits, it’ll be very breathtaking. not only that, there’s a fish pond with obviously fishes. 2 – 3 kinds. I was tempted to take an underwater picture (waterproof phone) but the pond looked very dirty so maybe another time.
I’d recommend the place on the basis of looking for a quiet peaceful beautiful haven to spend part of the day working on things or conversing with friends or having a date night. but if you’re looking for good coffee, forget it.
and that garden is so quiet in itself despite being next to busy st-​urbain that you do hear everyone conversations unless they are at the far end corner of the garden.

Wonderful food, great service. What more can one ask for?
Spacious place, with a nice patio in the back.
Menu is in French, and English. All the staff seem to speak both languages as well.
Would definitely come back.

Oh gawwwwwwd. I ADORE this place. Obviously, the summer is the best time to stop by, because hello — terrace. But the last time I ate here was in February, for a birthday lunch. The indoor seating was comfy and cozy and the service was fantastic. Seriously. When I mentioned it was my birthday, the entire staff started looking around for candles to put in some cake. Very sweet.
Okay, the actual food. Their bread is the bread they serve in heaven. I’m convinced. Love love love all the interesting choices of sandwich. Most of which involve some kind of crazy spread that is packed with deliciousness. And lots of veggies. There are a few things you can order with meat, but this place is predominately for the tofu crowd. If you are not part of that crowd, don’t worry, you will be at Santropol.
There will tend to be a line out the door in nice weather. Just know that. And know that it’s worth the wait.
Oh and order the carrot cake. Just do it.

J’ai adoré l’ambiance! Le service est excellent et leurs sandwichs végétaliens aussi! Je recommande à 100%

I’ve been coming here for 24 years now which should tell you right away of how great the sandwiches, soups, milkshakes and salads are.
More than once I’ve brought out of town guests here and they always, without fail, are impressed with the food, the presentation and the atmosphere. The garden in the back is by far the best place to sit during the hot summer months but the seats inside are just as cozy in the winter time.
Prices have been steadily going up over the years but the place still somehow manages to rely that hippy-​Boho vibe it’s always had. I’m not going to tell you which sandwich to get, my favorite changes constantly over time but you can’t go wrong with the traditional flavors. Their originals have some unusual combinations here but they are always quite tasty like the Killer Tomato, Sweet Root and Pepper Island. I know I’m weird in saying this but sometimes it’s the basic ingredients in the construction of any one dish is what either makes it or breaks it and in this case, it’s the bread. No joke.
Once you start coming here, make a mental note of this place. You’l be coming back all the time.

Been wanting to come here for ages, finally dropped in in the later afternoon after a long walk through the mountain.
Very cute little venue, with lovely comfortable but arty type seating in a semi outdoor garden area. Very relaxed. The service was a bit miss at first, with a long wait until we could get some attention, but eventually all good.
We tried a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches, and everything was just really tasty and fresh. Nothing super special here, but nice vibes, and very very fresh tasting food. And a lovely hangout spot too that’s located in a cool part of town. Would definitely return.

C’est bon, healthy et sans chichi. Cest de la bouffe certes végétarienne mais réconforte, les sandwich sont d’ailleurs énormes. Le cadre est agréable et la terasse en ete l’est encore plus!

Une de mes terrasses préférées à Montréal. Un petit coin de paradis! Les sandwichs sont très bons. Le gâteau aux carottes une merveille. J’y retournerai ! (Note: Né servent pas d’alcool)

A great place for Sunday afternoon to chill with your family and friends. Relax and chill environment with a pond with giants gold fishes with head waterfall. You can hear the tam tam drums from a distance. a great place to unwind. The sever Katherine was very sweet and suggest a gazpacho and with a killer tomatoes and jalapeño jam. Yummy.
Overall; its a decent place to bring your friends and eat light food but a bit overpriced.

Conseillé par le guide du routard, et après avoir lu les bons avis Unilocal,je me suis dit qu’avant d’aller admirer la vue sur Montréal du Mont Royal, j’allais venir manger un ptit bout au café Santropol.
J’ai donc choisi de prendre une formule moitié de sandwich/​soupe, et wahouuu, heureusement que je n’ai pris qu’une moitié ! le sandwich était ENORME, mais vraiment, je me suis même demandé comment j’allais manger ça, mais finalement, je né me suis pas trop mal débrouillée (;)), et la soupe de pois était vraiment bonne. Tout comme le sandwich d’ailleurs. Le tout était accompagné d’une petite salade.
Bref, j’ai donc apprécié ma pause déj «Healthy» dans cet endroit cosy, avec de nombreux bouquins tout autour de moi, et il parait qu’il y a une terrasse extérieur, mais vu le froid… je suis pas allée voir ça :)
Bön rapport qualité/​prix, 12 $ avec le tips, j’ai pas trouvé ça excessif.
Peut-​être qu’un service un peu plus souriant rajouterais une étoile ;)
En tout cas, je recommande vraiment pour un lunch!

Coup de cœur !
Restaurant vraiment idéal pour un déjeuner lors d’une journée ensoleillée d’été: on peut y manger des sandwichs, bagels ou salades = frais et sain, et surtout profiter de leur terrasse, que dis-​je JARDIN au fond du restaurant qui est PARFAIT ! Petit bassin avec des poissons, arbres pour l’ombré, petites guirlandes lumineuses, quelques tables style piqué-​nique avec des coussins… C’est un cadre juste idyllique !
L’assiette est au niveau: j’ai goûté une grande salade du jardin avec salade de pois chiches, servie dans un saladier, c’était exactement ce que je voulais: sans prétention, frais, goutu, complet tout en restant léger; idéal après un rythme alimentaire un peu déséquilibré.
Les soupes sont généreusement servies avec leur pain signature, celui utilise dans les sandwichs, qui a l’air bien bon (et on dirait complet). (Sandwichs énormes au passage)
La plupart des plats tournent autour de 10 $ mais on peut être rassasié à partir de 7 $ !
En plus, le café est servi avec quelques tranches de fruits: trop chou !
Bref, j’A-D-O-R-E !

Place unique, cuisine originale et surprenante, ambiance tranquille propice à d’agréables moments entre amis ou pour travailler seul…
Une terrasse à l’arrière toute décorée pour un dépaysement assez bien réussi, je vous avouerais!

Café végétarien/​hippie/​bohème ! Bön café + leur salade du jardin au thon est délicieuse ! J’y retournerais pour essayer leurs sandwichs, c’est sûr ! Wifi gratuit gracieuseté d’île Sans Fil.

Je n’ai jamais vu des sandwichs aussi gros que ceux du Santropol. Du bon pain fait maison que vous pouvez aussi acheter sur place s’il est encore assez tôt dans la journée, des tartinades, souvent à base de fromage à la crème et d’autres garnitures autant traditionnelles qu’hors de l’ordinaire font de leurs sandwichs les meilleurs en ville. C’est un petit coin tout charmant, parfait pour prendre un café accompagné d’un livre ou d’un petit groupe d’amis. Allez-​y tôt si c’est la fin de semaine parce que l’endroit se remplit rapidement.

S’il y a bien un endroit à né pas manquer sur le plateau Mont-​Royal, un endroit où l’on se sent chez-​soi, autant pour prendre un double allongé que pour se repaître copieusement, c’est bien ce café excentrique, hétéroclite, bariolé, qui offre comme nulle part ailleurs de gargantuesques sandwichs extravagants (plus de dix sortes). Le menu est truffé de mixtes audacieux d’ingrédients (les fruits ont une prédominance) qui à notre grande surprise, créent des découvertes gustatives aussi délicieuses que farfelues…
Le choix de sandwich est imposant et vous laissera pantois. La tartinade est l’atout. L’Aurore Boréal, par exemple, est un sandwich dans lequel l’on y retrouve une tartinade de fromage à la crème aux olives épicées, saupoudrée de pacanes rôties, et l’on peut y ajouter du jambon… Tout simplement jouissif. Autre exemple: la Tomate meurtrière comprend une tartinade de fromage à la crème aux tomates séchées, basilic et ail, garni de tranches de tomates fraîches. Suffisant pour ouvrir l’appétit. Servies par un personnel jovial et à l’aise, les assiettes sont énormes, toujours accompagnées de légumes et fruits frais, et peuvent être combinées à la soupe du jour. Rien de plus réconfortant en hiver… Desserts gourmands, lait fouetté, jus de fruits, légumes, épices…cet endroit veut nous faire plaisir.
Le Santropol a le mérite d’être parmi les premiers commerces à avoir introduit du café bio-​équitable sur l’île de Montréal. La torréfaction maison est variée et de qualité. Les caféïnomanes en trouveront pour leur compte; du café sous toutes ses formes. L’on peut même en acheter sur place.
L’espresso est légèrement chocolaté, et dégage une odeur grillée.
Avis aux lecteurs sereins: salle de lecture et somptueux jardin-​terrasse, très prisé durant l’été et le début de l’automne.
Clin d’œil: si vous avez de la chance, l’on pourra vous vendre leur pain maison, genre de pain pumpernickel (brun-​noir, fait avec de la farine et grain de seigle)