La Voie Maltée - Restaurant L'Usine LABrasserie

In the heart of the Chicoutimi district, which graces the city of Saguenay, you'll find La Voie Maltée — L'Usine LABrasserie—a unique space combining a modern microbrewery with a stylish gastropub. This place has become a true legend, as it was here that the craft brewing culture of the region, which Canada is so proud of, was born.

The interior is designed in an urban industrial style: the central bar offers guests a fascinating view of the active production line and the open kitchen. Visitors can witness firsthand how exclusive beers are born and how signature dishes are prepared, creating an atmosphere of total immersion in the process of creativity and production.

La Voie Maltée is famous for its experimental cuisine, where beer is not only a drink but also a key ingredient. The menu focuses on modern Italian classics using local products, including delicacies such as steaks marinated in stout and original tartars. A high rating and hundreds of positive reviews confirm that this is a must-visit stop for any connoisseur of quality leisure.

For those planning a visit to this popular establishment, the essential contact information is provided below. It is recommended to check for table availability in advance, especially during evenings and weekends.

The main reason people come to L'Usine LABrasserie is for the unique tasting experience. Here, you can sample exclusive beers brewed specifically for this restaurant: from refreshing lagers and pilsners to rich ales, IPAs, and original cuvées du brasseur. Every item on the beer list is the result of bold experiments by local masters.

The gastronomic program is equally exciting. Be sure to try the dishes created using malt and hops: the signature bavette à la stout steaks or the exquisite tartars. The open kitchen allows you to watch the chefs at work, turning your dinner into a real show. For those who want to learn more about the brewing process, there is an opportunity to take a look at the production facility itself or visit the tasting room.

Don't forget to stop by the local boutique, where you can purchase canned beer fresh off the conveyor belt, as well as stylish merch to remember your visit. If you visit on a weekday, look out for the traditional "happy hours" from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, when special offers on drinks create the perfect setting for socializing with friends.

Finding La Voie Maltée — L'Usine LABrasserie is quite simple: it is located in the Chicoutimi district at 220 Rue des Laurentides. If you are traveling by car, the restaurant provides convenient parking, and the building itself is easy to spot thanks to its distinctive industrial appearance.

For those who prefer public transport, city buses run in Saguenay, which will take you to the center of Chicoutimi, from where the brewery is about a 10–15 minute walk. If you are arriving from Bagotville Airport (YBG), a taxi or Uber ride will take approximately 20 minutes.

A walk from nearby landmarks, such as the Tourist Office or the Savana entertainment center, takes between 10 and 20 minutes. The brewery's location is easy to combine with a visit to local parks, such as Rivière-du-Moulin, making it an excellent spot to end a busy day.

The story of this iconic venue began in the early 2000s, driven by Daniel Giguère's passion for high-quality brews. He managed to inspire his brother Pierre and friends Alexandre and Michel with his idea, leading to the opening of the first microbrewery in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region in 2002. To fund this project, one of the co-founders even sold his motorcycle, believing in the success of democratizing craft culture.

Six years later, the project expanded with a second location in Chicoutimi, and later, chef Éric Blackburn joined the team. This collaboration took the gastronomic component to a new level, creating perfect pairings between complex beers and exquisite dishes. In 2014, Karl took over management and launched a production facility with a capacity of 30,000 hectoliters, allowing the brand to enter the market across the entire province of Quebec.

Today, L'Usine LABrasserie in Chicoutimi is not just a restaurant, but a modern production line and a creative laboratory. The network has grown to four establishments, each reflecting the individuality of the staff while remaining true to the principles of regional craft leadership. It is a classic success story of a local startup that has become a true cultural phenomenon.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere and cuisine of La Voie Maltée — L'Usine LABrasserie, it is recommended to set aside 2–3 hours. This is plenty of time for a leisurely lunch or dinner, tasting several craft varieties, and exploring the industrial interior with its views of the production lines.

If you plan to book a brewery tour (available upon request) or want to browse the assortment of the brand's boutique for merch and canned beer, you should allow up to 4 hours in your schedule. Evening hours, when the establishment holds promotions and the atmosphere is most lively, may require a bit more time due to the venue's popularity.

The operating schedule of La Voie Maltée — L'Usine LABrasserie is geared toward evening relaxation and mid-week lunch hours. The establishment is usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. From Wednesday to Friday, the doors are open from 11:30 AM to midnight, while on Saturday, the restaurant starts a bit later—from 12:00 PM (some sources say 4:00 PM) and also stays open until midnight. Sunday is a day off.

Please note that opening hours may change depending on the season or private events. Before visiting, it is highly recommended to check the latest information on the company's official website or contact the administration by phone.

The Chicoutimi district offers many interesting places to visit before or after your visit to the brewery. A walk around the area will allow you to better feel the city's atmosphere and discover its gastronomic and historical diversity.