Montreal has lost the Angels, Kokino’s and Domes of its prime, only to have them replaced with imitations. Many of the places that clubbers flocked to every weekend in their heyday are being erased from today’s landscape. These absent locales are where countless people enjoyed some of the most intense and vital moments of their lives, and a whole generation learned about the highs and the lows of uncontrolled debauchery. And while there’s nothing worse than the clubbers of yesteryear going on about how the music and the parties were so much better ‘back in the day,’ we should give these classic institutions more reverence.
The club closures in Montreal are too many to list all at once, so here’s another collection of Montreal clubs that have been closed but will always hold a place close to our timeworn hearts.
1. Millenium
One of the clubs that owed its glitter balls to the city's warehouse scene at the turn of the '90s. Millennium Nightclub quickly established itself as one of the major players on the Montreal party scene. The combination nightclub and after-hours attracted a varied clientele who just wanted to dance until the sun came up.
2. Kokino
Kokino’s on St. Laurent Boulevard was the original venue for bottle service. Kokino’s was always packed Friday and Saturday nights and the upbeat, sometimes-unexpected ,blend of old favorites and current hits guaranteed a funky night of dance and drinks.
3. Disalvios
A standout among the rest of the clubs on the Main. This place was different for two reasons - the crowd and the scene. The crowd was a mix of rich & poor, fashionista & trendsetter… it was the place to see and be seen. Disalvios was the first of the high spending supper clubs - minus the supper.
Photo Cred - gapyear
4. Crisco
A warehouse-style bar that was, in the opinion of many, the best club aesthetically in Montreal. The sound, the people, and the music were the most important factors. The elements of a great party were all there - a raw, intimate venue, great sound, wicked lights and an eclectic crowd.
5. K.O.X
The Village’s after-hours club was a tribute to both Montreal and the Village’s happening vibe. Put at the forefront of the DJ scene, this after-hours complex invited the finest international DJs to perform on its elevated DJ platform.
6. Cathedral
Home of Montreal’s HEC Thursday night bashes, Cathedral was one of the many clubs that called Saint Laurent their home. It had a gothic exterior, but the gothness stopped there. It was trendy, but it didn’t take itself too seriously. Le Cathedral served up great prices, tasty drinks, and happening beats that were sure to please all.
7. Octagon
This was the place to be when you felt the need to let it all hang out. Octagon was on the riverfront with a great outdoor terrace. After limelight closed, this was the GO-TO place for the best music in Montreal.
8. Balroom
Balroom Bar offered a grandiose décor with a relaxed, chilled-out atmosphere. It was a good-old St-Laurent style nightclub with a small dance floor, sandwiched between two large bars that gave it a more intimate atmosphere, complete with sofas for lounging in front of your own bottle.
Photo Cred - 10best
9. Parking
Keeping clubbers partying and dancing since 2001, Club Parking was one of the biggest gay clubs in Montreal. It was equipped with exceptional lighting and sound systems that let loose to the pounding electro, house and hip-hop rhythms. House was the foundation upon which this club was built.
10. Angels
Blossoming teens had their first drink at Angel’s. Bumping and grinding was invented at Angel’s to the commercial hip-hop that used to be blasted there. The corner of St-Laurent and Prince-Arthur is now known as Rouge, but for past generations it will always be known as the club that started it all - Angel’s.
