McKibbin’s — Restaurant in Montreal

I went to Montreal on a business trip last week. Whenever I go to a new city I look up what the spiciest food available is and get it. In this case, I kept seeing the rim reaper wings at McKibbin's come up.

There were two sizes, 6 wings for "the curious" and 12 for the challenge.

I usually end up underwhelmed but not this time. When I got the wings, honestly they didn't look that impressive, looked just like regular buffalo wing sauce. Ate one wing. It was pretty spicy, and actually it had a really good flavor.

If I hadn't gotten the 12 wings, I would have been satisfied with six. After 8, I felt a gut punch. This is actually one of the best parts of it. When I've gotten it before, it usually happens a few hours after a challenge. So the wings and my body were letting me know before it's too late that I'm going to be having a bad time later if I continue. Knowing you're going to feel bad later is sort of an abstract concept, but that gut punch brought back some vivid memories.

I sat there for a bit, deciding whether I wanted to try to power through the last four, or give up. I have a plane to catch in the morning, I don't want to be sick while I'm dealing with that.

The pub was not too far from my hotel. I came on foot which wasn't bad, and I left on foot, which was. Every step was just making everything in there slosh around. It got to where I couldn't walk, I had to go into an alleyway and just sat on the ground breathing for a bit, unable to move. I didn't know how I was going to make it back. But after sitting still for a bit I managed to recover enough to make it the rest of the way. Once I got into my room I just laid on the bed sweating. I was thirsty, but the only thing to drink was water out of the bathroom faucet, and I couldn't justify moving just for that. Eventually I fell asleep.

I woke up some time later in the early morning, and... it was like nothing happened. I was really glad about that. I've never had the capsaicin fever in an airplane toilet and I don't ever want to.

So all in all, a worthwhile challenge that actually tastes good too. If I find myself back in Montreal I will have to make arrangements and try again... or maybe...

I went there last Saturday with a bunch of friends to have dinner and some beers and watch the game. We spent a good amount of money and left a good amount of tips. I also forgot a neck warmer that I was very fond of, as it was a gift from a person that is no longer here. I reached to them on their fb page, and later on, on Thursday, I called to ask wether they had it or not to go pick it up, and the guy I spoke on the phone told me they did, after I gave him it’s description. I went there today Sunday evening and asked the guy behind the bar about it. He was more interested on playing a game with his buddies and made me feel most unwelcome throughout the whole thing. I asked him to please look through the lost and found items box for a second time, as I had been told it was at the bar. He did, but in a very rude and quick manner, as if I was just a bother to get rid of. Very bad attitude for a person who works behind a bar. And where is the neck warmer that was supposed to be in there? Who knows. Never going to this...

McKibbin’s is hands down one of the best pubs in downtown Montreal. Every time I come here, I’m reminded why it’s such a classic. The atmosphere is exactly what you’d want from a proper pub — warm, lively, and welcoming whether you’re with friends, coworkers, or just stopping in for a pint.

The food is always solid pub fare done right. Portions are generous, everything is tasty, and it pairs perfectly with their great beer selection. Speaking of which, their variety of beers and whiskies is excellent — there’s always something new to try, along with all the favorites.

The staff deserve a shoutout too. Service is friendly and efficient, even when the place is packed, which it often is thanks to the great vibe. Whether you’re there to watch a game, enjoy live music, or just relax with good company, the team keeps the experience smooth and enjoyable.

It’s the kind of spot that feels like a staple in Montreal nightlife. Great drinks, hearty food, and an unbeatable atmosphere — McKibbin’s is always...