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Where in Montreal can you find the obscure combination of drinks served in sand pails, ‘90s rock music, and a mechanical bull? If the answer isn’t obvious, let me tell you about the existence of the charming little establishment known as Chez Serge. For those who are unfamiliar with its name, it is widely known as “the bar with the mechanical bull”. For some, that is reason enough for a visit. But if you need some more convincing, consider the above statement about the sand pails.
Chez Serge serves just about everything, but the highlight of the menu are the six ounce mixed drinks served in buckets with multiple straws. They’re perfect for sharing with a friend or two (or, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can enjoy one to yourself). They come in a wide variety of alcoholic combinations, with delightfully inappropriate names like “the Orgy” (think more kinds of alcohol than a Long Island Iced Tea).
But the main attraction is, of course, the mechanical bull. Chez Serge is one of the few places in Montreal that offers bull riding. While it’s completely acceptable to go to Chez Serge for other reasons (they host a mean Habs game), the appeal for many is the chance to get up in front of a crowd of strangers and try something new. It’s the same basic idea behind karaoke, just slightly more country. For the price of one drink, you can get in touch with your inner cowboy/cowgirl. And, if you’re not sure you’re up for it, mechanical bull riding makes for a great spectator sport.
It took me a trip or two to Chez Serge before I could work up the nerve to try it, but I still had a blast cheering my friends on and watching everyone give it a shot. For a pretty repetitive pastime, it somehow never gets boring watching person after person get thrown onto the inflatable mat, and sometimes, you’ll get the occasional bar patron who doesn’t know which end of the bull is up. Should you decide to go for it, just remember: one hand only, and prepare yourself for some bruises the next morning, and maybe a few embarrassing photos. For those patrons who are feeling particularly adventurous, the bar also comes equipped with a few poles, should the urge for a coyote ugly moment arise.
Chez Serge’s music ranges from current club hits to classic M.J. to ‘90s gems from Blink 182 and Bloodhound Gang. Despite the DJ’s somewhat eclectic taste, the atmosphere remains a unique marriage of rowdy energy and laid-back comfort, without one overpowering the other, which works for whatever kind of night you have in mind. One gets the sense that you can get exactly what you need at Chez Serge, be it a hockey game with the guys, a wild night out with the girls, or just a relaxed drink with an old friend.
Chez Serge boasts $3 coat check and no cover, it’s one of a precious few themed bars in Montreal owned by Paul Branco, the mastermind behind Candi Bar and Gogo Lounge. So do yourself a favour and check out Chez Serge, if only to see for yourself that there are, in fact, portions of the walls covered with what, as far as I can tell, is Astroturf.
