3 Amigos, Montreal

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MBO Montreal :: Montreal Restaurants & Dining Guide
  • 3 Amigos, Montreal

    Susan Campbell | Last Updated: April 24,2009 09:37:18 am
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    It’s entirely fitting that this spot is named after the unlikely trio of heroes from the movie of the same name. For these owners are also an unlikely threesome to operate one of the city’s most successful Tex-mex emporiums, since none of them are from south of the border. Originally from Ontario, Claude Legault teamed up with Quebecer Charles Lemieux and Bangladesh native Abul Shamin to create a fun, friendly foray into Mexican cuisine for Montrealers six years ago.

    Situated on St. Catherine and between St. Mathieu and Guy, it is very popular with students from the surrounding area. Fortunately, this stretch of the street is undergoing a much needed facelift eliminating abandoned buildings which should soon result in the resident panhandlers seeking more hospitable haunts. But area conditions notwithstanding; nothing seems to ebb the flow of traffic to 3 amigos. Even on my last visit on a blustery, cold winter Wednesday night, the place was almost packed to its 400 seat capacity. And during the summer, it never fails to amaze me to see their sad excuse for a terrace (tables literally dumped right on the dusty sidewalk without so much as a railing to separate it from passersby) always full to max. Quite simply the draw is the food.

    It is consistently good and reasonably priced and there is also a surprising selection of non-Mexican specialties. Cajun burgers, fresh fish catch of the day, baby back ribs and even teriyaki stir-fry accompany every kind of south of the border dish known to man. I can honestly say I have never had a bad meal here. In fact, my last order of make-your-own-shrimp fajitas was absolute perfection with a generous portions of plump, beautifully grilled shrimp served on a sizzling platter. Also a draw is the usual slushy suspects of oversized frozen daiquiris and margaritas and some creative concoctions like the strawberry-chocolate pina colada.

    Then there’s the décor, which my companion aptly coined as “Cheesy, but cool.” It’s a comic slapdash collage of murals, pińatas, palms and Mexican memorabilia all lit up like Christmastime even in the off-holiday season. My only complaint is the service. Maybe I have always had the wrong waiter on a bad day, or maybe they are perpetually understaffed and over-busy, but service here has always been bordering on sullen in stark contrast with the proposed atmosphere. (Lighten up guys, you’re bumming out the décor!) Though I wouldn’t go so far to say it has ever been really slow or inefficient. But there is one redeeming staff member dressed up as a Hollywood version of a “desperado” who wanders from table to table slinging bottles from his holsters offering impromptu tequila popper shots to those inclined to party a little heartier. In all, 3 Amigos gives you a great bang for your buck and I highly recommend it for special occasions. Reservations are recommended but not mandatory. – S.C.

    AT A GLANCE
    3 Amigos
    1657 Ste Catherine St. W. Montreal, QC
    514-939-3329
    Mexican
    Downtown
    Venue:
    Restaurant, Bar
    Hours:
    Mon. to Thu.: 11:00am - 12:00am
    Fri. & Sat.: 11:30am - 1:00am
    Sun.: 12:00pm - 11:00pm
    Price Range:
    $$ (Affordable)
    Payment:
    Master Card, Visa, American Express
    THE BUZZ

    IN THE AREA

    18 Reader Reviews

    I've been a client for many years since I live nearby. It has descent food and the service is ok. However, today, i was very upset with the waiter and the manager. They charged me extra 2.5$ because i shared a fajita plate with my friend. It is written in small letters way below the page and there is no "*" sign on the price to actually refer clients to read the extra information.
    I've noticed that whenever you go on a Wednesday for the special price, the service and food quality suck . Keep in mind that it wasen't crowded at the time I was there.



    1. Danny's Review :: March 17, 2010
    Danny's Rating: 2 Stars
    This is a good restaurant- I get a little upset when they say bad service- because they are under tons of pressure! They must rush you to keep their jobs. This restaurant is about the rapididty not the quality.

    2. Meghan's Review :: February 06, 2010
    Meghan's Rating: 4 Stars
    Instant heartburn!

    That said, I'm still on the quest for good food on Ste Catherine St.

    3. Gary's Review :: September 21, 2009
    Gary's Rating: 2 Stars
    hola

    4. Jessica Katherine Cruz Diaz's Review :: August 12, 2009
    Jessica Katherine Cruz Diaz's Rating: Stars
    The best lunch in Montreal, hands down. Everything these people touch turns to gold. Most people will find it plain and pubbish, but they make it delicious. One of the top ten things I miss most about Montreal (I'm in Miami now).

    5. Grant Lewis's Review :: August 12, 2009
    Grant Lewis's Rating: 3 Stars
    Good atmosphere, extensive menu at a great price. Food was lovely. Only negative were the staff who did their job and absolutley nothing else! No chance to linger over your meal either, you were served and out of there at the speed of sound.

    6. Sally's Review :: July 21, 2009
    Sally's Rating: 3 Stars
    As first time visitors to Montreal, we took in the downtown sites and shopping, then drove around looking for a nice place to dine. We chose the 3 Amigos as it looked quaint and casual. The hostess was cold and unwelcoming, we should have left then but the little one was hungry and loves mexican, after waiting needlessly we found the waiter unfriendly and unattentive. As there was no childrens menu we ordered quesadilas for her, but it came heaped with jalopenos, guac and sourcream, olives and salsa, well, she couldnt eat it like that so we asked if another could be made, No, was the answer and then he said he would just scrape all the toppings off and we could do this ourselves!!! We ended up doing this taking our time, all the while he did not return to offer anything, no dessert was offered and we had to wait for the bill.
    The food was mediocre and bland, not what youd expect for mexican food.
    We didnt leave a tip, first time Ive ever done that!!!
    Overall, we we very disappointed and will tell others not to eat there

    7. Dennis And Family's Review :: June 30, 2009
    Dennis And Family's Rating: 1 Stars
    I HAVE BEEN TO YOUR RESTAURANT QUIT A FEW TIMES... WE USE TO GO THERE AND SPEND PART OF THE EVENING BEFORE GOING SOMEWHERE ELSE... WE LOVED THE AMBIANCE... I WENT ON THE WEEKEND AND WAS VERY DISAPOINTED... WE WERE RUSHED OUT, WE GOT OUR MEAL AND WE WEREN'T FINISHED OUR ENTREE'S... WE WERE NOT EVEN ASKED IF WE WANTED DESSERT AND GOT THE BILL... WE WERE IN AND OUT IN AN HOUR, AND THAT WAS WITH THE WAITING IN LINE FOR 20 MINUTES... FOOD WAS OK BUT NOT LIKE IT USED TO BE... I KNOW IT WAS BUSY BUT IT'S ALWAYS BEEN BUSY THERE, WE WERE NEVER RUSHED BEFORE...

    8. KATHY's Review :: March 09, 2009
    KATHY's Rating: Stars
    I have been a regular since the opening in late '90s. When I worked at McGill University, I had groups of friends at the restaurant singing the praises at least twice a month. All agreed. I then had groups from my job with the Government of Canada. My friends said I should have shares. I really loved this place, celebrating birthdays, university graduation and so many other occasions. Food is still wonderful. Service absolutely stinks. I have had two horrible experiences in the last few years, and have now decided to never return.

    Thanks for the memories.

    9. C. Thompson's Review :: February 14, 2009
    C. Thompson's Rating: 2 Stars
    i enjoyed the food but the service was alittle slow.. i enjoyed the music it was very relaxing... also i should say that the tables were too close together.. i would suggest placing the tables further apart..thanks

    10. Anonymous's Review :: January 27, 2009
    Anonymous's Rating: 2 Stars
    dude! i was drunk so they gave me a gift, a mexican hat, it was awesome, too bad my lasalle buddies didn't turn up, then we would've had a partay

    11. Dude's Review :: January 17, 2009
    Dude's Rating: Stars
    Grrrreat rice!
    Slow service but the food is worth the wait!

    12. Anonymous's Review :: December 12, 2007
    Grrrreat rice!
    Slow service but the food is worth the wait!

    13. Dina's Review :: December 11, 2007
    Dina's Rating: 4 Stars
    I went here and the waiter was extremly distant. Charged me for a drink I never received. I also got stale chips and crappy food. I had high hopes for this place. Was severly dissapointed.

    14. Anonymous's Review :: July 10, 2007
    I went here and the waiter was extremly distant. Charged me for a drink I never received. I also got stale chips and crappy food. I had high hopes for this place. Was severly dissapointed.



    15. T.Uner's Review :: July 09, 2007
    T.Uner's Rating: 1 Stars
    The rice is amazing!!!And I don't know where to start on rating food because it's all good.The price was amazing $11.25$ only I thought because it was such good food for that price I was shocked.The service was quick and they were all sweet and when you asked for something it would be done quickly.

    16. Anonymous's Review :: May 27, 2007
    The rice is amazing!!!And I don't know where to start on rating food because it's all good.The price was amazing $11.25$ only I thought because it was such good food for that price I was shocked.The service was quick and they were all sweet and when you asked for something it would be done quickly.

    17. Felicia's Review :: May 27, 2007
    Felicia's Rating: 4 Stars
    it was sickk yo u guys are sick but service a little slow other than that u guys are off the chart

    18. Michele's Review :: October 04, 2006
    Michele's Rating: 4 Stars
    Click here to view all 15 reviews

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