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Former Plateau dive bar Copacabana — now closed, but remembered for its fake palm trees and surfer murals — gets a new lease on life tonight as cocktail bar James.
The bar on St-Laurent has been in soft-open mode, but is staging its official opening tonight (February 21) — featuring an open bar from 6 to 8 p.m., for aficionados of free booze. It comes from the people behind the very cleansing health bar Vertu on St-Viateur in the Mile End, although (perhaps obviously), as a bar, James does not have the same health focus.
The focal point of the bar’s name and entire “James” theme is still somewhat of a mystery — the bar’s social media is invoking a number of famous James, such as James Dean and James Franco, raising the possibility of a bar themed entirely around the mid-century bad boy or the present-day sexually confused, self-appointed artist. In any case, James’ identity is meant to be revealed at the opening.
Inside, the space is visually split in two, an all-black bar side and a brighter area with seating — pictures are available via Google Maps.
Cocktails are the focus, and those on offer are available in pitcher form and definitely take a functional approach to alcohol consumption: see the “Cheap Trick” with a large bottle of Labatt 50, Jamieson, and ginger, for $24.
There’s also a mix of snacks from chef Giuseppe Sacchetti — bar standards like fried pickles are there, but also a few different options such as plantain chips with mango guacamole, chow mein, and beef tataki — check the menu below.
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STATUS — James Bar is now open at 3910 St-Laurent, from 5 p.m to 3 a.m. daily.
- Tropical Dive Bar Copacabana Up For Sale [EMTL]
- Vertu Health Bar Fuels Mile End With Wholesome Bowls, Juices, and Shots [EMTL]
- James Bar [Facebook]
- James Bar Grand Opening [Facebook]