Le Sainte-Élisabeth
23
6

Difficult to find as it is tucked in a narrow, graffitied alley on the corner of Sainte-Catherine street, Le Sainte-Élisabeth is the literal definition of a hole-in-the-wall. It may look rundown from the outside but once inside, you know you’ve found a gem. Those in the know party here and it is definitely where the locals gather.
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Pullman
12
2

Head over to this unassuming wine bar, which is discreet enough for an intimate date and trendy enough for a 5 à 7. Their innovative space (with an eye-catching chandelier made of crystal champagne flutes and wine glasses) spans three floors and fills up with a local, after work crowd during the week and stylish 20 and 30-somethings on the weekend.
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Local Experience
Montreal City Brew Tours
Prices from
87
CAD
Duration
3.5 h
Languages
French, English
Taverne Square Dominion
Nightlife
11
1

Hidden just off of Sainte-Catherine street, this isn’t your grandfather’s tavern. Keeping with its old school vibe, its name comes from nearby Dorchester Square, which was called Dominion Square back in the day. Reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties, its ambiance is great for after work drinks or a hearty dinner. They also make a mean Sunday Roast.
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La Banquise
Budget Meals
25
12

There’s nothing more “Montreal” than ending a night of partying with a poutine from La Banquise – even Anthony Bourdain recommends it. Open 24/7, it is where you go to satisfy your post-party munchies. The combination of hot fries oozing with gravy and cheese curds – and whatever else your heart (read: stomach) desires – is what you will find.
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Cabaret Mado
Nightlife
10
3

If you don’t know who Mado Lamotte is, then you immediately need to experience one of her drag shows. Gracing us with icon status here in Quebec for over 25 years, Mado is the owner of her own celebrated cabaret and it’s all about drag queen glitz and glamour.
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Imadake
Nightlife
10
4

This typical Japanese pub – or izakaya – is known for its animated atmosphere with staff dressed like anime characters serving up sake bombs and appetizer-style food made for sharing among friends. Their colourful wall murals, large communal wooden table in the centre, and action-packed open kitchen at the far back make up the vibrant decor.
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Local Experience
Montreal City Brew Tours
Prices from
87
CAD
Duration
3.5 h
Languages
French, English
La Distillerie
Nightlife
16
4

The original of three locations, the Quartier Latin’s La Distillerie is small, yet cozy. Regularly packed, this hotspot picks up on weekends and a lineup begins to form early on into the evening. Seeing groups of friends crowd around the large wine barrels placed in the middle of the bar hoping to snag a coveted window seat is quite common!
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L'Express
Nightlife
13
5

The checkered floor that spells out the restaurant’s name in front is the sole indication that you have found L’Express. This eatery has been a Montreal staple for over 30 years – even Anthony Bourdain is a fan. Endlessly open and always lively in atmosphere, it’s as if time has frozen and left you in a classic 1920s French bistro.
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Clock Tower Beach
17
2

Living in a city definitely has its perks – nevertheless, it also has its drawbacks and it’s no secret that Montreal’s lack of beaches is a problem for locals come summertime. Based on the European trend of creating seaside paradise in the midst of a metropolis, Montreal’s Old Port now has its first urban beach.
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Café Milano
Budget Meals
10
2

Established in 1971, this neighbourhood café is reminiscent of a traditional Italian bar. Perpetually busy and always lively, order at the front counter and take a seat as you wait for your food to be delivered in the form of your name being yelled out by the barista. In summer, patrons flock onto the terrace, which remains occupied into the night.
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New City Gas
Nightlife
8
1

Located in Griffintown, New City Gas operates as a concert venue/nightclub for house music aficionados and welcomes DJs from all over the world. The complex’s namesake stems from its origins as this heritage building – that dates back to 1859 – was used to convert coal into gas to light up the city, which, in a way, it continues to do so today.
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Icehouse
Nightlife
6
2

Opened by Texas native Nick Hodge and Montreal-born Nathalie Doucet, Icehouse is just that: A marriage between Texas and Montreal. The tiny, shack-like Tex-Mex eatery made up of picnic tables and a terrace for summer serves up tacos, burritos, fried chicken, and homemade sauces. There are no plates here – so don’t be afraid to dig in and get messy.
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Méchant Boeuf
Nightlife
5
0

Craving a juicy burger? Looking for a hip spot for your next happy hour? Want to enjoy live music over swanky drinks? Then hit up Méchant Boeuf. Part of Old Montreal’s Hotel Nelligan, this resto/pub fuses the two to provide both a culinary and nightlife experience. Reservations are recommended as the place fills up come late evening.
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Dieu du Ciel
Nightlife
8
3

If you love being in the company of good friends in a relaxed, unpretentious environment while sipping on expertly crafted beer, Dieu du Ciel! is for you. Positioned in Mile End, the unassuming brewpub has built quite a following over the years and is always packed during peak hours. In summer, a small terrace overlooking Laurier Avenue opens up.
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Terrasse Nelligan
10
2

While tourists swarm on ground level in this neck of the woods, the fifth floor of the hundred-year-old Hotel Nelligan is filled with a trendy local crowd. We all know that Montrealers love their terraces and Terrasse Nelligan has taken it up a notch so that you can experience one from up high.
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