Noah CôtéSip back and relax at the best pubs in Montreal
Ever get that feeling of being overwhelmed by choices? Yeah, me too. Especially when it comes to the Montreal pub scene.
This city is practically overflowing with charming taverns, trendy bars, and historic watering holes, each promising a unique experience. With so many options, where do you even start?
Well, that’s where I come in. I’m a firm believer that a good pint (or two) is the key to unlocking the soul of a city. So, I did what any self-respecting beer enthusiast would do: I embarked on a quest to explore every nook and cranny of Montreal’s pub scene.
McLean’s Pub
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Location: 1210 Peel St, Montreal, Quebec H3B 2T6, Canada
Contact: +1 514-392-7770
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Founded in 1992 by the legendary barman Ian McLean himself, this downtown institution is a haven for those who crave good times and even better company. Here, you’ll feel the warmth of the crackling fireplace, the history etched into the oak beams and the camaraderie that fills the air.
Once you’re here, we recommend digging into their legendary butter chicken poutine (seriously, it’s a game-changer). Imagine tender chunks of chicken in a rich, creamy butter sauce, perfectly draped over crispy fries and gooey cheese curds.
Of course, no pub experience is complete without a drink in hand. McLean’s boasts an impressive selection of craft beers, local brews, and classic cocktails. But we highly recommend their beer towers since it’s perfect for sharing with friends while you cheer on your favourite team on their big screens.
Hurley’s Irish Pub 1
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Location: 1225 Crescent St, Montreal, Quebec H3G 2B1, Canada
Contact: +1 514-861-4111
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Hurley’s Irish Pub is a two-story time machine to the Emerald Isle. Since 1993, they’ve been pouring perfect pints of Guinness and serving up enough bangers and mash to fuel a St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Here, the downstairs and upstairs levels offer different vibes. The former lets you cosy up by the fireplace with a neat whiskey – they’ve got over 40 single malts to choose from.
The latter is a whole different ballgame: nearly every night, live music will have you tapping your feet and singing along (even if you don’t know the words). Once you’re upstairs, make sure to have a pint of Harp Lager, which is perfect for enjoying the lively atmosphere and toe-tapping tunes.
Bishop & Bagg
Location: 52 Rue Saint-Viateur O, Montréal, QC H2T 2K8, Canada
Contact:+1 514-277-4400
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM
- Saturday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Bishop & Bagg is the go-to spot for everything from casual hangouts to special celebrations. In the summer, the small terrace and open garage door bring an extra touch of charm, making it the ideal place to enjoy the warm weather.
Their drink selection is nothing short of impressive. Known for its extensive gin collection, the bar’s offerings are curated by the talented bartenders Sabrina Mailhot and Sean-Michael McCaffrey, whose cocktail skills have earned them international acclaim.
The fun doesn’t stop there. Throughout the week, this bar hosts a variety of special events. Sundays are all about lively pub trivia, while Tuesdays crank up the fun with karaoke.
And for a real treat, check out their monthly cocktail competition, Fait Avec Booze, where creative mixology takes centre stage.
Pub Wolf & Workman
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Location: 139 Saint-Paul St W, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 1Z5, Canada
Contact: +1 514-737-1787
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM
- Thursday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Housed in a charming 1830s building, Pub Wolf & Workman offers a cosy and rustic vibe with its exposed stone walls and vintage decor.
This gastropub boasts a main bar and dining area for over 100 guests and a delightful 55-seat interior courtyard garden perfect for sipping a pint during the warmer months.
But the true highlight is the drink menu. It features a wide range of Quebec microbrews, both on draft and in bottles, along with cocktails crafted with local spirits.
Weekend brunch here is a lively affair, complete with bottomless mimosas if you like a bit of sparkle with your Eggs Benedict.
Pit Caribou Pub
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Location: 951 Rue Rachel E, Montréal, QC H2J 2J4, Canada
Contact: +1 514-737-1787
Operating hours:
- Monday & Wednesday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Thursday & Saturday – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Friday – 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM
- Sunday – 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Pit Caribou is a Gaspésie transplant that’s made itself right at home in Montreal’s trendy Plateau neighbourhood. Forget boring beer lists – their taps are a constantly rotating circus of their own microbrews, so every visit feels like a new adventure.
Blonde de l’Anse more your speed? Go for it. Feeling adventurous? Try the IPA Américaine. Pair your brew with a cheese platter that’s basically a culinary tour of Quebec, and you’ve got yourself the perfect evening.
Honestly, this is the place to discover the flavours of the Gaspé Peninsula, right in the heart of the city.
Brutopia
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Location: 1219 Crescent St, Montreal, Quebec H3G 2B1, Canada
Contact: +1 514-393-9277
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 2:00 PM to 3:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Three floors, three bars, three times the fun! Brutopia is a brewpub that knows how to spread the love – and the beer. With cosy nooks, sunny terraces, and even a heated outdoor space for the chillier months, there’s a perfect spot for every beer lover here.
And the beer? Oh, it’s the real deal. Brewed on-site, their all-natural ales are as fresh as they come. Try the Nutbrown for a classic taste, the Raspberry Ale for a fruity twist, or their unique IPA for a hoppy experience.
They’re also the place to be for live music, open mic nights, trivia showdowns, and a happy hour that lasts all day on Mondays (yes, you read that right!).
Pub McCarold
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Location: 5400 Chem. de la Côte-des-Neiges, Montréal, QC H3T 1Y5, Canada
Contact: +1 514-344-9009
Operating hours:
- Saturday to Monday – 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Tuesday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 1:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Nestled in the heart of the University of Montreal neighbourhood, Pub McCarold is a second home for students, locals, and anyone seeking a welcoming atmosphere with a side of liquid courage. With 26 rotating draughts, they’re the beer lover’s paradise, offering everything from local microbrews to international classics.
Whiskey more your style? They’ve got a collection that’ll make any connoisseur weak in the knees. And don’t even get me started on the food – the fried pickles are legendary, the sweet potato fries are addictive, and the French onion soup? It’s a hug in a bowl that’s infused with the comforting warmth of Fin du Monde beer.
Réservoir
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Location: 9 Av. Duluth E, Montréal, QC H2W 1G7, Canada
Contact: +1 514-849-7779
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Réservoir is a rooftop oasis in the heart of the city, where you can sip on craft brews while soaking in the city’s skyline. Inside, the minimalist decor exudes a laid-back sophistication that’s perfect for both casual hangouts and late-night revelry.
Their cocktail menu is a true delight, offering a mix of classics and innovative creations. A standout here is the Bloody Caesar. It’s made with vodka, spices, and Clamato juice, which delivers a savoury kick that pairs wonderfully with their dishes.
But they don’t stop there! Their food menu is a show-stopper. From smoked trout salad and brioche French toast at brunch to tantalising tapas that are perfect for sharing, your taste buds will thank you.
Broue Pub Brouhaha
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Location: 5860 Av. De Lorimier, Montréal, QC H2G 2N9, Canada
Contact: +1 514-271-7571
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday – 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Wednesday – 12:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Broue Pub Brouhaha is where Belgian-style ales reign supreme, and infused brews will blow your mind (not literally). With 16 house-brewed options and over 60 private imports, it’s a liquid playground for hopheads and casual drinkers alike.
But don’t fill up on beer just yet! Their food menu is pub grub perfection, from the smoked meat poutine that’ll make you rethink your life choices to the hot duck sandwich that’s anything but fowl.
Plus, with $1 off any size of draft beer before 8 PM every day, your wallet will be just as happy as your taste buds here.
Bar Blind Pig
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Location: 3882 Ontario St E, Montreal, Quebec H1W 1S6, Canada
Contact: +1 514-286-4302
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Thursday to Sunday – 4:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $
Bar Blind Pig is where the smoky aroma of Texas BBQ meets the sweet melodies of off-key karaoke. Since 2015, this local haunt has been serving up a delightful blend of rustic charm and festive vibes, making it the perfect spot to kick back with friends or let loose on a wild night out.
You can wash the food down with their “magic tap tower” – an innovative beer dispensing system that ensures you never run out of your favourite brew.
Beyond the tap tower, their drink menu features a vast selection of signature cocktails. We recommend trying their Dark and Storm, made with Captain Morgan Dark, Great Jamaican ginger beer, and Dashfire allspice bitters. It’s a bold and refreshing drink that perfectly complements their smoky BBQ dishes.
And if you’re feeling brave (or have had one too many), grab the mic on Sunday nights for a karaoke session that’s sure to be the highlight of your week.
Honey Martin
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Location: 5916 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H4A 1X7, Canada
Contact: +1 514-737-1787
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 3:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $
Honey Martin is the epitome of a true neighbourhood pub. This small, unassuming spot on Sherbrooke Street West is where locals and visitors alike come to bask in an authentic Irish pub atmosphere.
Despite its compact size, the pub consistently draws a full house. It’s often filled with a diverse crowd, ranging from hipsters and young professionals to long-time NDG residents.
The drink selection at Honey Martin is exceptional. You’ll love their extensive collection of whiskeys, bourbons, and scotches. And, of course, their perfectly poured pints of Guinness are a must-try because of their rich and creamy texture.
Cheval Blanc
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Location: 809 Ontario St E, Montreal, Quebec H2L 1P1, Canada
Contact: +1 514-903-1121
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Monday – 3:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 3:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $
Cheval Blanc, established in 1986, proudly holds the title of Montreal’s first brewpub. It pioneered the craft beer scene long before it became the cool thing to do.
The pub is renowned for its extensive selection of house-made beers, with the Belgian-style white wheat beer, aptly named Cheval Blanc, being a crowd favourite. Their beers range from refreshing sours like the sour raspberry beer to robust options like the Imperial Stout.
But for a truly unique experience, we recommend trying their At’Chouff – a Belgian-style pale ale with a 5.1% ABV. This brew offers a balance of fruity and spicy notes, with a hint of bitterness that makes it refreshingly complex.
Benelux
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Location: 245 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H2X 1X8, Canada
Contact: +1 514-543-9750
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 3:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Wednesday & Saturday – 3:00 PM to 3:00 AM
- Thursday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 3:00 AM
- Sunday – 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Pricing: $
Benelux is renowned for its impressive array of craft beers, with a focus on Belgian-style and West Coast-inspired brews. Whether you’re a fan of IPAs or seasonal specialities, Benelux has something to satisfy your palate.
When you do visit, be sure to try their flagship beers like the Miledor. It’s a British Golden Ale known for its exquisite taste. They also offer special reserved bottled brews for those looking to explore more unique flavours.
While the primary focus here is on the beer, they also offer a selection of tasty bites. From homemade paninis to famous European hot dogs, the food menu is designed to pair perfectly with their brews.
