Montreal is a city that never sleeps—and now, neither does its bagel scene. Enter Kettlemans Bagel, the Ottawa-based bagel brand that’s officially made its way to the heart of downtown Montreal. With a bold claim to never close—literally, the doors have no locks—this all-day, all-night bagel joint is feeding the city’s hungry masses 24/7, just steps away from the Bell Centre.

Whether you’re leaving a Habs game, finishing a night shift, or pulling an all-nighter for finals, Kettlemans has your back with fresh Montreal-style bagels and, as of October 1, 2024, beer. Yes, you can now wash down that loaded bagel sandwich with a cold pint—at any hour.

Let’s dive into why Kettlemans is quickly becoming the go-to late-night (and mid-day, and early morning) eatery in the city.

A New Kind of Bagel Joint in Montreal

📍 Address: 1285 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC H3B 0G4
🌐 Website: kettlemansbagels.ca

While Montrealers are fiercely loyal to their bagel institutions—St-Viateur and Fairmount being the undisputed OGS—Kettlemans brings something new to the table. Their concept is part traditional, part diner, part bagel-watching experience. Open-concept kitchens allow customers to watch the mesmerizing rhythm of dough being hand-rolled, boiled in honey water, and baked in a wood-fired oven. It’s a culinary performance you can enjoy while waiting for your sandwich—and honestly, it’s oddly soothing.

Unlike traditional shops that focus solely on bagels and cream cheese, Kettlemans offers a full menu of more than 20 sandwich combinations, along with pastries, house-made cream cheeses, and loaded bagel pizzas. You can go classic with lox and capers, or try their crowd-favourite smoked meat bagel, which doubles down on local heritage.

24/7 Food for 24/7 Lives

One of the biggest draws of Kettlemans is its round-the-clock operation. Whether you’re a night owl, an early bird, or just lost track of time during a study session, there’s no “too late” or “too early” here. As the brand proudly puts it, their Montreal location doesn’t even have locks on the doors.

For students, that’s a game-changer. Whether you’re grabbing a quick carb fix before a morning exam or heading there after a 3 a.m. party wind-down, this place is designed with your chaotic schedule in mind. And if you live downtown or near Concordia or McGill, you're within walking distance of an always-open meal that isn't fast food.

The atmosphere remains welcoming no matter the hour. There’s seating for dine-in, but it also functions well for takeout or delivery via apps like Uber Eats.

Beer Joins the Bagel Party

Starting in fall 2024, Kettlemans officially added beer to their Montreal menu—a move that makes perfect sense given their location right across from the Bell Centre. Whether you're pregaming before a Canadiens match or winding down post-show, Kettlemans now offers a perfect beer-and-bagel combo.

To celebrate the launch, they’re running a game day special: 2 beers for $14. The selection includes domestic favourites and craft brews, and the staff will happily suggest which sandwich pairs best with your beverage of choice.

The timing of this launch coincides perfectly with hockey season. With their expanded hours and game-night deals, Kettlemans is positioning itself as a go-to spot for fans looking for something more interesting than arena hot dogs.

A Taste of Tradition with a Modern Twist

At its core, Kettlemans is a tribute to Montreal’s bagel legacy. Founder Craig Buckley, originally from Montreal, wanted to bring the traditional bagel-making process to a broader audience while still maintaining that authentic touch. The dough is hand-rolled, boiled in honey water, and baked in a wood-burning oven just like the classics.

But Kettlemans isn’t trying to be another St-Viateur. Instead of tiny storefronts with limited options, their restaurants offer a more expansive menu and a café-like experience. Think traditional techniques combined with modern hospitality, plus the option to grab a beer with your bagel. It’s a fusion of Montreal nostalgia and millennial convenience.

If you’re someone who values the “craft” of your food, you’ll appreciate that they don’t cut corners. And if you’re a student on the go, you'll appreciate that you can grab a solid, fresh-made meal in under 10 minutes.

Location, Location, Location

What truly makes the Montreal Kettlemans special is its prime downtown address: right across from the Bell Centre at 1285 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal. It’s walking distance from multiple metro stations, including Lucien L’Allier and Bonaventure, and is surrounded by condos, student housing, and office towers.

If you're a student at Concordia University, it’s just a 10-minute walk. Coming from McGill? Hop on the Orange Line or walk down in under 20 minutes. And if you’re a fan of last-minute bites after an event, there’s no better place.

This spot isn’t just another fast-food joint either. The vibe is casual but clean, welcoming to solo diners, friend groups, and even families. The open kitchen, warm lighting, and communal tables give it the kind of atmosphere that encourages you to stay a little longer, even at 2 a.m.

Community Meets Convenience

Despite being part of a growing chain, Kettlemans feels rooted in community. The staff are friendly and enthusiastic, even during off-peak hours. They’ve created a space that feels safe and inviting for all—ideal for students burning the midnight oil or newcomers trying to get a taste of Montreal’s food scene.

The communal seating encourages interaction, and the large prep area means you’re always just a few feet away from the bagel magic. You’ll often find tourists snapping photos of the oven or late-night regulars sharing stories over beers. It’s the kind of place that, despite being new, already feels like a neighbourhood staple.

More Than a Meal—It’s a Vibe

Let’s face it: Montreal doesn’t need another generic bagel place. What it does need is more spaces that match the city’s 24-hour lifestyle, and that’s exactly what Kettlemans delivers. They’ve taken the soul of the Montreal bagel and made it even more accessible, while throwing in a beer tap for good measure.

Whether you're fueling up before class, grabbing a bite after a night out, or looking for a cozy spot to chill with friends, Kettlemans Bagel is open, ready, and rolling fresh bagels around the clock.

Final Thoughts

Montreal’s food scene has always been a blend of tradition and innovation, and Kettlemans Bagel fits perfectly into that narrative. Their 24/7 service, open-kitchen setup, and newly added beer menu make them a standout among downtown eateries. Add to that their unbeatable location near the Bell Centre, and you’ve got a new late-night hero in the city’s culinary lineup.

So next time you find yourself starving at 3 a.m. or needing a hearty meal after a hockey game, skip the drive-thru and head to Kettlemans. Grab a smoked meat bagel, a cold beer, and watch the bakers do their thing.

Your Montreal brunch just found its nighttime twin.