Best of the West

The four-member Best of the West team scored each watering hole on a combined scale of 240 points. In fifth place was Bourbon Street West in Pointe Claire (1866 Sources Blvd.) with 175 points. With its fun, New Orleans-themed décor and laissez-faire attitude, Bourbon Street West offers a great place to meet with friends or enjoy a night of entertainment. From speed dating to live music (including past guests like Loverboy and April Wine) to comedy nights and dancing, there’s always something going on at Bourbon Street West.

With 182 points, Brasserie La Résidence in Pierrefonds (4705 St. John’s Blvd.) came in fourth thanks to its menu, relaxed atmosphere, and friendly service. The Rez also holds special events year-round, including Superbowl and Grey Cup parties, Oktoberfest, and a golf tournament, with this year’s taking place on Aug. 19. The terrasse also offer patrons a nice spot to unwind on hot summer’s day.

Scoring just two more points than Brasserie La Résidence was Clydes in the Pointe Claire Village (286 Lakeshore Rd.), which came in third with 184 points. This West Island favourite is frequented by a very diverse crowd that makes good use of the pool tables upstairs and the bar and restaurant downstairs. Clydes has plenty of variety, both in the events and shows it hosts, and the food and drink it offers. Tuesday’s fajita night, and 25-cent wing night on Wednesdays are not to be missed.

In second place, with 191 points, was Kelly’s Pub in Pointe Claire (88 Donegani Ave.). The extensive selection of imported beers is what impressed the Best of the West team most, as did its menu with plenty of classic pub fare. The crowd and staff are very friendly, making Kellys a comfortable, laid back place to hang out for an hour, or a few. Also, their annual beach volleyball tournament held in August is an event not to be missed. “I like the many choices of beers. They have Smithwick’s and Kilkenny. The staff is generally nice. It’s an easy-going place,” said The Chronicle editor and Kelly’s fan Albert Kramberger. “It’s a nice place to go for a casual drink and talk.”

Drumroll, please! Separated from Kelly’s Pub by only two points, Brasserie Le Manoir in Pointe Claire (600 St. John’s Blvd.) is the Best of the West’s number one watering hole, with a grand total of 193 points. The Manoir seems to have it all: a great menu and selection of drinks, a warm atmosphere and friendly staff, and good value for your money. “When it comes to the West Island, people, for the most part, want solid value and good service. And the Manoir gives that to you. And, it’s the only place my mom, me, and my grandparents agree on,” said The Chronicle news director Marc Lalonde, adding it was tough to choose between the five finalists. “I have many fond memories from all five of them.”

Today is the deadline to get your nominations in for the West Island’s best General Tao chicken. In the coming weeks, we’ll also be rating the best family destination, best hot dog, and the best French fries, and we need you to help us determine our Best of the West list. So, send your nominations to marc.lalonde@transcontinental.ca, editor@transcontinental.ca, and info.citésnouvelles@transcontinental.ca., or give us a call at 514-685-4690, ext. 243. Make sure to let us know what exactly makes your favourite the Best of the West. If your submission stands out, it may be up for a prize, including a pair of tickets to a Hudson Village Theatre show. We look forward to hearing from you.

Restaurant Calzone, 3717 St. Charles Blvd. in Kirkland, 514-426-9000

Ristorante Fornello, 3360 Sources Blvd. in Dollard des Ormeaux, 514-421-1422

La Dolce Vita, 3776 St. Charles Blvd. in Kirkland, 514-695-3212

Brasserie Le Manoir, 600 St. John’s Blvd. in Pointe Claire, 514-695-2071

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