There are retro cocktail bars, there are themey goofy restaurants, and then there are the cute little eateries for the people who understand the differing architectural signifiers of the two. If you understood any of that and live somewhere in Montreal, La Cantine is likely your stylish, but low-key spot. This 45-capacity lounge, restaurant - and food boutique, no doubt – has a soaring 70's décor, great drinks, fresh original fare, and those splendidly little mini pogos. And don't so many, many people deserve a mini pogo?

So, if you find that you fall somewhere between wino, Wine Spectator, and Winehouse, La Cantine's lowbrow/highbrow vibe won't upset your balance. It's what we find so appealing and so entertaining about this Mont-Royal spot. Even on a weeknight, it's a treat to sit back in this “funky-kitch-retro” space while the area cockteasers flirt with the white-shirted business guys, cocktail-drinking middle-classers, and bright young couples at the slick and shiny bar.

What everyone instantly loves about La Cantine is how it didn't take itself too seriously. Some of this has to do with the cheerful staff and the stylings of the place itself (a great 70's bachelor pad layout). But mostly it was a response to such left-field offerings, such as the Foie Gras Shooters (10.00), which are little samplers served over biscotti and popcorn and truffle oil. And the Champignons Champions Gratinés ($7.00), which is a little casserole of mushrooms and shallots.

The simplest menu things are some of the most delicious, like the pungent Coq au Vin ($16.00), served with zesty red wine sauce, an exceedingly satisfying crust and garlic and mashed potatoes. The Jambon À Nana ($15.00), is bone-in baked ham, served with caramelized pineapple and mashed potatoes. And while you won’t mistake it for Kobe, you probably won’t find a better inexpensive hamburger steak ($15.00), served with caramelized onions and thick peppery gravy. Comfort foods are a mainstay here, albeit again with a "Cantine" spin – like the much ballyhooed (but admittedly, very fun) Linguini Kraft Dinner.

All in all, La Cantine is the kind of place where you can feel completely at ease, whether you're stopping in for a drink while doing your laundry, after getting done with work, or on your way home from a bad date. The kind of spot where the bartenders are friendly enough but not creepy, the décor is just the right over-the-top-70's zaniness, and the cinq à sept cocktail hour is busy but not mobbed with newbies.