Dive bars are usually dirty, dingy, sticky and full of peculiar regulars or rowdy college students. But with a familiar feel anywhere you go, these places will always manage to offer up some good times and cheap drinks. To help inspire you for your next visit, here are 10 local dive bars worth checking out on your next trip to Montreal.
One of the most well know of Montreal’s dive bars, La Rockette is a grotty, dimly lit space where people can enjoy nightly DJ’s playing a selection of retro rock, soul, punk, funk, indie rock, British pop and more.
With great deals on drinks, an often lively dance floor and a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, this establishment located in the heart of the Plateau is definitely worth checking out! Open from 10pm to 3am Monday, Tuesday and Saturday and 4pm to 3am Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Located right next door to La Rockette, L’Escogriffe (or L’Esco for short) is a subterranean bar and music venue that offers live bands and DJ sets.
Grab a beer or cocktail and check out some of Montreal’s best up and coming musicians or find a spot out on the terrace for some fresh air and great conversation. Open Monday to Sunday from 4pm till 3am.
Many dive bars are considered neighbourhood institutions and seem to be frozen in time. Bar Bifteck on St. Lawrence Boulevard is no exception. Set in an unpretentious setting, this bar is a great place to unwind and relax with friends over a game of pool or fussball, catch a game of hockey (or soccer or football) and grab a pitcher or two of beer.
With 2 for 1 mixed drinks, free popcorn and an unusual mix of eclectic clientele, it’s no wonder this place is always full of regulars and newcomers alike. Open Monday to Sunday from 2pm to 3am.
Located in the Mile End, this neighbourhood establishment is mostly known for its spacious terrace that overlooks Parc Avenue.
With its dim lighting, wooden bar stools, pool table and regulars hanging around the gaming machines, this is the quintessential dive bar that serves up cold affordable brews and jukebox music to boot. Open Monday to Sunday from 10am to 3am.
When working class neighbourhoods start experiencing gentrification, so do the various businesses in the area. Once a local watering hole for the blue collar workers of St-Henri, Bar De Courcelle is now a hip and trendy dive bar for students and young professionals.
With a great list of affordable cocktails and occasional live music, it manages to find a balance between old school simple and pairs it nicely with new and refreshing. Open Monday to Sunday from 3pm to 3am.
Some dive bars have gaming machines, some have live music and some have bowling alleys. Notre-Dame-Des-Quilles, located in the city’s Little Italy area, is a quirky little bar with a retro feel that serves up great cocktails, beer, pizza and free bowling.
Try out one of the two small alleys available for a little extra fun time between drinks amongst friends. Open Monday to Friday from 5pm to 3am and Saturday to Sunday from 4pm to 3am.
Another addition to the various dive bars along St-Laurence Boulevard, Taverne Cobra is described as a “lux” dive bar with kitschy 80’s decor, arcade games and a great selection of beers from Duff, Black Label, Laurentides and various vintage beers.
They serve typical bar foods like hot dogs, pizza and sandwiches and offer a variety of cleverly named cocktails like the Orange Maiden or the Cheech and Chong. Open Monday to Sunday from 7pm to 3am.
Translated from Italian to “House of the people” Case del Popolo is a not only a dive bar, but a bistro and music venue to boot. This renowned locale has hosted performances by Arcade Fire, Buck 65, Moldy Peaches and has also hosted book signings and other non-musical performances.
With a great selection of vegetarian eats, various beers, cider, cocktails and your choice of indoor or outdoor seating, you will for sure enjoy your night at this neighbourhood institution. Open Monday to Friday from 4pm to 3am and Saturday to Sunday from 12pm to 3am.
This dive bar / live music venue is located on the city’s cheesy downtown club strip, Crescent Street. One of the dirtiest and grimmest places around, it’s also the perfect spot for $4 beer, $10 pitchers and karaoke nights. Enjoy great service and cozy vibes from 11am to 3am, Monday to Sunday.
Whoever said dive bars couldn’t have any fun and quirky themes, have never been to Nacho Libre. A dive bar, Mexican restaurant and 80s/90s nostalgia all in one, this watering hole located in the Petite-Patrie neighbourhood offers up delicious Mexican eats, great cocktails and old-school video game consoles.
Anyone interested can battle it out on a game of Super Mario or Mortal Kombat, all amid a decor of kitschy trinkets and Luchador references. Open Monday to Sunday from 5pm to 3am.
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