Every borough has its share of pubs, but Grumpy's in downtown Montreal offers a unique, no-frills experience that stands out. Enjoy fresh kegs, affordable whiskey shots, and live music here alongside folk jams on Thursdays, jazz on Wednesdays, and diverse acts on weekends. Located in a heritage building on Bishop Street, Grumpy's is an oasis in the heart of downtown: It’s cozy and inviting, perfect for solo drinks, hanging out with friends, or meeting new people. The bar offers a solid selection of local beers and a variety of whiskies and bourbons. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, Grumpy's is the place to enjoy a genuine, unpretentious bar experience.

Hurley’s is as close as you’ll get to a proper Irish pub without a transatlantic flight. A staple of Crescent Street’s long-running nightlife scene, this two-floor institution has been pouring pints and packing in crowds for years. Upstairs, it’s all about good conversation and an easygoing pint; downstairs, the energy shifts with nightly live music—folk, traditional Irish, open mics, and whatever else fuels a proper session. The beer selection leans classic rather than trendy, with a steady lineup of taps for those who’d rather drink than debate hop varieties. Whiskey drinkers have their pick of over 50 single malts, and if you’re here for Guinness, you’re in the right place—Hurley’s moves more of it than anywhere else in North America. Celebrities have passed through, but it’s the regulars who give the place its character. No pretense, no gimmicks—just a pub that does it right.

McKibbin’s Irish Pub is what happens when a classic Irish drinking hole finds a home in Montreal and refuses to leave. It’s a place that checks all the right boxes—pints flowing at all hours, live music every night, and a menu built for soaking up Guinness. Born from a historic red sandstone mansion built in 1904, the pub carries more than just a good pour—it’s got stories, too. Once the residence of pioneering surgeon Dr. Frank Richardson England and trailblazing women’s rights advocate Grace Octavia Ritchie, the building has seen its share of history before turning into one of the city’s go-to spots for a proper night out. Today, McKibbin’s has expanded across town, but the original location on Bishop Street remains a hub for rowdy St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, sports on big screens, and the kind of pub fare that keeps the night going.

Burgundy Lion Pub offers a distinct blend of British tradition and Montreal vibes, making it a relied-upon spot in Little Burgundy since opening in 2008. The pub’s décor is filled with memorabilia and souvenirs from the owners’ travels to England, along with collaborations with artists, which all together adds to the welcoming vibe. They serve a rotating list of beers, including two house brews, and boast one of the largest whiskey collections in Quebec with over 500 different bottles.

While the pub fare stays true to its roots with dishes that have included the likes of bangers and mash, Lancashire hotpot, and shepherd’s pie, there are seasonal updates to keep things fresh. Their brunch options are crowd-pleasers as well, ranging from hearty staples like the full English breakfast to Scotch eggs, avocado toasts, and a whole lotta mimosas.

Brutopia is proof that Crescent Street isn’t just about cheap shots and student bar crawls. This long-standing brewpub has been crafting its own beer since before the city’s craft scene exploded, offering a lineup that veers from classic pints to playful experiments—Raspberry Blonde, Brit Tea, and Bluet among them. Spread across three floors with as many bars and terrasses (one heated year-round), it’s a spot that suits any kind of night, whether you’re settling in for a happy hour pint, catching live music with no cover charge, or taking your chances at Montreal’s longest-running open mic. Sustainability is baked into their brewing, sourcing malt from local farms and giving spent grain a second life as livestock feed. The menu leans globally inspired, with a mix of vegetarian-friendly plates and pub staples done right. Whether you’re new to craft beer or a regular with a favourite stool, Brutopia delivers on quality without the fuss.

Honey Martin is the kind of neighbourhood pub where everyone’s either a regular or about to become one. Tucked into NDG, it’s small in size but big on character—bartenders who actually chat with you, a steady flow of Guinness, and a clientele that ranges from local musicians to night-shift industry workers looking to wind down. The crowd is a mix of 20-somethings making noise and longtime patrons who’ve perfected the art of closing out a bar. Live music keeps the place lively, trivia nights bring in a dedicated crew, and the walls are packed with enough warmth—paintings, memorabilia, a diorama over the bar—to make it feel like an old friend’s living room. If you’re coming from outside the neighbourhood, don’t wait too long to claim a stool. Once the night gets rolling, space is a luxury, and you won’t want to be left standing.

Wolf and Workman from the Burgundy Lion Group is a must-visit destination in Old Montreal. Inspired by the rich history of two former Montreal mayors, Wolfred Nelson and William Workman, this English gastropub has an old-world charm with imposing stone walls, red leather seating, and a long wooden bar.

Its cozy yet elegant atmosphere is perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or a casual pint. The menu is as hearty as it is refined, with pub staples like lamb pie alongside pasta and a knockout burger. Then there’s the impressive brunch offering with a solid menu that includes everything from full English breakfasts to duck Scotch eggs and croque madame.

Lord William Pub brings some edge to Griffintown’s drinking scene, housed in an old ironworks building near the Lachine Canal. It’s the kind of place where a Caesar isn’t just a Caesar—it’s stacked with bacon, shrimp, or a hot pepper that means business. Brunch leans indulgent (think fried chicken and pancakes with Bailey’s custard), and the pub fare hits the right notes between classic comfort and thoughtful twists.

The beer selection is solid, cocktails are dialed in, and the terrasse feels like a well-kept secret. Mondays bring a trivia night that’s anything but typical, and comedy shows round out the calendar. Lord William keeps things local, from the farm-to-table ingredients in the kitchen to partnerships that support nearby businesses. Whether you’re in for a game, a drink, or just a night of good company, this spot delivers with zero pretense and just the right amount of rowdiness.

Pub McCarold has been Côte-des-Neiges’ go-to for a well-poured pint and a laid-back night since 2004. It’s the kind of spot where the beer list runs deep—26 taps strong, with plenty of imports—and the kitchen turns out proper pub fare, including a creamy stout mac and cheese that’s worth the trip alone. Sports fans won’t have trouble keeping up with the Habs here—there’s a screen in every direction—while scotch and whiskey drinkers have an impressive selection to sift through. The pace? Unhurried. When it’s quiet, it’s really quiet, so best to lean into the relaxed vibe instead of getting impatient. The two terraces make it an easy summer hang, but whether you’re here for a post-lecture pint, a long happy hour, or a late-night bite, McCarold keeps it warm, welcoming, and well-stocked.

Le Vieux Dublin claims the title of Montreal’s oldest Irish pub, and while we’ll let the historians debate that, there’s no arguing its staying power. Right in the thick of downtown, this spot delivers all the expected pub staples—pints, burgers, and live music—but what sets it apart is its staggering selection of scotch. No need to cross-reference bottle counts with other bars; if you’re serious about whisky, this place has you covered. The atmosphere is reliably lively, drawing a mix of regulars and newcomers looking for a proper Irish watering hole. Whether you’re here for a well-poured Guinness, a deep dive into single malts, or just to soak up the music with a drink in hand, Le Vieux Dublin keeps things classic without feeling stuck in the past.

Ye Olde Orchard has built a solid reputation across Montreal, evolving from a single neighbourhood pub into a full-blown local institution with multiple locations. Whether it’s game-night chaos downtown, late-night revelry on the Plateau, or a boozy brunch in NDG featuring breakfast poutine, each spot has its own loyal crowd. The draw? Reliable pints, live music, and staff who actually seem to enjoy being there. The beer list is respectable, the pub fare goes beyond the basics, and the atmosphere is exactly what you want in a Scottish-style drinking den—warm, unpretentious, and ready to keep the night rolling. While each location carries its own energy, they all share the same easygoing charm that’s kept Montrealers coming back for years.

The downtown outpost on de la Montagne sets itself apart with its heritage building setting, adding an old-world charm to the usual Orchard experience. Whether you’re grabbing a pint before a game or settling in for a longer session, it’s a classic spot to kick back in the heart of the city.

Ziggy’s is a time capsule in the middle of Crescent Street’s high-energy bar scene, a no-frills drinking spot that feels like it’s been here forever—because it has. The kind of pub where the bartender actually remembers your drink, where the walls have soaked up decades of stories, and where, if you listen closely enough, you might just hear echoes of old conversations between Mordecai Richler, Pierre Trudeau, and Leonard Cohen. A favourite among hockey fans, writers, and anyone who prefers a well-poured pint over pretentious cocktails, it’s a place that keeps the focus on conversation and camaraderie. There’s no food, which is fitting—Richler himself used to send cabs to Schwartz’s for smoked meat mid-session. In a city that loves reinvention, Ziggy’s stays true to itself: a classic pub, built for drinking and storytelling, just as it should be.

Established in 2014, Bishop and Bagg offers a laid-back pub ambiance and a menu of classic eats like bangers and mash and burgers in the Mile End. An unpretentious spot from the Burgundy Lion team featuring wood accents and dark colors, you’ll find an impressive collection of gins and skilled bartenders crafting cocktails from them. Expect to eat well and drink well while you’re here—just don’t be surprised if it’s busy during brunch hours, or during lunch when swathes of video game designers from the nearby Ubisoft office come in. Those times aside, you can easily get a good bite late at night here.

Brass Door is the kind of pub that doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is: a solid, no-nonsense spot for cheap eats, cold pints, and a reliably good time. In a city overflowing with bars, plenty miss the mark on at least one front—bad service, overpriced drinks, weak atmosphere—but this place consistently delivers across the board. It’s a neighbourhood joint in the middle of downtown, a rare balance that keeps the crowd a mix of regulars and passersby looking for an easygoing place to post up. Whether you’re there for a quick bite, a few rounds with friends, or just somewhere to park yourself for a while, Brass Door holds its own as a dependable go-to.

Piranha Bar is a dive with a dual personality: it’s a laid-back downtown hangout by day and a gritty, chaotic live music venue by night. Established in 2007, it’s evolved from a small basement dive into a two-level powerhouse of Montreal’s music scene, complete with arcade games, a pool table, and a line of slot machines. There’s even a punching bag machine for the rowdier regulars.

The vibe here leans rock and metal, with local acts on the upstairs stage and an unapologetically raw, anything-goes crowd. The bar’s famous for its fish tank, though opinions are mixed. All told, this bar might not be for the faint of heart, but if you’re after cheap drinks, grungy charm, and a slice of downtown Montreal’s untamed spirit, this place has it all. Just don’t come expecting a food menu or much of a beer selection beyond the basics.

Le Sainte-Élisabeth is the kind of place you hear about through word of mouth—the terrasse alone has made it a legend. Hidden just off Sainte-Catherine Street, somewhere between downtown and the Village, this European-style pub doesn’t need gimmicks to draw a crowd. The beer selection is small but reliable, the menu situation (takeout from a neighbouring spot) is unconventional at best, but none of that really matters once you step into the courtyard. The towering vine-covered walls create an atmosphere that feels almost transportive—an oasis in the middle of the city, perfect for lingering over cheap pints on a warm summer night. Inside, the cozy fireplace setup makes it just as inviting in winter. Whether you’re dropping in for a quick drink or settling in for the long haul, Sainte-Élisabeth is the kind of spot that earns its reputation the moment you walk in.

Andrew’s is the kind of dive bar where cheap drinks and an unfiltered vibe rule the roost, just a block off the main action on Sainte-Catherine downtown. It’s not winning any awards for decor, but with shots of liquor and cheap mixed drinks, it’s a go-to for budget-conscious regulars, students, and anyone who wants a drink without fuss.

The crowd is a mix, from hipsters to locals to students on a budget, and the staff has been called everything from refreshingly direct to downright ornery. But for those who know what they’re getting into, Andrew’s is a low-key spot to start or end a night, and maybe even leave with a story or two about the city’s unpolished side.

London Pub brings a bit of rowdy charm to Crescent Street’s lineup of bars, offering the kind of no-fuss drinking experience that keeps people coming back. Small in size but big on atmosphere, it has all the hallmarks of a proper English-style pub—solid beer selection, friendly bartenders, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time. The weekly events keep things interesting, from a well-loved pub quiz on Sundays to an industry night that feels like a citywide bartender meetup. The happy hour stretches longer than most, running until midnight on Thursdays, making it an easy spot to settle in for the night. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick pint, diving into Grand Prix weekend madness, or just looking for a laid-back place to drink with good company, London Pub delivers with a mix of neighbourhood warmth and late-night energy.

"One of Montreals largest sports bars, 3 floors of TVs, not a bad seat in the house! - Stop by for delicious burgers, pizza, wings, steak, poutine, salads, craft beer, cocktails and good times. Here at Peel Pub we are committed to having each client receive professional, prompt, courteous and service. We use only the freshest ingredients in all of our food and are dedicated to providing the best Pub fare Montreal has to offer. Since 1962, Peel Pub has maintained the tradition of using fresh, locally grown produce in all of our daily specials . We thank each and every client for their patronage and hope you will join us soon!"

A staple of Crescent Street’s nightlife, it’s a lively, no-pretense bar that draws students, locals, and late-night wanderers looking for cheap drinks, good company, and a little chaos. Whether you’re shooting pool, stacking Jenga blocks between rounds, or diving into their long list of house cocktails and shots, there’s always something happening. The food menu runs until midnight, fueling the crowd with pub staples, while the beer selection keeps the taps flowing. Open until 3 AM every night, it’s a reliable last stop—or first, if you’re in it for the long haul. MadHatter doesn’t try to be anything fancy; it just delivers a fun, rowdy, and undeniably memorable night out.

McLean's has become an iconic bar and restaurant in downtown Montreal with its authentic Irish pub atmosphere. McLean's offers a wide range of food and a large selection of imported and domestic beers. McLean's pub-style décor provides the perfect setting to enjoy the latest sporting events on one of the many large-screen satellite TVs located around the bar. Upstairs, you can enjoy a friendly game of pool or simply sit back and enjoy the company of good friends.

Moose Bawr is a tribute to the great Canadian tavern experience—rustic, rowdy, and unapologetically indulgent. Since opening in 2014, it has built a reputation as a go-to spot for after-work drinks, late-night eats, and sports-fueled revelry in the heart of downtown Montreal. The space channels the warmth of a chalet, making it just as suited for a casual pint as it is for tackling their infamous 8N8 food challenge—eight loaded items in eight minutes, if you dare. The menu leans into comfort food with house-made sausages, poutines, and deep-fried indulgences, while their seasonal terrasse is prime real estate for summer sessions fueled by inventive sangrias. Whether you’re dropping in for a beer, a game, or a gut-busting meal, Moose Bawr delivers an experience that’s as Canadian as it gets—bold, boozy, and built for good times.

Pub Saint Pierre may be small, but it delivers big on charm, community, and an experience that sets it apart from your run-of-the-mill watering hole. Tucked away on Rue Saint-Pierre—one of the oldest streets in Old Montreal—this spot blends historic roots with a modern, international flair. The staff isn’t just friendly; they bring their own cultural backgrounds to the menu, resulting in a lineup of inventive, globally inspired dishes that go beyond standard pub fare. The philosophy here is simple: it’s not your ordinary pub. Whether you’re in for a pint, a bite, or just good conversation, Pub Saint Pierre offers an atmosphere that feels welcoming, warm, and unmistakably local while embracing influences from around the world.