text: Laika has always been cool It is never had a decrease in crowd quality like most of Montreals nightlife spots When you go to Laika you can expect consistency upbeat electro music mixed by a live DJ starting around pm a short menu of very decent food valid until pm and tasty drinks made by a bartender that clearly respects his ingredientsnnLaika is simple and that is exactly what I like about it It is not trying it just is The waitress might not be the most experienced at opening bottles of Prosecco but she makes up for it with sweetness The bartender will not make you the complicated drink that is currently trending around town but he will make you a damn good classic cocktail The DJ has fun doing his thing and moving to the music People are hanging and talking over mixed drinks and beer and our case Prosecco and there is likely someone tucked away in a corner typing away at a project that is surely super artsy And that is all ok Everyone is doing their own thing And yes it is a hipster hangout but even the hipsters at Laika do not feel like they have to prove their hipsterdom to the world around them they just seem to want to have a good time with their friends Cheers to thatnnI just have one criticism the pm cutoff for ordering food is ridiculously strictly reinforced I tried to order a cheese plate at pm and was told I was too late by what seemed to be a manager Really Relax buddy Have a drinknnDespite that surprising mini letdown I like Laika I am glad it is only a fifteen minute walk from my place And in the summer Snag a seat on their fun and totally intrusive sidewalk terrasse to enjoy the great peoplewatching You want a chill night somewhere that is more than just a relaxed bar LaikannnMusic Pretty people lotsofbeards Service Drinks nnnPictures httpwwwbelledenuitmontrealcompostslaika