In the heart of downtown, the Granada Theatre has been livening up the evenings of Sherbrooke residents since 1929. When Wellington Street North comes alive, rest assured that it is because a popular artist is performing there. The restaurants are then stormed by ticket holders, who want to start their evening off on the right foot with a good meal before entering the Granada for their show.

If you too have planned to attend a show in this venue, but do not know where to go eat before your outing, we have prepared for you a list of restaurants located near the Granada Theatre.

Every year, dozens of performances are given in this legendary venue in the Eastern Townships, as much in music, comedy, as in theater.

Built in 1928, but opened in 1929, the Granada Theatre has been a gathering place for the population from the beginning, where information is presented in the form of filmed news from all over the world. For example, people were able to see events of their time that they had only read about in newspapers, such as the birth of the Dionne twins, the speeches of Prime Ministers and news from the Second World War.

It was in 1997 that the Granada Theatre was given a second wind, when musical shows were presented again, in a restored venue.

The programming naturally featured Quebec artists, such as Gilles Vigneault les Cowboys Fringants, Paul Piché, Daniel Bélanger, Ariane Moffatt, Charlotte Cardin, etc. International-calibre artists also graced the Granada stage: Louise Attaque, Roger Hodgson, Arcade Fire, Vance Joy, Zaz, Daniel Lanois, Cat Empire, George Thorogood, Pennywise, SUM 41, Juliette Gréco, etc.

The Granada Theatre was designated a Canadian Heritage Historic Site, thus highlighting the efforts of architect Daniel J. Crighton and set designer Emmanuel Briffa. Moreover, the Granada is the only atmospheric theatre to have preserved its architectural integrity.

The decor gives you the impression of being in an outdoor amphitheater, more specifically in an atmosphere representing a Spanish interior courtyard: windows opening onto painted landscapes, portions of roofs, balconies, numerous gargoyles and painted trees silhouetted against a blue sky filled with clouds and a moon.

But now, let's move on to our restaurant suggestions to visit before entering the legendary Théâtre Granada:

Méchant Steak

As a first choice, we recommend Méchant Steak Sherbrooke, first for its bring your own wine or beer formula, but also for its grills. On the menu, refined cuisine and, in the dining room, a relaxed atmosphere. Like Granada, the restaurant is located on Wellington Street North.

This restaurant is ideal for the start of an evening with friends where you can enjoy a Caesar salad on the grill (grilled romaine, homemade Caesar sauce, croutons, bacon, parmesan) as a starter, a beef tataki (carrot and daikon salad, fresh coriander), or salmon or beef tartares.

As a main course, you have the choice between the Méchant Burger (Monterey Jack, onion, lettuce, bacon, fried shallot, ranch sauce, fries), steak fries with red wine sauce (6 oz hanger steak or 8 oz picanha or 10 oz sirloin) and salmon or beef tartare plates.

There is also a children's menu.

On Thursdays, an interesting promotion is offered to gourmets on the steak fries plate.

Masala Café

Let's continue our suggestions with another restaurant that has adopted the “Bring your own wine or beer” concept, namely Masala Café. In addition, it is next door to Granada. Located in a brand new enchanting setting, Masala has been faithfully representing Indian cuisine for about ten years.

Since the owners, a Quebecer and a Frenchwoman, do not claim to be Indian, they have looked for a different formula to let you taste their cuisine and it is in the form of thalis that they succeed.

This is a meal where an assortment of dishes are served, usually in small containers on a tray. Here, you can compose your own thali by choosing from the available options: the basic (Dal, rice, kashumber, papadum and chutneys), the mushroom tikka masala (grilled mushrooms, creamy tomato sauce), the avial (South Indian curry, cauliflower, carrot, peas, coconut), the butter chicken (marinated chicken, creamy tomato sauce) or the kefta (lamb meatballs, yogurt mint/coriander chutney).

Some options are also vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free.

La Suite

The restaurant La Suite is another one that is a few steps from the Granada and has long opted for the “bring your own wine or beer” formula. You can discover an affordable gourmet menu in a warm decor and an elegant atmosphere.

By opting for the table d'hôte menu, you will have the pleasure of discovering their soup of the day, selecting one of their starters and choosing a main course to your taste.

Among the starters, the most popular is undoubtedly the crispy snow goat cheese, coated with almonds and panko, gold pineapple chutney and coriander. The braised beef roll and creamy cabbage vegetables with Asian bbq sauce is also delicious.

For the main course, there is the linguini with clams (white wine and fine herbs, spicy chili, parmesan and garlic breadcrumbs), the sautéed shrimp (coconut milk, curry and lime, grilled bok choy and bird's eye chili, rice vermicelli with fine herbs), the grilled flank steak (five pepper sauce, sautéed mushrooms and shallots, homemade fries) or the grilled beef mignon (port and five pepper sauce, vegetables of the day, mashed potatoes with herbs).

During the summer season, it is also possible to have the meal on their terrace. It offers a very beautiful view of the East district of the City.

SBALLO

Let's complete our suggestions for “bring your own wine or beer” restaurants with the Italian restaurant on Wellington Street North, SBALLO. Here, you will find authentic Italian cuisine in a brick-walled setting of this century-old building.

Of course, you must try the fresh pasta, a staple of the establishment, accompanied by their homemade sauces. For example, the linguini (fresh tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, basil and green shallots and garlic), the potato gnocchi homemade pasta (cream sauce and Gorgonzola cheese), the homemade ravioli (stuffed with ricotta and spinach, butter sauce and sage) or the tagliatelle alla Gigi (prosciutto, exotic mushrooms, shallots, garlic, white wine, cream and tomato sauce).

There are also risottos (vegan option or with mushrooms or seafood) and meats (veal escalopes, duck breast and filet mignon).

It is also possible to buy fresh pasta and take it home. There is also a choice of sauces to take away.

La Buvette du Centro

Finally, let's leave you with a glimpse of La Buvette du Centro, another neighbor of the Granada. This time, this restaurant offers beers, wines and cocktails, all from Quebec producers, in addition to a vegetarian menu that will surprise even the biggest carnivore.

In addition, La Buvette boasts of having a small ecological footprint with its zero waste objective.

On the starter section of the menu, try the cauliflower wings (breaded buffalo cauliflower with blue cheese sauce) or the cheeseburger-style nachos (braised tofu, red onions, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, romaine lettuce, pickle tapenade and homemade Big Mac sauce).

For the main course, there’s the Mexican poutine (beer sauce, olives, hot peppers, onions, fries, Coaticook cheese curds and chipotle sauce), the cheeseburger (veggie patty, red onions, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, romaine lettuce, pickles and homemade Big Mac sauce) or the Thai taco trio (breaded tofu, lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, red onions, sesame, coriander, Thai mayo).

These restaurant suggestions near the Granada Theatre will definitely get your night off to a great start, right before you go see your favourite artist!