16+ best nightlife spots in Montreal

Photo: Unsplash

The nightlife scene in Montreal is off the hook. The cultural mashup that makes Montreal unique is reflected in its bar and club scene. There’s many more nightlife spots that would fit on this list, but check these ones out.

Editor’s note: These spots are all taken directly from travelstoke®, a new app from Matador that connects you with fellow travelers and locals, and helps you build trip itineraries with spots that integrate seamlessly into Google Maps and Uber. Download the app to add any of the spots below directly to your future trips.

Jardin Nelson

 Jardin NelsonMontréal, CanadaA charming garden-like terrace in heart of Old Montreal, right in the historic Jacques Cartier Square. Sit on the front terrace and watch the bustling scene and street performers, or in the open-roofed inner courtyard that’s heated during the cooler days. Relax to sounds of some live jazz music and enjoy some tasty crepes, salads, pasta, duck confit or the some traditional Quebec “paté chinois.” Great place for brunch, dinner or just drinks. Note that it’s only open from April to beginning of October. #livemusic #patio

EAT être avec toi

 EAT être avec toiMontréal, CanadaA revolutionary concept: a restaurant/art gallery! This place is decorated street art, murals and sculptures created by Montreal artists. Top local DJs add their sounds to the scene. Open from breakfast until late-night, they have everything from brunch waffles and mimosas to specialty seafood platters. #fine-dining #musicvenue #art

Bord’Elle Boutique Bar & Eatery

 Bord’Elle Boutique Bar & EateryMontréal, CanadaBeautiful “Great Gatsby” themed bar. Fun place for an after-work drink with friends! #classy

Rue Saint-Denis

 Rue Saint-DenisMontréal, CanadaThe main street in Montreal’s Latin Quarter. In the 1800s, the Latin Quarter was where some of the richest Francophones and Anglophones lived. Today, their victorian-style mansions have turned into eateries and entertainment venues. On the lower part of St.Denis street, you’ll find fast food places, specialty stores, theatres and a variety to restaurants including Italian, Japanese, Lebanese and Mexican ones.
Photo credit: Jeangagnon via Wikimedia Commons

The Village

 The VillageMontréal, CanadaMassive pedestrian street dedicated to restaurants and gay clubs; this place comes to life at night. Get ready to see leather and latex fanatics mixed in with random groups of friends all dancing in ridiculous night clubs. #dancing #club #nocover

Auberge du Vieux-Port

 Auberge du Vieux-PortMontréal, CanadaA cozy boutique hotel in Montreal’s old port with a European flair and a romantic atmosphere. It’s rooftop bar, Terasse Sur L’Auberge, is open to all and offers panoramic views where you can watch the scene on the bustling St.Paul street, view sailboats on the Saint. Lawrence river, and if you’re lucky, watch the skies light up with a myriad of colors during the International Fireworks Competition. #rooftopbar #hotel
Photo credit: Auberge Du Vieux Port – https://www.facebook.com/AubergeduVieuxPort/

L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel

 L’Auberge Saint-GabrielMontréal, CanadaSet in Montreal’s oldest building this restaurant/lounge/terasse’s ambience is simply charming. This medieval cottage was built in 1688; since then, its thick-stoned walls have lived through many tales. Today, it’s one of the classiest and coziest spots in Montreal known for it’s elegance and inviting French dishes. The auberge is also home to Velvet, an underground universe or “speakeasy.” The only way to get there, is to ask the doorman to escort you to the basement’s entrance. After making your way through a stone-walled tunnel only lit with candles, you’ll find yourself in a smoky room with a dance floor, lounge area, top-notch DJs, and beautiful people.
Photo credit: L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel – https://www.facebook.com/lauberge.saintgabriel/ #fine-dining #historical #speakeasy #frenchcuisine

Jardins Gamelin

 Jardins GamelinMontréal, CanadaThis “garden” in Place Émilie-Gamlin, is not really a garden. It’s a square that turns into a cool hang out place in summer. It hosts a different free cultural activity or event everyday- music, dance nights, yoga, markets, festivals and more. It’s known for the shipping containers tuned into a bar and the luminous canopy floating above.

Agrikol

 AgrikolMontréal, CanadaWhen you want a taste of summer during a cold winter night, head to Agrikol. Step into the white wooden house, and you’ll immediately feel like you’ve escaped to the caribbean. This Haitian resto-bar features island-style appetizers like Haitian beignets and plantains, and sigature rum-based tropical cocktails. Old-fashioned, jungle-style decor and Haitian music add to the ambiance. #tropical #caribbean #cozy

Brasserie Artisanale L’Amère A Boire Inc

 Brasserie Artisanale L’Amère A Boire IncMontréal, CanadaThey brew commie style Lagers. Beer and cheese pairings will boggle your palette… In a good way. They’ve got a quaint patio out back, perfect for sipping beers in the warm Montreal summers. #cheap-eats #open-late #casual #food

La Distillerie no.1

 La Distillerie no.1Montréal, CanadaGreat little bar with amazing drinks!! Free jar of gold fish at point of order 😍 #free-wifi #montreal #canada

Dieu du Ciel!

 Dieu du Ciel!Montréal, CanadaInsane number of Quebec beers on tap. An excellent local watering hole. We were referred to this place by multiple locals — it did not disappoint. #cheap-eats #open-late #casual #food

BENELUX

 BENELUXMontréal, CanadaExcellent beers brewed in the style of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg (hence he name Benelux). Located inside of an old bank, they use the bank vault as a place to barrel age beer. #casual #food #cheap-eats #open-late

Le 4e Mur

 Le 4e MurMontréal, CanadaThis is one the coolest places in Montreal. It’s a hidden bar, modeled after speakeasies which became popular during the prohibition era. We can’t tell you where it is. The only way to find out, is to sign up to find out via their website. Then, when you get there, you’ll have to find the secret brick that will open up the wall. Inside, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a glam 1920s underground bar. Be sure to try their amazing old-fashioned drinks. Good luck getting in! #secretspots #speakeasy

Terrasse Nelligan

 Terrasse NelliganMontréal, CanadaWhat better way to spend a nice summer night than on a rooftop with a great view and an amazing drink? This rooftop patio on top of Hotel Nelligan in the heart of Old Montreal offers beautiful views of Old Montreal and the St. Lawrence river, and one of the best sangrias in the city. #rooftopbar
Photo credit @ave.hah via Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ave.hah/

Le Saloon Bistro Bar

 Le Saloon Bistro Bar IncMontréal, CanadaThere’s no other place like this in the city. It’s in the heart of Montreal’s vibrant gay village, and it’s a great place to eat, drink and chill. It has amazing decor, wall projections and a funky supperclub atmosphere. They’re known for their (affordable) traditional and international gourmet plates that all have a twist. Go for brunch, dinner, or their famous “4-7” happy hour for drinks. #fun #affordable #gourmet