1608

In the bar world, attention tends to go to the new bars — ones with buzzy names behind the stick, scene-y energy and high-flying techniques.

But the cocktailers who voted for our first annual People’s Choice Bar Award weren’t swayed by the new and shiny. They opted for the tried-and-true. After thousands of votes were assessed and counted, Bar 1608 — the historic destination within the equally significant Fairmont Le Château Frontenac — was crowned this year’s victor.

Named to honor the year Samuel de Champlain founded the city, Bar 1608 has all the trappings of an excellent hotel bar. Alfred Hitchcock knew it, and filmed I Confess (1953) at the hotel. The bar is known for hosting Winston Churchill. As legend goes, the British Bulldog strategized the end of the World War Two while ensconced at 1608. The space is poised and elegant, with a grand circular bar and tables overlooking the St. Lawrence River. The fare is as local as it needs to be. A broad selection of cheeses come from Quebec. Some wines and spirits are custom-made for the hotel. Cocktails are inspired by the province’s literary works, with an Anthony Bourdain nod tossed in for good measure. Bar 1608’s charms endure — anyone who has come in over the previous century would say so. And the voters agree.