…And why everyone Needs a bar like Thursday’s to call their own.
Sometimes, a drink is more than just a drink…a night out is more than just a night out…and, most importantly, sometimes a bar is more than just a bar.
Such is the case with Montreal’s Thursday’s Bistro, Bar and Club, an icon of the city’s nightlife for nearly four decades which, after a long and painful 20-month wait, will soon re-open its doors and usher in a new era of unforgettable moments and vodka-induced memories.
Why So Sad?
For the past 20 months, anyone who knows me even a little has asked how I was doing (i.e. checking to make sure I wasn’t on the verge of slitting my wrists).
Who can blame them? After all, my entire life is in that building and, in many ways, Thursday’s is where I became a man.
What else would you expect from a bar that topped my debut list of Favorite Things?
Thursday’s is a Mecca for tourists, socialites and (especially) bachelors; it’s one of those places that just feels like home. And if every major city and small town had their own Thursday’s, the world would be a much better place.
Touched For the Very First Time
July 31, 1998. A young, impressionable bachelor (i.e. me) stepped into Thursday’s for the first time and his life would never be the same since.
Over-dramatic? Perhaps. But it doesn’t change the fact that many a great meal and Happy Hour has taken place there. Within those four walls, I’ve pretty much seen it all, drank it all, and developed some great friendships in the process.
When Thursday’s closed its doors for what seemed like for good—on September 9, 2012—I wasn’t sure how I’d ever get by. I even flirted with the idea of a relationship (after all, if I had to miserable, I may as well have some company, right?).
But now, thanks to the laws of attraction, and a foiled development plan by the city, the phoenix will rise again and Thursday’s will re-open its doors to the next generation. (Someone get me a tissue…)
Why Thursday’s Is Tops…
- No Frills Fun…You go there to just have a good time, NOT to be surrounded by pretentious posers who are too busy flashing their designer labels. It’s where you can loosen your tie, down a few cocktails and engage in not-so-highbrow conversations.
- Quality…Everything from the stiff drinks, to the great food, are top shelf.
- A “Mature” Crowd…Tired of being surrounded by teenyboppers with the IQ of a fig? Then head to Thursday’s, where every age bracket is represented, and yours for the taking.
Thursday’s…The Next Generation
No one knows for sure what the new Thursday’s will bring, since details surrounding the opening are still fuzzy, but one thing is certain: The name and location are guaranteed to bring back the loyal patrons who’ve been saving up a pretty penny since its apparent demise.
It appears, though, that they’re going for a fresh, modern look, complete with a new executive chef, Jean-Francois Vachon, which is great. Some new blood will help to revitalize the now-ailing Crescent street (which, for those of you who don’t know, used to be Montreal’s epicenter for sin and debauchery).
A Toast…
I pity anyone (in any city) who hasn’t yet experienced the magic of Thursday’s. But luckily, they’ll have a second chance. And while Montreal has seen better days, this is the perfect excuse to visit the city.
And on that note, let’s all raise a glass and wait—patiently—for the magical doors to paradise to open once more.
Welcome back Thursday’s. Cheers!
