10 Of The Best Downtown Montreal Bars and Restaurants By Musical Genre
From jazz-infused wine bars to hip-hop hotspots and Latin lounges.
Someone stands on the dance floor at Club Pelicano in downtown Montreal. Right: People dance in front of the stage at Foufounes Electriques.
The music playing in Montreal restaurants and bars isn't just background noise; it's a vital part of the ambiance, mirroring the soul of the place. Are you looking for a glass of merlot and a smooth saxophone? What about quick bites and hip-hop beats? Maybe tacos, margaritas, and Latin music?
Whatever vibe you’re looking for, here are some of the best downtown Montreal bars and restaurants by musical genre:
Jazz
Where: Upstairs Jazz, 1254, rue Mackay
Reason to go: A Montreal classic with live jazz from Tuesdays to Sundays, Upstairs Jazz is the perfect place for a swanky meal or a chic drink (ou les deux ensemble). The menu spans sharable starters like their famous Upstairs fried calamari and fresh chips with guacamole. For vegan jazz lovers, there's a tender eggplant (faux) parmesan for main or vegan nachos for a starter. The drink menu has wines by the glass or bottle, coffee, draft beer, and an entire section just for scotch. If you’re looking to make a reservation for your next date night, they are only accepted over the phone.
Punk
Where: FouFounes Electriques, 87, rue St. Catherine Est
Reason to go: Established in 1983, it has become an iconic and legendary venue in Montreal's underground music scene. Inside this multi-level establishment, you will find a wide range of live performances, including punk, rock, metal, and various sub-genres of alternative music. Although there is no food at this venue, the music, energy, and drinks will keep the night going. If you’re looking for punk rock, this is the place.
Country
Where: Bar Spaghetti Western, 6390, rue St-Hubert
Reason to go: Did you hear there is a new country bar in town? It’s a quick ride on the orange line to the Beaubien metro, with line dancing at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays for $5, and $3 Jack Daniels shots every day until 7 p.m., you and your country-loving friends can dance the night away to all the bluegrass bangers. The menu consists of beer on draft and in bottles along with five specialty cocktails and a few bar snacks (with more to be added soon). Their specialty dish is a generous plate of spaghetti bolognese. What’s better than country music and spaghetti? See you there, partner!
Pub Music
Where: Brewtopia, 1219, rue Crescent
Reason to go: Are you looking for just some good old-fashioned live music? Is someone on a microphone with a guitar singing a cover of "Wonderwall"? We can’t promise any Oasis cover bands, but Brewtopia has perfect shows for people who just like to jam. You can grab a table, order a drink (and some food if you’re hungry- who doesn’t love pub food?), and get swept away in the musical spirit of the evening. With sustainably brewed Quebec beer and daily happy hour specials, every night is a great night at Brewtopia. Make sure to check out their website for their showtimes, which are most often 10 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday.
More at brutopia.net
Hip Hop
Where: Franklin’s Subs and Suds, 143, rue St. Paul Ouest
Reason to go: You can step back into the 90s at this hip-hop-themed bar. Graffiti and Playboy magazines line the walls while Biggie and Doctor Dre invite the crowd. Founded just before the pandemic, this upscale fast food restaurant will serve your favourite snack-sized bites from Philly Cheese Nachos to mozzarella sticks and fried pickles. If you’re looking to fill the tank, one of their 10-inch submarine sandwiches will surely do the trick. The music here ranges from golden era hip hop to modern-day Rap Caviar. If you want to stop in for a burger and fries, a milkshake, or some tequila shots, Franklin’s is the perfect place to pregame for the night out.
Anatolian Lounge
Where: Café Gitana, 2080, rue Saint Denis
Reason to go: It's a unique space that reflects the diversity seen throughout the Island. With one of the few establishments in Montreal with the right to tobacco use (sevral conditions apply), this three level lounge is the perfect spot for a chill evening. From soft drinks, to cocktails, to tea and beer, Café Gitana has got you covered. If you’re looking for a warming winter drink, give the Salep a try! Made from powdered orchid roots, it gives the hint of vanilla (or at least, vanilla’s distant cousin). With live music that tends to match the culturally rich environment from Wednesday-Sunday, stop by for a Cuban cigar, some shisha, or a G and T.
Latin
Where: Lola Lola Lolita, 60, rue Saint-Jacques
Reason to go: Lola Lola Lolita functions as both a restaurant and nightclub (the best of both worlds). This Latin music hot spot is the perfect place to grab some authentic Latin cuisine before shaking your hips on the dance floor. Lola Lola Lolita has two different kinds of Barria ‘broth’ tacos along with a variety of Latin fusion dishes, such as arepas, red or green enchiladas and pancita. On Thursdays, come join the community for all you can eat pozole for $20. With a Latin party every weekend, the restaurant turns into a nightclub where you can grab cocktails (or bottles) and dance the night away. If you’re looking for a Latin evening complete with cuisine and music, Lola Lola Lolita is your one stop shop!
More at lolalolalolitamtl.comCarribean Fusion
Where: Tropikal, 3426, rue Notre-Dame Ouest
Reason to go: Are you looking for the best Caribbean/Afro-Latin experience in Montreal? A restaurant first, Tropikal is the perfect place to eat, drink, and celebrate at the same time. This upscale supper club has an expansive menu from brunch to late-night eats, as well as bottle service and cocktail menus. The Afro/Carribean-inspired dishes are created by Chef Jae-Anthony, and the recipes prove his celebrity status. With the release of their winter menu, you can expect fresh, warm comfort food and exclusive flavourful cocktails. This entirely Black-owned establishment also includes their classy invite-only speakeasy ‘Truth’ hidden away underground. The late-night party atmosphere mixed with the delicious menus from brunch-dinner makes Tropikal your new favourite Afro/Carribean spot.
More at tropikal.ca
Alternative
Where: Turbo Haüs, 2040, rue St. Denis
Reason to go: Turbo Haüs started as a DIY space at a different location 10 years ago, but moved to St. Denis in 2018. This venue is famous for its alternative live music, not belonging to one genre. The space is separated into two sides. The bar side is where the drinks flow, lights are dim with a few tables and bar rail seats. The other section is for performances, from live music to Open Mic Nights on Tuesdays. Turbo Haüs began as a community space for Montreal artists whose work provides joy and feeds the community, giving Montreal its artisanal feel. If you’re in for a good show with great energy check out their Instagram/website for details on the performance schedules.
DJs
Where: Club Pelicano, #001-076, rue de Bleury
Reason to go: Club Pelicano has a new DJ almost every day of the month. The fun cocktail bar is inspired by the Old bathhouses in Montreal. Each night, they have happy hour specials on their cocktails and no cover charge, making it the perfect place to start or end your night. If you're hungry, Club Pelicano shares a menu with Tiradito, a Peruvian-Japanese restaurant. They also offer small bites, like vegetarian dumplings and Peruvian toasted corn nuts until 9 p.m., and their specialty Wagyu hot dog all night long. Sip on a refined cocktail and indulge in the underwater atmosphere.
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