You’re a true Québécois so you’ve made many a late night jaunt to the dépanneur.

Dépanneur Le Pick-Up, however, is of a different breed of convenience store. Walk into this hidden joint and you’ll think you’ve stepped back in time. Vintage diner stools, a backlit menu board and a 1970s-style Hawaiian mural paint a pretty retro picture that has everyone talking.

Behind the buzz are two local urbanites who took over the dépanneur in 2009. It goes without saying that the term convenience has gained new meaning.

You’ll still find your regular corner store staples. However, an impressive selection of junk-foods’ healthier cousins (think soy-based products and energy bars) and a full-service kitchen, sets them apart from the pack.

Having a head chef (Jonathan Shepard) who’s worked in the famed kitchens of Au Pied de Cochon and Garde Manger explains the epicurean inventiveness. Le Pick-Up’s selection of gourmet sandwiches, salads and homemade goodies are treats you definitely won’t find at the dep next door. The infamous pulled pork sandwich (available in a veggie version) and the grilled halloumi will have you drooling.

The consistently happy hipsters who work behind the counter only add to the indie enthusiasm. A variety of artsy events, visits from guest chefs and eco-friendly workshops give you even more reasons to drop by.

We’ve no doubt that once you experience, it won’t be left to midnight rendezvouses.