The ‘House of the People,’ or Casa del Popolo as it’s known, is a Montreal community staple you can’t miss. For almost 13 years, it’s been fulfilling a particular set of desires common to the Montreal citizenry: good vegetarian food, good coffee, good liquor, good tunes, and great local art.

High ceilings give you air to think and breathe while you’re sipping your fair trade. Sink into one of Popolo’s unpretentiously eclectic couches or chairs, and lose yourself in thought. Make sure you enjoy the art on the walls; it might change before your next visit.

A giant blackboard to the right of the door lists upcoming shows (some held at sister venue La Sala Rossa across the street). The big bartop to the left and the friendly folk behind it will get you hooked up with vegetarian wraps, sandwiches, and more (try the spicy tofu sandwich with a pint of St. Ambroise Apricot).

Don’t overlook the Distrobo, a machine tucked to the left of the bar that dispenses an ever-changing assortment of ‘zines, buttons, and tapes for $2. Take advantage of the $4 pint special from 5-7 p.m.

—Casa del Popolo is located at 4873 St. Laurent. For further information about their free events and more, check out casadelpopolo.com.