11 Best Nightlife in Quebec City, Quebec

Bar 1608

Upper Town Fodor's choice

One of the city's most romantic spots is the Fairmont Château Frontenac's bar, which boasts the most interesting cocktail menu in town. You can also have some wine, a bit of charcuterie and cheese, and relax while looking at the St. Lawrence River or the two fireplaces.

Nénuphar

Limoilou Fodor's choice
Québec City's only speakeasy is well worth the walk from the Old Town. French for "waterlily" (as in Monet's arkworks), Nénuphar is almost like traveling in time back to turn-of-the-century Paris, thanks to velvet-heavy decor, early-1900s' paintings, and soft pink hues---not to mention the absinth! Expect a cozy, dimly lit locale with interesting bites, a long list of natural wines, and creative cocktails. The exterior, as with any good speakeasy, is a bit non-descript; if it feels like you're not at the right place, in fact, you probably are.

Noctem Artisans Brasseurs

St-Roch Fodor's choice

A great selection of beers, brewed on premises or coming from some of the best microbreweries in Québec, attract diners here, along with the smart menu of reinvented pub fare (fish and waffle, blood sausage pie, braised pork belly with chimichurri sauce and parsley root chips, for example). The décor, with raw plywood and exposed structures, is modern and trendy.

438 rue du Parvis, Québec City, Québec, G1K 6H8, Canada
581-742–7979
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.–Wed.

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Bar Le Sacrilège

Upper Town

Across the street from Église St-Jean-Baptiste, this place bears its name well, with a couple of church pews and religious icons. Le Sacrilège has local microbrews like Boréale and Trou du Diable in bottles and on tap, and the special changes daily. It also has the best terrace in the city, an enclosed garden that's constantly full in summer. Live music or DJs play on a regular basis.

Justine

Lower Town

Just across the Gare du Palais, Justine is a classic speakeasy that's just mysterious enough, with a décor that takes us back to the days of prohibition. Thick black velvet curtains, no visible sign outside. A hushed atmosphere and emblematic cocktails from the 1920s are on the menu, alongside nice platters of gourmet charcuteries and cheeses.

303 rue Saint-Paul, Québec City, Québec, G1K 3W6, Canada
418-914–5637
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed.

Korrigane Brasserie Artisanale

St-Roch

A popular after-work spot with the locals, this brewery crafts high-quality beer and tapas-inspired pub fare. A friendly vibe and ample seating make Korrigane the ideal spot for a cinq à sept or a low-key night out. In addition to the house brews, there's a good selection of other local options.

L'Atelier

Upper Town

Doubling up as a restaurant that notably serves all kinds of tartares, L'Atelier is a Québec City hot spot dedicated to libations of all kinds. The chief mixologist is notorious for his creative, audacious cocktails; case in point, the Kentucky Lime (bourbon, lime juice, bitters, and maple syrup).

L'Inox

Montcalm

A popular Upper Town brewpub, L'Inox serves beers that have been brewed on-site, like Trouble-Fête and Coulée-Douce, as well as a rotating list of limited-edition brews. Inside are billiard tables and excellent European-style hot dogs (featuring long, tasty sausages served on a baguette); outside there's a summer terrace.

Le Projet

St-Jean-Baptiste

With 30 beer and cider lines (a great way to discover Quebec's brewery scene), Le Projet is a 65-seat bistro-pub specializing in Quebec microbrewery beers and ciders in a beautiful 112-year-old building—a former bank—where the architecture is reminiscent of the quintessential English pub. The cozy façade and the imposing ceiling moldings contribute to the welcoming atmosphere that makes the food (and beer) even tastier.

Le Pub Saint-Alexandre

Upper Town

This popular English-style pub offers dozens of single-malt scotch and more than 200 kinds of beer, 30 of which are on tap, and many of which are exclusive imports.

Les Voûtes Napoléon

Montcalm

The brick walls and wine cellar–like atmosphere help make Les Voûtes a popular place to listen to live Québécois music. Much of the beer here is from local microbreweries.