] La Petite idée fixe is a godsend for survivors of the mass exodus of Plateau-dwellers to Outremont and Mile-End because, until recently, a lot of us parvenu-northerners with a taste for dive bars were still making the trek down to the Bifteck, Miami, or the Copa. Luckily, someone had the brilliant idea to explore haunts off the beaten path (i.e.: north of Mont-Royal), and s/he discovered the gold mine that is the Fixe. Aptly named after Tintin’s trusty canine sidekick, loyal hipster patrons keep coming back here for the perfectly unassuming ambiance, which promises an always-dwindling population of aquarium fish, low lighting, neon ads for cheap beer, and tables and chairs distributed un-strategically (except for a generous pleather-covered window-side banquette, which is coveted seating for groups of five or more). The Fixe has a pool table, but its biggest draw is the free jukebox with an unlimited supply of song credits, courtesy of affable commuter-450 owners, Alain and Ghyslain. As a clincher, tallboys of ironic Canadian beer brands cost about six bucks and, for added incentive, the Fixe offers client fidelity cards entitling everyone to a free beer after ten. [

La Petite idée fixe, 4857 avenue du Parc / 514.272.1734

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