53 Best Bars in Montreal, Quebec

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

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.

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 prettiest backyard patios, 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.

A relatively new addition to Old Montréal, Lola Lola Lolita opened in 2021. The club hosts reggaeton nights on Fridays and big bands on Saturdays, playing bachata, merengue, salsa, and the occasional mariachi. Drinks range from beers to sangrias and classic Latin cocktails such as mojitos, margaritas, and Caipirissimas, as well as virgin cocktails. Appetizers like ceviche, guacamole, Colombian empanadas, chicken wings, and mamalon tacos are also on offer.

Sharpen your swords! This chic bar highlighting 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, beef tartare, caviar, and calamari.

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.

With a French and Mediterranean menu, an attractive sidewalk terrace, and a sophisticated interior that contrasts dark wood against stone walls, this jazz bar is pleasing to the eyes and ears. Despite being spread out over two floors, the space still feels cozy. Live duos play during the first part of the week, while weekends showcase full bands. There's never a cover charge.

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. 

You can grab a glass of one of Philémon's well-priced private import selection of Cava, Prosecco, or Champagne to accompany the menu at this bar, which serves more than the usual pub fare (oysters, anyone?). It's packed with locals Thursday through Saturday—in fact, it's become quite the singles hangout. Bouncers keep the ratio of guys to gals at a comfortable level.

Big brother to the bistro Tendresse, this stylish bar with huge ceiling mirrors that make the space appear twice as large gets packed in the evenings. Despite its prime location in the Village, Renard appeals to a diverse clientele who love its inclusive, convivial atmosphere, festive happy hours, and signature seasonal cocktails.

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.

In operation since 1994, 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 beachlike roof deck with city views and a pool (possibly the hottest destination in the Village).

Some of the most beautiful cross-dressers sashay on the huge dance floor of this converted theater. It's popular with both men and women, straight and gay, and often attracts hip-hop hordes near dawn on Friday and Saturday. Don't even bother arriving before 2 am.

This self-described "hip-hop eatery" and neighborhood bar invites you to relax and pull up a chair or cozy couch in its leafy interior. Simple but intense dishes like truffle-oil popcorn and a grilled cheese mac-and-cheese sandwich (yes, you read that right) are paired with potent cocktails (try the signature Wu-Tang) to help make this one of the hottest destinations on the Main—without any of the usual pretension. Open nightly from 5 to 3.

Formerly an agricultural machinery dealer, the owners of Taverne Atlantic have transformed this vast space in Mile-Ex into a superb Art Deco tavern. White walls; a curved 1930s back bar with built-in ridged lighting; chrome stools topped with goldenrod yellow seats; white schoolhouse pendants lamps; a cozy nook with comfortable armchairs conducive to more intimate conversation; a spacious outdoor patio on the second floor, the owners have thought of everything. On the menu, snacks and small plates, decadent pizzas, red wine sauce poutine, and gourmet hot dogs, from the retro snack bar, Chez Eddy, located at the front of the venue. To wash it all down: sommelier-selected natural and private import wines, an impressive selection of C$2 lagers, and inventive cocktails and mocktails.

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.

For an unbeatable view of the Old Port and numerous Montréal landmarks, head to this unpretentious patio on the roof of the Auberge du Vieux-Port hotel. Open from May through mid-October, it's a great place to soak up the last of the sun's rays and watch the International Fireworks Festival—if you're early enough to snag a table—while enjoying cocktails and a light tapas menu. Try the clear sangria (made with peach Ciroc, Cointreau, white wine, and Sprite).

A Montréal mainstay that's been going strong since 1997, Tokyo Bar caters to a young professional crowd. The DJs primarily spin hip-hop and house, but the best thing here, for sure, is the heated rooftop terrace and bar, which has a fantastic view of The Main (boulevard St-Laurent).

Known for its happy hour, this bar, café, and cigar lounge is elegant but unpretentious—it's the perfect spot for a romantic rendezvous. The selection of more than 150 varieties of Scotch, plus an impressive choice of wines, Champagnes, and ports, leaves most everyone's thirst quenched.

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.

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.