43 Best Nightlife in Montreal, Quebec

Making its name through word of mouth alone, Furco has become one of the trendiest Downtown bistro bars, and for good reason. It's all about the industrial-chic interior, the warm amber lighting, and the relaxed, inviting vibe. A nice mix of clientele, great food (the menu changes weekly), and good pours also help make this a popular after-work hangout for locals, and the perfect retreat from the Quartier des Spectacles, a stone's throw away.

This Czech-themed bar is a favorite hangout of Plateau locals. There's live jazz during the cocktail hour and a DJ or classical performances later in the evening. Try an absinthe-laced apple cocktail from the extensive alcohol menu as you nibble on a few tapas. Bily Kun gets packed, though the high ceilings help alleviate the feeling of claustrophobia.

House-brewed concoctions like Raspberry Blond Beer or Mango Session IPA attract locals and tourists alike, and lately the kitchen has been serving up delicious tapas-style pub food, including some healthy vegetarian and vegan options. In addition to the unique brews, check out the sprawling outdoor seating, the art gallery on the third floor, and nightly live music. A typical crowd at Brutopia is under 30, but older folk shouldn't feel out of place. With live music ranging from traditional Irish folk to the occasional punk or psychedelic ’60s garage band, this pub serves as a refreshing alternative to the slightly more upscale, trendy bars and nightclubs that mark the Crescent Street strip.

Small, semiprivate lounges are scattered throughout the two-story complex, and the beautiful rooftop terrace is one of the finest in the Village. Unity is one of the longest running, most popular gay dance clubs in town—although, despite some complaints, you'll often find as many straight girls here as you will gay men. Open weekends from 10 pm to 3 am.

El Pequeño Bar really lives up to its name: the bar seats only nine, it's that small. For all its diminutive size El Pequeño packs a big punch, having been named one of Canada's Top 50 Bars in early 2020, ranking at number 4. Adorned with an ornate glass chandelier, white marble countertops and dozens of Caribbean rum bottles behind the bar, this pocket sized spot is an homage to the 1920s Havana hotel lobby bar. Gifted cantineros (bartenders) specialize in mixing Cubanos and other rum-based cocktails while recounting tales of Ernest Hemingway in his Havana period.

With its unappealing storefront, bric-à-brac décor, retro knickknacks, and sceney vibes, Majestique is a quirky wine bar that's open until the wee hours with an excellent selection of small plates. The snazzy surroundings only add to the charm of this fine-dining-meets-casual-savoir-faire; the salmon confit, the quinoa croquette, and rotating choice of fresh oysters are musts. Whatever you do, though, do not skimp on the legendary foot-long piglet hotdog. It’s absolutely worth it. Note that minors are not allowed on the premises.

At this sophisticated yet relaxed wine bar, let yourself be guided by the expertise of the sommeliers. The tapas-style cuisine is top-notch, and the green beans with truffle oil and roasted almonds are scrumptious. During cooler months things get going at 4:30 pm, but in summer don't arrive until the sun starts to set.

It's all about the beer at this friendly restaurant and bar, where it's all brewed right on the premises. Packed almost every night of the week, this bar has everything from India pale ales to German-inspired wheat beers. The upstairs patio is the ideal spot for watching locals stroll along the quaint cobblestone avenue.

This massive complex houses a bar, restaurant, and dance club popular with both gay men and women. Weekly themed events include hip hop, cabaret, and a Western saloon. The best time to come is during the summer, as the pièce de résistance is the beach-like roof deck with city views and a pool (possibly the hottest destination in the Village).

Five nights a week, the cheerful Joel Giberovitch greets you personally near the entrance to his club, which despite the name is actually downstairs. Giberovitch loves what he does, and the constant stream of local and imported jazz musicians makes this the favored jazz hangout in the city. The eclectic menu makes a nice accompaniment to the live music—try the home-cut fries with smoky mayo. Cover charges start at C$6 and range up to C$45 for big-ticket performers during Jazz Fest. The third set is free (usually around 11 pm), and other sets are also free if you sit on one of the cozy terraces.  Parking costs only C$5. Ask your server for a ticket.

Named for the street that epitomizes the Mile End, this neighborhood bar has a warm staff, friendly atmosphere, and a great selection of scotch. Owners Richard Holder and Olivier Farley have been in the business for years, and it shows. Nightly DJs provide an edgier vibe, while huge floor-to-ceiling windows make it perfect for people-watching.

Fans of blues, punk, country, and bluegrass jam into this tiny hole-in-the-wall, which has some of the cheapest drink prices on St-Laurent. A very popular hangout for locals, Barfly is arguably the premier dive bar in the city.

In business on The Main since 1991, this restaurant, lounge, and weekend supper club continues to pull out all the stops. There's top-notch Italian cuisine, a comprehensive wine list, well-known DJs, and even a concierge. Celebrities are known to drop by when in town.

This British pub in St-Henri serves food that's a notch above the usual. Scotch eggs and the ploughman's lunch are paired with an English take on Québec's beloved poutine—with Stilton cheese and caramelized onions—though it's the fish-and-chips that really shine. Be sure to grab a pint of the Burgundy Lion Ale, or any of the many other beers on draft. Two patios are open in the summer for alfresco drinking. Note that it can get loud in the evenings.

Makeup, glitter, and glamorous costumes abound at this nightclub with drag-queen entertainment. Mado herself is a Québec celebrity (so much so that she was immortalized in wax at the now-defunct Grévin museum inside the Centre Eaton). During karaoke and improv evenings, even the clientele can get involved.

One of the city's treasured venues for indie rock, jazz, reggae, blues, folk, and hip-hop, this neighborhood bar is ideal for discovering up-and-coming local acts or forgotten international giants still touring. While you enjoy the music, take a look at the original art and sample some of the tasty vegetarian food.

Music (including cabaret), food, gambling: there's something for everyone at the Casino de Montréal, which is open around the clock. On Île Notre-Dame, it's easily accessible by car, bicycle, or bus. The casino has more than 3,000 slot machines, a keno lounge, a high-stakes gaming area, and 120 tables for baccarat, craps, blackjack, roulette, and various types of poker, as well as four new restaurants and three new bars.

Generations X and Y will get along just fine here, as classics from the ’80s and ’90s boom out over a devoted, nostalgic crowd. In the basement of the Newtown lounge, these digs have great sound, excellent service, and sexy interior design. It's open Thursday to Saturday from 10 pm.

The grandaddy of the city's rock clubs has evolved into one of the dominant venues for jazz, reggae, techno, and rhythm and blues. Club Soda is a tall, narrow concert hall with high-tech design and 500 seats—all of them with great sight lines.

No advertised street number. A secret, nondescript back door. Imaginative, award-winning mixologists. A cocktail selection that changes with the seasons. Twists on old classics; think: old fashioned with mezcal. Clear, no-nonsense house rules like:

"Act your age, or you'll be required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian."

"For all make out purposes, may we suggest our next door neighbour The William Grey hotel? Get a room."

And just for the men: "Know your alcohol limits. Stay classy."

"Erase the word 'slut' and 'gay' and any other abusive language from your vocabulary."

"Learn some dance moves. If you need help, ask our manager Dan."

What more could you want in a speakeasy?

A chalkboard scribbled with rotating craft beers and a convivial atmosphere set the scene for this neighborhood-favorite brewpub. Small bites such as flatbreads can be ordered to accompany your IPAs and ales.

"Foufs," as it's affectionately known, has been going strong for almost 40 years—since 1983. Attracting a cult following of alternative rock and heavy metal fans, it gets packed on weekends. You can enjoy a cheap beer on one of two summer terraces under the playful eyes of skulls and spiders. It's open Thursday to Saturday from 4 pm. 

The food is good but the music is outstanding. For more than 30 years, this institution has been plying the city with the best in jazz, with a little blues and soul thrown in for good measure. A flashy, over-the-top interior that includes mirrored walls adds to the experience. Dress up and be prepared to pay a cover.

For years this pub has been serving up a bounty of whiskeys and brews (19 different beers on tap), with a healthy dose of Irish atmosphere on the side. Despite its cavernous size, the arrangement of seating areas, flanked by bars, makes it feel cozy, and there's a stage for live entertainment. It still fills up quickly, so unless you don't mind standing while you sip your Guinness, come early to snag a seat.

Lively but not obnoxious, this easygoing wine bar is a great place to visit with friends. Arrive early (it opens at 4 pm but the kitchen only gets going at 5 pm), because it's always busy and it doesn't take reservations. Many wines are available by the glass, in 2- and 4-ounce pours, with an emphasis on French varietals. Dress is casual, though the after-work crowd ups the glam factor.

Opened in 2019, this is Montréal’s first meat-free pub. In addition to plant-based comfort foods, Le Bowhead sources beers, wines, and spirits that are 100% vegan, meaning that no animal-based fining agents have been used in the filtration process. The decor is fuss-free, with white walls and marine blue faux wood-paneling, utilitarian tables, and diner-style chairs. The only ornamentation is a series of small, old-fashioned copper diving helmets on one wall—a sort of nautical theme, sans fish. The menu features old-school pub fare like sliders, popcorn "chicken," Frito pie, and even ANML fries and po' boy sandwiches. Neither the meatless dishes nor menu descriptions give away that it's a vegan pub; the only telltale sign of this fact is the small print in the bottom righthand corner of the menu stating that all ingredients are "100% plant-based." 

Unchanged for four decades and showing its age, this hole-in-the-wall-with-atmosphere was Montréal's first artisanal brew pub. It's a lively pub, where music combines with the buzz of arty and political dialogue. There is outdoor seating and it often hosts art exhibits.

In between the Quartier des Spectacles (the local performing-arts district) and the Quartier Latin, this European pub is popular in part because of its friendly service and good selection of domestic and imported beers, as well as whiskey and cognac. With one of the city's most beautiful backyard terraces, this is a great place to enjoy the fall colors.

Once a men-only establishment, Le Stud has been known to let in some women. A small dance floor and trance music have brought in a whole different crowd. It's packed most nights.

Sharpen your swords! This chic bar for Champagne and other bubblies is the perfect place to break open a bottle—literally. The staff like to open the bottles of Champagne with sabers, a practice that adds an element of fun and drama to an accessible venue. Finger foods include oysters, steak (and other kinds of) tartares, and caviar.