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 Attracts the hip and groovy |
3604 St. Laurent Boulevard Montreal, QC H2X 2V4 Canada +1 514 282 9944 |
Very popular and very in, this post-techno dance bar in the heart of The Main attracts the hip, groovy crowd from all over the island. The crowd is young; most are between 16 and 20 and consider it a feat just to get in after navigating long lines on most nights (especially Tuesdays). The club has other areas besides the dance floor, however, including several lounges, bars and places to see and be seen. If cool is what you are after, you have to find a way in. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Popular old-timer |
4483 St. Laurent Boulevard Montreal, QC H2W 1Z8 Canada +1 514 845 8443 |
Still popular after many years of existence, this dance club and bar at the upper end of The Main continues to draw crowds despite the competition from newer and more trendy spots. In fact, the place is jammed on weekends, so you should get there before 10:30p. The ambiance is cozy and fairly relaxed, especially in the bar section during the winter, before the terrace is open. The music is mostly popular dance with the occasional old timer for the boomers in the crowd. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Old haunt |
3702 St-Laurent Boulevard (Near des Pins) Montreal, QC H2X 2V4 Canada +1 514 844 6211 |
This ages-old watering hole is perhaps Montreal's most famous, not for any spectacular reason (and certainly not for the food; there isn't any, despite what the name might suggest) but because of its cheap drinks and friendly, unpretentious atmosphere. The smoky, dimly lit interior reveals students and other young people, the occasional punk and numerous unclassifiable regulars. The Biffer is not a place to see or be seen, but it is always a lot of fun. Only cash is accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: nelses |
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Packed and hip |
354 Mont-Royal Ave East (Near St-Denis) Montreal, QC H2T 1P9 Canada +1 514 845 5392 |
A cheerfully hip energy pervades this extremely popular Plateau Mont-Royal watering hole. The décor is thoroughly unique; it's sort of a "Prague café" theme accentuated by ostrich heads poking out of the walls, high ceilings and excellent music (live during the days, DJs every night). Youngish journalists and other left-of-centre professionals enjoy very reasonably priced microbrews (including the full line of Cheval Blanc beers), and it's usually packed. The name is pronounced "Billy Coon." Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Nightlife hot spot |
René-Lévesque Boulevard, North to Sherbrooke Street Montreal, QC H3G 2E6 Canada |
One of the hot spots of Montreal's non-stop nightlife, this happening street runs right next to Crescent Street and has become known for its variety of bars and excellent restaurants. It is trendy and laid-back all at the same time, focusing on Irish and English-themed pubs and less on the dance clubs. Restaurants include Da Vinci and Mas des Oliviers (Le). For pubs and bars, you have your choice of O'Regan's Irish Pub, McKibbin's Irish Pub, and dozens more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Quan Nguyen |
 Photo: Benoit Remillard |
 Photo: Laura Osanitch |
 Photo: missmoun |
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Cozy brewpub |
1215 Crescent St (Near Ste-Catherine) Montreal, QC H3G 2B1 Canada +1 514 393 9277 http://www.brutopia.net/ |
This cozy brewpub is totally unlike the slick clubs and discos that surround it. You won't find much dancing or schmoozing at this friendly, conversational pub, which is decked out in exposed brick and hardwood. There is also a stage for occasional live music (anything from jazz and straight-ahead rock to electronica and student performances). Stop by on Fridays, the only day serving lunch, or enjoy happy hour from open to 8p, and all day on Mondays. A solid menu of pub grub is available Tu-F until 10p and free board games are a bonus! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tristan Brand  |
 Photo: Pam Trischuk |
 Photo: Eitan 'Skrud' Levi |
 Unique exhibitions |
1920 Baile St (At St-Marc) Montreal, QC H3H 2S6 Canada +1 514 939 7026 http://www.cca.qc.ca/ |
Housed in a much lauded modern building and the 125-year-old Shaughnessy House, this museum offers fascinating glimpses into architecture, urban design and more esoteric fields (a recent exhibit focused on the American Lawn). Permanent collections include the sketches, plans and photographs of famous architects and buildings. The museum frequently plays host to premiere touring exhibits, which have in the past included Mies [van der Rohe] in America, and John Soane (1753-1837). Admission: CAD10 Adults; CAD7 Seniors (65+); CAD5 Students; CAD3 Children (6-12); Free for children 5 and under. Free admission for all on Thursday evenings after 5:30p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Niomi Hill |
 Photo: Marla Clarke |
 Photo: James Lin |
 Photo: m.puddifoot |
 Photo: Anabela Carneiro |
 Photo: avianto |
 Photo: J Berzowska |
 Photo: Jody Smith |
 Photo: riane_riane |
 Photo: MTL GUY |
 Photo: Pepijn Lemmens |
 Photo: TorontoWill |
 Photo: Ryan Harvey |
 Premier English-language theatre |
453 St-François-Xavier St (Near Notre-Dame) Montreal, QC H2Y 2T1 Canada +1 514 288 3161 http://www.centaurtheatre.com/ |
Montreal's premier English-language theatre company is housed in a beautiful Old Montreal building that was once the city's stock exchange. Under the direction of Gordon McCall, the theatre reaches out to both traditional and non-traditional theatergoers with a diverse program. The 2006-2007 season features an array of plays, from local and international playwrights. Some of the performances include Harold Pinter's The Caretaker, William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Vittorio Rossi's Carmela's Table, Francois Letourneau's Cheech, and Elyse Gasco's Bye Bye Baby. The theatre is used for other events throughout the season. Admission: CAD20-CAD41.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Original Montreal brewpub |
809 Ontario Street East (At St-Hubert) Montreal, QC H2L 1P1 Canada +1 514 522 0211 |
This legendary brewpub features a fairly bohemian, chrome-tinged décor unusual for the genre. With no pub grub or wood panelling to distract customers, the focus is on the dozen or so Cheval Blanc beers on tap, which are listed on a blackboard only barely visible through plumes of cigarette smoke. The overall effect is surprisingly charming and attracts one of Montreal's most diverse crowds. Next to Ile Noire, this is perhaps your best option for a quiet pint in the Latin Quarter; just do not ask for a Molson. Only cash is accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Guy F. Raymond |
 Photo: Anthea Baxter-Page |
 Photo: Guillaume Gwardeath |
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Take it or leave it |
3910 St-Laurent Blvd (Near Duluth) Montreal, QC H2W 1Y2 Canada +1 514 982 0880 |
One of the city's finest watering holes, this Polynesian-themed dive is nothing like its New York namesake. It offers cheap drinks, good cheer, free pool, and as for their menu, some praise it while others feel impartial towards it. It is manned by two men who devot their energy in supplying excellent service for their costumers. Happy hours feature discounts on domestic pitchers and a great two-for-one deal on mixed drinks. The chatty staff occasionally neglects customers in favour of good conversation, but this only adds to this smoky joint's neighbourhood appeal Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Anglo bar strip |
Sherbrooke St south to de la Gauchetière Montreal, QC H3G 2C1 Canada |
Traditionally the centre of Montreal's anglophone bar and restaurant scene, Crescent Street also attracts the majority of tourists looking for a night out. The best-known stretch begins at Sherbrooke Street, where you will find the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and runs south to the Bell Centre. Along this strip you will find everything from haute French cuisine at Les Halles to Russian fusion at Troika. Nightlife ranges from the quieter pints available at Hurley's and Brutopia to the city's most shameless pick-up scene at Winnie's. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Caroline Pilon |
 Photo: yveshache.com |
 Photo: yveshache.com |
 Photo: Austin H. Kapfumvuti |
 Photo: gindude26 |
 Photo: gindude26 |
 Photo: Brandsma PHOTOGRAPHY |
 Photo: Vinod Sankar |
 Photo: Tom Clarke |
 Photo: Yani Dimitri |
 Photo: Craig Bilton |
 Photo: Jeff Swisher |
 Photo: Sébastien Mouttet |
 Artsy neighbourhood pub |
156 Roy Street East (At de Bullion) Montreal, QC H2W 1M2 Canada +1 514 286 6689 |
This quiet, smoky pub is a neighbourhood institution, attracting locals from all walks of life with its friendly and familiar staff, cool music and excellent beer from St-Ambroise and other local microbreweries. Their liquor license, which requires the purchase of finger food to accompany the drinks, is all part of the charm. On tap they feature an excellent local cider that is quite difficult to find elsewhere. Come back a few times and they might have your drink waiting for you. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Susan Moss |
 Photo: Aaron Licht |
 Photo: River Tam |
 Photo: Cleopatre |
 Fantastic Asian film fest |
1430 Bleury St (Near Ste-Catherine) Montreal, QC H3A 2J1 Canada +1 800 361 4595 / +1 514 790 1245 http://www.fantasiafest.com/ |
This festival of Asian film is the largest in North America. Between the middle of July and the middle of August, more than 70,000 moviegoers flock to the Cinéma Impérial for features from Hong Kong, Korea and Japan; many are North American premieres. There is also an international selection of horror and sci-fi. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Martine Pagé |
 Photo: Pierre Asselin |
 Photo: A. Williams |
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Festival Nouveau Cinema |
3805, Saint-Laurent Blvd (fesival takes place at various venues) Montreal, QC H2W 1X9 Canada +1 514 282 0004 http://www.nouveaucinema.ca/ |
This growing annual event features the best in Canadian and international cinema and new media, focusing on digital revolutions in the various media it presents. The festival is held in mid-October and is now housed in the massive, state-of-the-art Ex-Centris complex on St-Laurent Boulevard, a building whose facilities are perfectly suited to the festival's needs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 For a rousing good time |
175 Ste-Catherine Street West (Place des Arts) Montreal, QC H2X 1Y9 Canada +1 514 876 8989 / +1 888 444 9114 http://www.francofolies.com/ |
This is the largest gathering of Francophone artists in the world: for ten days each summer, the area around Place des Arts closes to traffic and gears up for a spectacular musical feast. Most activities are free, with another 50 or so indoor concerts (at Club Soda and the Spectrum, among other venues) offered at prices rarely exceeding CAD20. Past headliners have included Charles Aznavour, Gilles Vigneault, Edith Butler, Michel Rivard and Jean Leloup. The festival also features fashion, art and culinary delights from all over the world. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Abdou.W |
 Photo: Elizabeth Flores |
 Valuable contribution |
260 de Maisonneuve Boulevard W, at Jeanne-Mance Montreal, QC H2X 1Y9 Canada +1 514 285 4200 http://www.grandsballets.qc.ca/ |
Founded in 1957, this ballet company has established an enviable reputation as an innovative troupe that has made a significant contribution to modern dance. It undertakes an annual cross-Canada tour, from St. John's to Vancouver, and has toured extensively abroad. Most performances are at Place des Arts, and tickets range from CAD25-55. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Traditional music |
1225 Crescent Street (Near de Maisonneuve) Montreal, QC H3G 2B1 Canada +1 514 861 4111 |
Being in the heart of Montreal's bar scene makes good sense for this Irish haven. Folks come for imported draft beer from the old country and the ultra pubby atmosphere, which is set in a beautiful stone building with several working fireplaces. Most of the warmth comes from the live traditional Celtic music, Irish whiskeys and highland single malts. A solid pub grub menu is offered as well (Bookie's Special steak sandwich on baguette). The clientele is made up mostly of locals, but outsiders are quickly accepted into the clan. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: bobbyokane |
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Cozy, dark and serene |
342 Ontario Street East (Near St-Denis) Montreal, QC H2X 1H8 Canada +1 514 982 0866 |
Undoubtedly the quietest pint to be had in the Latin Quarter, this plush Scottish pub features more than a dozen beers on tap, most imported from Britain and Ireland. The aficionado will find even the most obscure scotches, and there are daily single malt specials for those looking to test their palates. Well-appointed far beyond the gimmickry of the average theme pub, its many nooks and crannies are perfect for a romantic cocktail or nightcap. However, the price tag might prohibit more freewheeling libations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Unique in North America |
640 rue Saint-Paul W (Place des Arts Box Office) Montreal, QC H3G 1J5 Canada +1 514 874 1637 http://www.artfifa.com/ |
In existence since 1981 and unique in North America, this world-class competitive festival has become an important annual event. It presents and promotes films, videos and television programs that focus on everything from architecture and art history to sculpture and theatre. The first FIFA gave audiences 50 art-related films from 12 countries; it now features more than 150 films from more than 25 nations, in six venues, chief among them the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Canadian Centre for Architecture. See website for yearly particulars. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 World's biggest comedy fest |
2101 St-Laurent Boulevard Montreal, QC H2X 2T5 Canada +1 514 845 2322 / +1 888 244 3155 http://www.hahaha.com/comedy-2... |
With galas, improv events and television specials, this bilingual comedy marathon draws more than a million fans annually. Alumni include Jerry Seinfeld, Tim Allen, Jim Carrey, Kelsey Grammer, Bob Newhart, Roseanne and Ray Romano. The event takes over Montreal's primary indoor venues, from Theatre St-Denis to Club Soda, Café Campus and spills out into the Quartier Latin with a carnival and nightly parades. Outdoor events are free; indoor ticket prices and show times vary. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bill Burden |
 Photo: Trey Taylor |
 Photo: Roddy Ouano |
 Photo: Frank Fritz |
 Photo: Jeremy Clarke |
 Photo: David Wong |
 Photo: David Wong |
 Photo: BobbiLe Ba |
 Photo: Coral Balser |
 Photo: Becky |
 Photo: kztsugami |
 Photo: Claude Tko |
 Photo: threefingerw |
 Photo: david taylor szabo |
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The place to be |
Bleury Street East to Berri Street (Sherbrooke Street south to René-Lévesque Boulevard) Montreal, QC H2X 1Y9 Canada |
This loosely defined area east of downtown starts at Bleury Street and stretches east to Berri, between Sherbrooke Street to the north and René-Lévesque Boulevard to the south. Place des Arts is at the area's centre, along with the Cinémathèque Québécoise and other cultural attractions. St-Denis Street is ground zero for the annual Just For Laughs festival, while the Montreal International Jazz Festival and the Francofolies disperse stages throughout the area. Pubs and bars rule the night; the terraces on St-Denis can be a very civilized place to while away an evening. Worthy nightspots include the giant St-Sulpice. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jill McCorkel |
 Photo: Lloyd Gross |
 Photo: Alexander Gladshtein |
 Photo: bostonpks |
 Photo: joyeous |
 Photo: tracelina |
 Photo: Mollie Freilicher |
 Photo: lerble |
 Photo: Aistis |
 Photo: Brady golden |
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Hot, hip and cool |
822 Sherbrooke Street East Montreal, QC H2L 1K4 Canada +1 514 871 1881 / +1 888 515 0515 http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/ |
From the last few days of June through the first week of July, the area surrounding Place des Arts becomes one giant stage. Traffic is re-routed, stress dissipates (except for those stuck in traffic), and the air is filled with jazz, blues, salsa and swing. Featuring more than 2,500 musicians and including an indoor concert program with over 150 shows, the Montreal International Jazz Festival is the world's largest musical event. This year's billing includes Bob Dylan, Manu Chao, Keith Jarrett, Wynton Marsalis, and other top names from the most diverse corners of the jazz world. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stephen Braginetz |
 Photo: Stephen Braginetz |
 Photo: Robert Scales |
 Photo: William Dunleavy |
 Photo: Shawn Carpenter |
 Photo: mark.jeremy@hotmail |
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World class |
260 de Maisonneuve Boulevard W, Place des Arts 2nd Floor Montreal, QC H2X 1Y9 Canada +1 514 842 9951 http://www.osm.ca/ |
This symphony is considered one of the most prestigious in the world. It has recorded a string of best-selling classical CDs and embarked upon numerous international tours, serving as a cultural ambassador for Montreal, Quebec and Canada. Concerts take place at Place des Arts' 3,000-seat Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier from September to May, and at Notre-Dame Basilica during the perennially sold-out summer series. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jennifer Quilo |
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Prestigious international festival |
1432 de Bleury St (Cinéma Impérial) Montreal, QC H3A 2J1 Canada +1 514 848 3883 http://www.ffm-montreal.org/ |
This is one of North America's most important festivals, known for its eclectic, international flavour. Films are shown at various theatres across the city, including the Cine Imperial. Past programs, which usually run from late August to early September, have featured categories as diverse as "Panorama Canada" and "Focus on Irish Cinema." The festival hands out seven awards for feature films, two for shorts, and numerous other accolades. Individual tickets and festival passes are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Xudong Huang |
 Uncluttered and welcoming |
185 Ste-Catherine Street West (Near Bleury) Montreal, QC H2X 3X5 Canada +1 514 847 6226 http://www.macm.org/ |
Located at Place des Arts, this museum prides itself on presenting extraordinary, sometimes controversial contemporary art in an uncluttered and welcoming setting. There is a reasonable permanent collection of Canadian artists and the outdoor sculpture garden, which changes seasonally, is of particular interest. Among the best known components of the collection are works by Paul-Émile Borduas and renowned photographer Jeff Wall. Temporary exhibitions include photography, multimedia, sculpture, film and artist-in-residence programs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Compton & Wright |
 Photo: Tyler McCoy |
 Photo: Mark Boucher |
 Photo: James Anok |
 Photo: Meera Lee Sethi |
 Photo: Michelle Li |
 Photo: liz dizon |
 Photo: Michelle Li |
 Photo: Carla Madden |
 Photo: Sarah Hunt |
 Photo: Nicole Plante |
 Photo: Carla Madden |
 Photo: Jamie Klinger |
 Photo: Ivan Contramaestre |
 Photo: Paula Tadeo |
 Photo: dmucc728 |
 Photo: Lauren M. Harrison |
 Photo: Kristin Miller |
 Photo: Pietro Santachiara |
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Golden Mile area |
1379 Sherbrooke Street West (At Crescent) Montreal, QC H3G 1J5 Canada +1 514 285 2000 / +1 800 899 6873 (Toll Free) http://www.mbam.qc.ca/ |
Since its founding 130 years ago, this museum has put together one of the best collections of fine art in North America, with more than 25,000 objects in all. The museum moved into its present location just before World War I. The Jean-Noel Desmarais building holds most of the temporary exhibits while the permanent collection lies in the Benaiah Gibb building across the street. The museum also stages special programs such as Wednesday evening lectures, noontime and evening concerts, and films. Admission to the Permanent Collection is free. Temporary exhibits: USD12 Adults, USD6 Students and Seniors (65+), Free Children 12 and under, USD24 Family. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: D McK |
 Photo: weimin liu |
 Photo: steve mcfarland |
 Photo: noricum |
 Photo: Stella Lehto |
 Photo: Mukesh |
 Photo: noricum |
 Photo: weimin liu |
 Photo: Jerry Lowell |
 Photo: Ben Schaafsma |
 Photo: lesmcknight |
 Hands-on learning |
1182 St-Laurent Boulevard (At René-Lévesque) Montreal, QC H2X 2S5 Canada +1 514 871 9883 http://www.ent-nts.qc.ca/ |
In operation since 1960 and headquartered in the Monument National theatre, this institution has produced several generations of actors, playwrights, directors and scenographers. There are eight productions every year: four in English and four in French. Tickets go on sale about a month before opening night and can be obtained at the Monument National box office. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: lauraheathercarol |
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Opéra de Montreal |
260 de Maisonneuve Boulevard West (At Jeanne-Mance) Montreal, QC H2X 1Y9 Canada +1 514 985 2222 (Office) / +1 866 842-2112 (Tickets) http://www.operademontreal.com/ |
Montreal's opera company has come a long way since its early days in 1980, when it struggled to establish itself in a city already teeming with cultural and artistic activity. Since then, however, it has become one of the most important companies in North America. Recent seasons have included classics like "Tosca" and "The Rape of Lucretia," along with newer works like Tobias Picker's "Thérèse Raquin." Performances take place at Place des Arts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Defining structure |
175 Ste-Catherine Street West (Near Bleury) Montreal, QC H2X 1Y9 Canada +1 514 842 2112 http://www.pdarts.com/ |
This huge complex is the centre of Montreal's large-scale culture. The buildings themselves are a striking landmark in the Latin Quarter, while their various concert halls and theatres are home to the Opéra de Montréal, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and other local companies. The entire complex is linked to the Underground City. The individual halls are the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Théâtre Maisonneuve, Théâtre Jean-Duceppe, Studio-théâtre and Le Cinquième Salle. Tickets for all events are available through the Admission network (+1 514 790 1245). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Adrian Hon |
 Photo: Ed Hawco |
 Photo: Ali R. Tariq |
 Photo: Moon-Hee Kim |
 Photo: andrea braithwaite |
 Photo: Jerry Lowell |
 Photo: Alexandra |
 Photo: Alexandra |
 Photo: Aleks Schürmer |
 Photo: morganeliasmurray |
 Photo: F.-Regis FOURNIER |
 Photo: vivejm |
 Photo: Sylvain Michaud |
 Photo: Bougalou |
 Photo: Jim Geisler |
 Photo: Iván Darío Valencia |
 Photo: Nataša |
 Photo: paula germain |
 Photo: Julia Petrenko |
 Photo: Maciek Wilkos |
 Photo: Carole Alain |
 Photo: hdeeks |
 Photo: Max Lapointe |
 Photo: Renaud Sirigu |
 Photo: Danièle M. |
 Photo: Wesley Yendrys |
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Multi-ethnic mix |
Parc Ave east to Papineau Avenue (Sherbrooke north to Laurier) Montreal, QC H2T 1P9 Canada |
Though predominantly French-speaking, this district of 90,000 residents and 7.6 square kilometres of space also boasts a large multi-ethnic population. Once fairly run down, it is now one of the most desired addresses in Canada, thanks to a vibrant commerce, plenty of green spaces (including Parc Lafontaine and Mount Royal), bike paths, art galleries, restaurants galore and a community spirit that spills out naturally into the streets. Though its cheap-and-funky days are behind it, for many people this is still the quintessential Montreal neighborhood. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bernard Schul |
 Photo: Gilles en vrac... |
 Photo: Caroline Pilon |
 Photo: Linda Donohue |
 Photo: Mark Slutsky |
 Photo: Yannick Gingras |
 Photo: lpguyon |
 Photo: François Hogue |
 Photo: mramahi |
 Photo: vanessa johnson |
 Photo: Do Make Say Luc |
 Photo: Bob August |
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Fun tourist trap |
Plateau Street Montreal, QC H2X 1B5 Canada |
In summer, the portion of this southern-Plateau Street between St-Laurent and St-Louis Square is bustling with tourists. They come for the sidewalk cafés, street performers and all-around good cheer. Most restaurants on the street are bring-your-own-wine, relatively inexpensive, spacious enough to accommodate large groups and serve passable if not exceptional food. Culinary standouts include Mazurka, while the Cabane Grecque and Caverne Grecque, across the street from each other, serve mountains of Greek food every night. Barflies can check out Café Campus and Vol de Nuit, which rock late into the night. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jennifer Miller |
 Photo: Kip Beelman |
 Photo: colinmichaelroch |
 Photo: Benjamin Cotton |
 Photo: linda mclaren |
 Photo: oyo_nakamura |
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Lavish watering hole |
4481 St-Denis Street (At Mont-Royal) Montreal, QC H2J 2L2 Canada +1 514 499 0467 |
This strangely endearing watering hole offers great happy hour deals to a proletarian crowd in an inappropriately luxurious environment: highlights are velvet drapes, wood paneling and a beautiful chrome bar. While some of the clientèle comes simply to sit and drink after an unsuccessful stint in line at more popular neighborhood bars, there is always a loyal crowd of students, young artist and blue-collar types. This poor man's Ritz Carlton is a great place to start an evening, although many of their 3a die-hards arrived with that same intention. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: bradburyjason1982 |
 Photo: Elise Arsenault |
 Photo: · Foto-síntesis · |
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Excellent live music |
318 Ontario Street East (Near St-Denis) Montreal, QC H2X 1H6 Canada +1 514 845 3301 |
This plush lounge is popular among upscale 20-somethings and lovers of local bands and DJs. The main room is outfitted like a British pub with certain retro touches, and customers are as likely to order an imported British or Irish pint as they are the more obvious martini or mixed drink. The other room is where live bands play on Fridays, and where you can shoot a dignified game of pool. On summer nights, music wafts through the open windows onto the wonderful terrace. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Guillaume Masson-D. |
 Photo: Aliza Amlani |
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Weird and wonderful |
351 Roy Street East (At Drôlet) Montreal, QC H2W 1N1 Canada +1 514 849 6467 |
This bizarre watering hole is a cross between a punk-rock dive bar and a traditional Quebec tavern. Salient features include beer in quart bottles, Formica tables and skateboarding and snowboarding videos on constant rotation, combined with stuffed Marlin on the walls and a crazy, chrome-tinged bar. There is a pool table in the back and eclectic music at levels just below ear-shattering; not for the faint of heart, certainly, but this is a relatively unknown cult classic. Only cash is accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Shopping, dining and drinking |
St Denis Street Montreal, QC H2X 1Y9 Canada |
Starting around Ste-Catherine Street and moving northwards, the St-Denis Street pedestrian will pass through the perennially popular bars and restaurants of the Latin Quarter, and up a sizeable hill into the heart of the Plateau Mont-Royal. Bars and restaurants abound here as well, and many feature outdoor areas for eating, drinking and wasting time. Generally speaking, nightlife get louder and larger as one moves north. All manner of shops and services are found between Sherbrooke Street and Mont-Royal Avenue, mostly catering to a mid or upscale French clientele. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: shutter eyes |
 Photo: Kevin Ng |
 Photo: Leanne |
 Photo: Lisa Duchene |
 Photo: gillesroy |
 Photo: Alain Boisvert |
 Photo: Martin Dufort |
 Photo: Heather Mikhail |
 Photo: S. Trinh |
 Photo: Pierre-André BASTIN |
 Photo: myjul |
 Photo: omen514.com |
 Photo: K6-III |
 Photo: Jon A. Herb |
 Photo: mia! |
 Photo: elise chagas |
 Photo: goricalling |
 Photo: Kane Hale |
 Photo: pam fisher |
 Photo: Benjamin Malassingne |
 Photo: James Mackie |
 Photo: reglisse_masse |
 Photo: Érick Plante |
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A converted mansion |
1680 St Denis Street (Near Ontario) Montreal, QC H2X 2K6 Canada +1 514 844 9458 |
This converted mansion stakes a legitimate claim to 'King of the Montreal Bars'. Inside, each different room boasts its own unique ambience, music and furnishings, whilst the enormous patio in back is a glorious sight to behold on warm summer nights; empty tables on weekends are needles in an enormous haystack. Pitchers of domestic beer run around CAD15. The crowd is definitely young (few are older than 30) and predominantly French, though it has been more or less discovered by anglophone university students. No one should feel unwelcome here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Inside or out |
1412 Ste-Élisabeth Street (Near Ste-Catherine) Montreal, QC H2X 3C6 Canada +1 514 286 4302 |
The best feature of this oddly located hole-in-the-wall is the amazing patio in back. Essentially sitting at the bottom of a six-storey hole, it is ensconced in ivy and on summer nights hosts a mature, quiet and thoroughly civilized atmosphere and clientele. Occasionally live bands occupy the patio, which makes it even more appealing. "Les Lundis d'Enfer" (Mondays from Hell) feature outstanding drink specials and the same warm breezes: the name is a joke understood only by the owners. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Frederic Mahieu |
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After hours hotspot |
858 Ste-Catherine St E (Near St-Hubert) Montreal, QC H2L 2E3 Canada +1 514 286 0325 http://www.stereo-nightclub.com |
One of the most important after-hours clubs and DJ venues in North America, this small, state-of-the-art spot boasts an ergonomically designed dance floor and a sound system unequalled on the continent. Regular DJs include Alain Vinet, Mark Anthony and David Morales, but Stereo also attracts top-touring DJs like Paul Oakenfold. Expect long lines and dress to impress, as the doormen can be very picky. Cover charges vary from CAD17-25, depending on the talent. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hip and trendy |
3643 St. Laurent Boulevard Montreal, QC H2X 2V5 Canada +1 514 282 7665 http://www.leswimming.com/ |
This eclectic venue and pool bar is aided greatly by an indoor terrace that offers views onto the hottest part of St. Laurent Boulevard. But be sure to bring your best billiards intentions: the folks here are serious. There are 12 tables in all and the competition is fierce. For those with less need to smack balls around, there is a shiny bar with lots of televisions and live music, usually ska or swing, on the weekends. The crowd ranges from the early 20s to late 30s. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Asian-tinged lounge |
3709 St-Laurent Boulevard (Near des Pins) Montreal, QC H2X 2V7 Canada +1 514 842 6838 http://www.tokyobar.com/ |
A few years ago, this increasingly popular bar and lounge crept onto the scene with nary a sound. These days it is hard to miss at 1a on weekends, considering the enormous line of youngish professionals and soon-to-be-professionals waiting outside. Inside you will find Asian-themed décor with lots of nooks and crannies in which to relax, talented if rarely cutting-edge DJs and, in summer, one of Montreal's finest terraces. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Winston's little sister |
1455 Crescent St Montreal, QC H3G 2B2 Canada +1 514 288 0623 |
This is the little sister of the Sir Winston Churchill Pub, and is located upstairs from its more famous sibling. It offers some of the same ambience, but the atmosphere is a little calmer and less hurried. You will find the older and wiser members of the literary and journalistic crowd up here. But the bar and food is as good as below, and there is a neat cigar lounge for those who want to imitate a certain crusty old Prime Minister's smoking habits. Review © 2007, Wcities |