Must-see nightlife in Montréal

  • Big in Japan

    Montréal

    Completely concealed from the street, Big in Japan always amazes first-timers. There you are walking along bustling St-Laurent, you find the unmarked door…

  • La Buvette Chez Simone

    Montréal

    An artsy-chic crowd of (mostly) Francophone bons vivants and professionals loves this cozy wine bar. The staff know their vino and the extensive list is…

  • Barfly

    Montréal

    Cheap, gritty, loud, fun and a little bit out of control – just the way we like our dive bars. Live bluegrass and rockabilly bands and bedraggled hipsters…

  • The Canal Lounge is a floating cocktail bar built into a renovated boat parked on the Lachine Canal.

    Canal Lounge

    Montréal

    This permanently docked boat-bar nestles along the canal in front of a lovely pedestrian bridge. The over-45-year-old vessel has been converted into an…

  • The interior view of Dominion Square Tavern a British Tavern in downtown Montreal.

    Dominion Square Tavern

    Montréal

    Once a down-and-out watering hole dating from the 1920s, this beautifully renovated tavern recalls a classic French bistro but with a long bar, English…

  • Majestique

    Montréal

    The Majestique manages to be both kitschy and classy at the same time, with wood-paneled walls, warm lighting and a buck's head presiding over the tables…

  • Crew Café

    Old Montréal

    Easily the most spectacular cafe in Montréal, Crew converted the old Royal Bank into a caffeine and laptop powerhouse. Order from a teller, then sip green…

  • Whisky Café

    Montréal

    Cuban cigars and fine whiskies are partners in crime at this classy 1930s-styled joint, hidden near the industrial sector of the Mile End. The well…

  • Le Darling

    Montréal

    A mix of cafe, cocktail bar and bistro, Le Darling is a one-stop spot for top-notch drinks and bistro-quality eats. Straddling a corner on Blvd St-Laurent…

  • Bar Social Verdun

    Montréal

    A fun neighborhood spot, with outdoor seating, an impressive central bar and live music, Bar Social Verdun is a welcome addition to this up-and-coming…

  • Bar Waverly, in Montreal's Mile End neighborhood, offers satisfying mix of drinking and eating options.

    Bar Waverly

    Montréal

    With its engaging decor and a great location, Bar Waverly has established itself in the Mile End bar scene. A full selection of cocktails is complemented…

  • Les Sœurs Grises

    Old Montréal

    Named after the famous Montréal religious order of nuns founded by St Marguerite d’Youville, this swanky concrete-chic bistro-brasserie is equal parts…

  • Bily Kun

    Montréal

    One of the pioneers of ‘tavern chic,’ Bily Kun is a favorite local hangout for a chilled evening among friends. First-time visitors usually gawp at the…

  • Le Mal Necessaire

    Old Montréal

    For some of the tastiest cocktails in Montréal, look for the neon-lit green pineapple and descend the stairs to this vaguely tiki-inspired bar hidden…

  • Furco

    Montréal

    In a previous life this stylish but industrial hideaway was a fur factory, and its raw concrete pillars, copper bar and modular light fixtures form the…

  • Confessionnal

    Old Montréal

    Playing heavily on churchy themes, Le Confessionnal is a tempting spot to wrack up a few sins. It has low red lighting, a glowing alabaster-like bar and…

  • Biirū

    Montréal

    Despite the name, this colorfully designed izakaya doesn't serve much biirū (beer). What it does have: creative cocktails, tasty snacks and a festive…

  • Café Olimpico

    Montréal

    Its espresso is excellent, yet this rocking, no-frills Italian cafe is all about atmosphere, as young good-looking baristas whip up smooth caffeinated…

  • Le Cheval Blanc

    Montréal

    An icon of Montréal's brewery scene, Le Cheval Blanc has about 10 drafts on hand, all brewed in-house, as well as some Belgian options by the bottle. It's…

  • Bar Datcha

    Montréal

    Datcha is a small night spot with a tiny dance floor that draws a laid-back, groove-loving crowd enveloped in the fog machine. Eclectic DJs from around…

  • Le Magellan Bar

    Montréal

    A good spot to enjoy an evening of eclectic offerings, from jazz to chansons with a craft beer, cocktail or digestif in hand. The interior is sprinkled…

  • Philémon

    Old Montréal

    A major stop for local scenesters rotating between watering holes in the old city, Philémon is carved out of stone, brick and wood with large windows…

  • Flyjin

    Old Montréal

    Flyjin walks a fine line between speakeasy and high-end Asian brasserie, serving up tender sashimi, tuna tataki and green papaya salad to a party-minded…

  • L’Île Noire

    Montréal

    Roll into this slice of the Scottish Highlands in the heart of the Quartier Latin and sip from the selection of more than 140 scotches and whiskeys, as…

  • La Drinkerie Ste-Cunégonde

    Montréal

    Along the popular Rue Notre-Dame you'll find this locally owned bar that's perfect for a relaxing evening drink or a late-night party. Well-crafted…

  • Brutopia

    Montréal

    This fantastic brewpub has eight varieties of suds on tap, including honey beer, nut brown and the more challenging raspberry blonde – all with…

  • Pullman

    Montréal

    This beautifully designed wine bar is a favorite haunt of the 30-something set. It’s primarily a restaurant, but the downstairs bar of this two-level…

  • Le Date Karaoke

    Montréal

    This gay tavern knew exactly what it was doing when it karaokefied the spot. A mixed crowd cheers on aspiring vocalists from all walks of life, from the…

  • Randolph Pub

    Montréal

    For something completely different, head to Randolph Pub. You pay a $6 cover, which gives you all-night access to the pub's vast selection of board games …

  • Reservoir

    Montréal

    There's lots to adore at this low-key, friendly brasserie. It’s nice but not too pricey and the mixed crowd is artsy but unpretentious. If you appreciate…

  • Stereo

    Montréal

    Montréal’s giant of underground house music has opened and closed for various reasons throughout the years. Featuring a sound system so amazing that…

  • Sky Pub & Club

    Montréal

    A popular three-level Village complex designed to suck you in for an entire Friday or Saturday night of partying. If you’re a gorgeous guy or looking for…

  • Bar Loïc

    Montréal

    Housed in a formerly derelict landmark bank building, this trendy wine bar has become one of the more popular spots in the dining and bar scene on Notre…

  • Bar de Courcelle

    Montréal

    A favorite with St-Henri locals, this former working-class watering hole turned cool cocktail bar has managed to upgrade itself without losing its…

  • Terrasse Place d’Armes

    Old Montréal

    The rooftop terrace above the boutique Hôtel Place-d’Armes is a requisite stop on the nightlife circuit if you’re around during the summer. Nicely mixed…

  • Taverne Gaspar

    Old Montréal

    Facing the Old Port, this cozy watering hole in the Auberge du Vieux Port has delicious faux-retro decor, a long zinc bar, and a menu with lobster sliders…

  • Le Saint-Bock

    Montréal

    The craft beers on tap at this convivial, low-lit brasserie are its speciality – there are about 50! Menu offerings stick mainly to conventional pub fare …

  • Burgundy Lion

    Montréal

    This trendy take on the English pub features British pub fare, beers and whiskeys galore, and an attitude-free vibe where everyone (and their parents)…

  • Notre Dame des Quilles

    Montréal

    Does drinking improve your bowling game? That seems to be the eternal question at this hip outpost near Little Italy, where two free lanes have been set…

  • Pub Ste-Élisabeth

    Montréal

    Tucked off a side street, this handsome little pub is frequented by many for its heavenly vine-covered courtyard and drinks menu with a great selection of…

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