Our History
Café Santropol was founded in 1976 as part of an attempt to save the building in which it resides. Since that time, it has become an institution in the neighbourhood and a meeting place for people from all walks of life both from Montreal and around the world. Santropol has employed hundreds of people since its creation and has spawned long-lasting friendships, romantic relationships, and even second-generation staff members.
Many thousands of soups, sandwiches, and salads later, the cafe remains a warm welcoming place for all, renowned for the friendly vibe, eclectic decor, and award-winning outdoor terrace. Why is it called "Santropol" ? That's another story...
Santropol Roulant
The café didn't stay just a café. In 1995, Santropol Roulant was born from the same kitchen: a meal-delivery organization that connects isolated elders with young volunteers over home-cooked food. The two organizations share a name and a building, and the conviction that feeding someone is a reasonable way to know them. Santropol Roulant now operates independently and has become one of the best-known community organizations in Montreal.
santropolroulant.orgThe Garden
Out back, there's a little slice of heaven. Chairs don't match, umbrellas are scarce, herbs grow where they want. In summer it fills up and stays.
Still Here
The Plateau has changed. Rents, demographics, a coffee shop on every corner now. Santropol hasn't tried to keep up with any of it. The menu changes slowly, the prices stay reasonable, and the staff have been here long enough that some of them have regulars of their own. We're not trying to be a throwback. We just haven't seen a reason to change what's working.