Lea GagnonYour ultimate guide to the must-visit gay bars in Montreal
Honey, if you spend Saturdays glued to your screen, worshipping the queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race, it’s time to upgrade! Montreal’s gay bars are your personal runway, bursting with live drag shows, fierce lip sync battles, and more shade than Cher on one of her tweet-happy days.
This isn’t just about drag shows (though trust us, Montreal’s gay bars do drag oh-so-well!), it’s about finding your tribe, your watering hole, your haven.
So, unleash your inner party animal, your hipster connoisseur, or simply your relaxed self – this city’s gay bars have a scene waiting to make you feel right at home.
Cabaret Berlin
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Location: 1982 St Catherine St E, Montreal, Quebec H2K 2H7, Canada
Contact: +1 202-591-8538
Opening hours:
- Friday to Saturday – 9:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $$
This venue burst onto the scene in 2019, brought to life by nightlife aficionados DJ Davidé and Coffin Joe. It quickly became a hotspot for those seeking a unique mix of goth, techno, queer, and fetish-themed nights.
This club caters to a diverse scene. Think goths, techno heads, club kids, and everyone in between. It’s a place to unleash your inner weirdo and dance like nobody’s watching (though, with killer moves like that, people probably will be).
The venue has been savvy in navigating the challenges posed by recent global events. They’ve hosted fundraising efforts to support ongoing operations, ensuring they can continue to offer a rich cultural experience despite economic downturns (and they succeeded!)
Cabaret Mado
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Location: 1115 St Catherine St E, Montreal, Quebec H2L 2G2, Canada
Contact: +1 514-525-7566
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 4:00 PM to 1:30 AM
Pricing: $$
Cabaret Mado is a Montreal institution presided over by the legendary Mado Lamotte. For over 25 years, she’s reigned supreme on the city’s drag scene, dazzling audiences with her sharp wit, fierce performances, and crowd interaction that’ll leave you laughing (and maybe brushing up on your French!).
Every night here delivers a dazzling extravaganza of drag! The shows feature a rotating roster of local Montreal talent alongside occasional international acts, all showcasing their high-energy performances and captivating personalities.
Le Stud
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Location: 1812 St Catherine St E, Montreal, Quebec H2K 2H3, Canada
Contact: +1 514-598-8243
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 2:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Le Stud isn’t a newcomer to Montreal’s gay bar scene – this place has history. Since opening its doors in 1995, it’s evolved from a meeting spot for the leather crowd to a welcoming bear club and beyond, always keeping its unpretentious, authentic vibe. It’s a place where anyone can be themselves, with no frills attached.
Le Stud’s motto, “A men’s bar, where men love men”, sums up its spirit perfectly. The atmosphere is relaxed, perfect for a quiet happy hour drink or a dive into the cruisey, high-energy nightclub scene later in the evening.
If you’re looking for a place to socialise, celebrate, and maybe end up riding the mechanical bull (yes, they have one!), this bar won’t disappoint.
Le Cocktail
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Location: 1669 St Catherine St E, Montreal, Quebec H2L 2J5, Canada
Contact: +1 514-597-0814
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 2:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Le Cocktail boasts legendary Montreal drag performer Michel Dorion and a cast of talented queens who slay the stage every night (Wednesday to Sunday). So be prepared for witty banter, fierce lip-syncing, and outrageous costumes that’ll have you gagging (in the best way possible).
Even if you can’t quite hold a tune, karaoke at Le Cocktail is a blast. With nightly sessions and drag queen hosts, it’s all about having fun and belting out your favourite tunes, regardless of your vocal prowess.
You can even start your night off right with their happy hour by offering drink specials from 5 PM to 8 PM. It’s such a budget-friendly way to enjoy their extensive cocktail menu, from classic margaritas to more creative concoctions.
Stock Bar
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Location: 1171 St Catherine St E, Montreal, Quebec H2L 2G8, Canada
Contact: +1 514-842-1336
Opening hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 8:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $$
The main attraction here? Over 60 dancers, each bringing their own sculpted physique and high-energy moves to the stage. From tattooed bad boys to clean-cut Adonises, there’s a diverse array to set the pulse racing (and the conversation flowing!).
The 2023 renovation transformed the Stock Bar into a modern, elegant space. So expect plush seating, intimate lighting, and a top-tier sound system that creates an atmosphere that’s anything but ordinary.
Surprisingly affordable, this gay bar offers a budget-friendly way to experience Montreal’s nightlife. They’re also known for being easy on the wallet, and themed nights and special events add to the fun. Think steamy duo performances or shower shows that’ll leave you wanting more (or maybe needing a towel!).
Campus
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Location: 1111 St Catherine St E, Montreal, Quebec H2L 2G6, Canada
Contact: +1 514-526-3616
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 3:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Nestled in the heart of Montreal’s Gay Village, Campus has been a staple in the community for over 30 years, offering an engaging experience with its variety of muscular and well-built dancers.
One of the reasons Campus is a local favourite is its affordability. You won’t break the bank here, and the intimate setting allows you to get up close to the action (if that’s your thing). Two bars and spacious seating areas ensure comfort and a great view of the performances, so you can settle in for a wild night.
So, while this bar might not be your typical gay bar with drag queens and themed nights, it offers a unique and engaging experience that’s been a staple in the Montreal scene for decades.
Complexe Sky
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Location: 1478 St Catherine St E, Montreal, Quebec H2L 2J1, Canada
Contact: +1 514-529-6969
Opening hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Wednesday & Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday – 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $
At Complexe Sky, you can witness fierce fashion, side-splitting comedy, and powerhouse vocals that will have you reaching for your tips (figuratively, of course).
While the nighttime brings the full clubbing experience, Complexe caters to all schedules. During the day, it transforms into a relaxed bar and eatery, perfect for a casual brunch or afternoon hangout.
They’re also very well-known for their reasonable drink prices and special offers. Happy hour deals and themed nights with drink promos keep the good times flowing without burning a hole in your wallet.
Aigle Noir
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Location: 1315 St Catherine St E, Montreal, Quebec H2L 2H4, Canada
Contact: +1 514-529-0040
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $
Aigle Noir, also known as Black Eagle, isn’t your typical dance club filled with boas and glitter. It’s a haven for those who prefer leather, jeans, and a sultry atmosphere. This bar caters to the bear and leather subcultures, so expect plenty of denim, a rugged vibe, and the occasional themed night or fetish show.
Aigle Noir even has a back bar with a dimly lit atmosphere for those seeking more social interactions. Here, it’s all about a specific scene – the regulars at this Montreal institution are welcoming, but if you’re into a vanilla experience, this might not be your spot.
Bar Taboo
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Location: 950 Boul. de Maisonneuve E, Montréal, QC H2K 2C9, Canada
Contact: +1 514-504-6161
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM
- Sunday – 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $
This men-only gay strip club radiates a lively atmosphere, drawing in a crowd seeking a fun and uninhibited night out. Expect a roster of young, lean dancers who take the stage with confidence, full-on nudity included.
Bar Taboo knows that music sets the mood. That’s why they crank up a pulsating mix of EDM, House, Latin, Pop, and Top 40 hits to ensure the vibes are always high and a good time is guaranteed.
