43 Best Bars in Montreal, Quebec

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 terrasse, 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 shows in both English and French. The Friday night Main Event Smackdowns, where the audience determines the winner, are especially good for a laugh. Get here early, as the C$10 tickets usually sell out quickly.

You can grab a glass of one of Philémon's well-priced private import Cavas, Proseccos, or Champagnes to accompany the menu at this sleek 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 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 Gay 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 club is all about the Latin lover—dance lover, that is. Merengue, bachata, 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. Open Friday to Sunday.

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.

If the surprisingly trendy interior and views of rue Crescent aren't a big enough draw, then check out the conspicuous glass humidor housing a seemingly infinite supply of imported cigars. Thanks to being grandfathered in, the bar still allows smoking Cubans on site, despite Québec's tough no-smoking law.

This self-described "hip hop eatery" and neighborhood bar invites you to relax and pull up a chair or cozy couch. Simple but intense dishes like truffle-oil popcorn and a grilled cheese mac-and-cheese sandwich (yes, you read that right) are paired with powerful 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. They also serve brunch on weekends.

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 the end of May through mid-October (2–11 weekdays, 1–11 on weekends), it's a great place to watch the International Fireworks Festival—if you're early enough to snag a table—and enjoy cocktails and a light tapas menu. Try the clear sangria (made with peach Ciroc, Cointreau, white wine, and Sprite).

For 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 or Friday late show. Arrive early to get a decent spot near the stage (or perhaps away from it).

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.