16 Best Bars in Downtown, Montreal

Making its name through word of mouth alone, Furco is one of the trendiest Downtown bistro bars. Furco, short for Fur Company since it's housed in an old fur warehouse, is one of those places for which people make reservations—and for good reason. It's all about the industrial-chic interior, the warm amber lighting, and the relaxed, inviting vibe. And a great outdoor terrace. 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.

For over four decades, this comedy club has been showering Montrealers with humor from some of the biggest names out there: Jim Carrey, Tim Allen, and Russell Peters included. For a mere C$6, Newbie Tuesdays and Comedy Lab Wednesdays, when novice comedians and local comics work out new material, are always good for a laugh and will also secure you one free ticket for a Thursday 8 pm or Friday late show. Arrive early to get a decent spot near the stage (or perhaps away from it if you don't want to be in the spotlight).

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.

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 food menu makes a nice accompaniment to the live music. Cover charge typically starts at C$10 and can go up to C$68, plus taxes, 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.   Ask your server for a C$8 parking ticket.

The Dominion Square Tavern, which closed in 2020 much to the disappointment of Montréal epicureans, has been resurrected as Dominion Bar. The beautiful space carries with it a lot of Montréal history. Originally part of the Dominion Square Hotel, built in 1927, the bar was for many decades reserved exclusively for men, as was common in Québec with venues designated as taverns until the practice was outlawed in 1986. Today, the elegant locale is first and foremost a bar mixing classic and reimagined cocktails and stocking a good selection of beers and wines. However, Bar Dominion is also known for its raw bar, small plates meant to share, and mains such as cheeseburgers, duck confit, ribs, and steak frites (steak and fries).

House-brewed concoctions like Raspberry Blond Beer or Mango Session IPA attract locals and tourists alike, and lately the kitchen has been serving up tapas-style pub food, including some healthy vegetarian and vegan options. In addition to the unique brews, check out the sprawling outdoor seating and nightly live music. A typical crowd at Brutopia is under 30, but older folks 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.

Ranked 31st in North America's 50 Best Bars 2025 list, Cloakroom, a classy cocktail bar, prides itself on its no-menu approach, mixing bespoke concoctions made to clients' tastes. The intimate bar, hidden at the back of a men's tailor shop within an elegant brownstone in Montréal's Golden Square Mile, exudes a secretive, speakeasy feel. To get there, walk into the building through the double wooden doors into a foyer area with rich wood paneling. Push through a partially open door and follow the dark corridor that leads into the bar. Once admitted, you'll find a dimly space with a long marble counter and red barstools that boasts an exquisite selection of rare and vintage spirits, with special emphasis on bourbon, vermouth, and amaro.

The granddaddy 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 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.

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 over 30 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.

After more than two decades this two-story venue on the corner of boul. St-Laurent and rue Prince-Arthur is still a fixture on the Montréal club scene. The 25-35 crowd loves it for its electric energy, excellent service, on-point drinks, and DJs who play a great mix of original artists and the best hits that keeps the party going late into the night. Dress code: no ripped jeans, no tracksuits or sweats, no shorts, no basketball shoes. Be sure to secure your spot on the guest list for priority access, via the website.

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.

The heart of the city's improv comedy scene offers inexpensive shows in both English and French.   Save $C2 on advance tickets; otherwise get here early, as the cheaper tickets usually sell out quickly. 

Though neon lights and disco balls abound, this flashy 70s-style club is all about the Latin lover—dance lover, that is. Merengue, bachata, reggaeton, and salsa (of course) are the specialties, but themed evenings keep things interesting with R&B, reggae, and Top 40 hits. Check the website to learn the week's schedule and sign up for the guest list to avoid a cover.

A Montréal institution for almost a century (it opened in 1927), Taverne Midway has lived through a lot over the years. In its latest incarnation, Midway is one of the trendiest bars to be found at the eastern end of Downtown, with exposed brick walls, wood flooring, and warm Edison bulbs attached to industrial-style wall sconces. It also features an extensive list of beers, wines, and cocktails, as well as a small but appealing selection of finger foods.