7 Best Nightlife in Montreal, Quebec

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

This beautiful old sandstone mansion includes three floors of food, drink, and good Irish craic (a Gaelic term that means having fun with affable companions). This isn't hard to do with more than 20 different stouts, lagers, and ales on tap. There's live entertainment nearly every night of the week, so head to the basement if you're looking for a bit of quiet (or a good chin-wag). The house fries are excellent for noshing, but beware of the Rim Reaper—chicken wings made with the world's hottest pepper.