Montreal Restaurant Openings

A Possibly James Dean or James Franco Themed Bar Arrives in the Plateau

In the old Copacabana

by Tim Forster@timothyjforster Feb 21, 2017, 4:21pm EST

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.