There is no sign to tell you that you've arrived at Montford Stag Bar. No "You Are Here," "Beer Here" or even "Montford's." In fact, if you aren't looking closely, you'll probably pass it. At least, this was the case when Metromix visited the newly remodeled Canton bar. If you miss it on the first round, though, don't worry. This is Canton, so you'll probably have to go around the block one or 25 times to find a parking space, anyway. Just look for Chris' Seafood across the street, and you'll find Montford's tucked in at the corner.

The bar itself is exactly what you'd expect from a neighborhood spot: A low-key joint with cold beer and a good jukebox, and a crowd that doesn't care if you throw peanut shells on the floor. Hell, it might even be encouraged. And for a dash of extra fun, there's Keno—Keno!—and video poker, as well as a few other bar video gambling activities. You can even watch horse races on the TVs above the bar. It's like Vegas! Without the bling.

Crowd: Who are the people in your neighborhood? If you live in Canton and you're curious, just head to Montford to find out. The Canton-area bar draws in neighborhood crowds, particularly on weekends. The clientele is a mixed bag of both older and younger patrons, all of whom are there just to have fun and hang out. It's very come-as-you-are. If you want to be social, be social. If you just want to drink your beer and be left alone, you can drink your beer and be left alone. And if you're a visitor to the neighborhood, you're still welcomed with a friendly smile and made to feel like one of the gang.

Food: None to speak of, unless you count the very addictive peanuts along the bar.

Booze: What's that you say? You'd like a beer? Plenty to choose from on tap or in bottles. And if hard liquor, shots, mixed drinks or anything else that involves a more direct route to intoxication is your style, Montford's got that, too. Unfortunately, the bar does close at 2 a.m. And while you don't have to go home, you can't stay here. You can get some beer to go, though, as the bar sells packaged goods. So when last call rolls around, grab a sixer and continue the party at your own house. If, at that point, you're still standing.

Digs: The bar has just been remodeled, and while we're not sure what it looked like before, we can say that it's looking mighty fine now. Though narrow, the sleek wood bar and floor, and the big, screenless windows that open up onto the street give Montford an airy feel that will no doubt be a winner come nice weather. Seating is along the bar only, and the back room is where to head if you want to shoot some stick.

Vibe: There is nothing whatsoever that is uptight or pretentious about Montford. Just come on in, sit back and have a drink. Play some pool if you feel like it, or check out some Keno. Or don't. Whatever. Just come on over, take your coat off and stay awhile.

Bottom line: If you're looking for a laid-back, neighborhood spot to stop in for a beer, try Montford. If you can find parking, that is. Maybe take a cab, just for good measure.

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