OLD MONTREAL AT NIGHT

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Let the record show, there’s no finer place in the city to nurse a cocktail than Old Montreal. It’s the gem of Montreal’s more sophisticated nightlife scene and its architectural pride and joy…

Now, this blog has covered Old Montreal before and they’ve even taken a stroll down Saint-Paul. But I’m only interested in what happens in the Old Port in the after-work hours. This neighbourhood is filled with fashionable spots that are optimal for eating, drinking and dancing, the type of thriving nightlife Montreal is famous for, located in its most fabulous historic district where what’s old is always new again.

5 à 7

Luckily, Montreal is a city where it’s socially acceptable to drink during the day. In fact, we even have a name for it: the 5 à 7. This doesn’t denote your drinks per hour ratio (though it could) but rather the time at which most Montrealers start saucing.

Get initiated by enjoying a few cocktails at some of the Old Port’s hippest watering holes. Hot spots for a 5 à 7 are Le Local or Suite 701 (pictured above) for one of their famous white sangrias and a plate of their mini kobe beef burgers. After, head to the St. James- a favourite of visiting celebs and Old Montreal’s restaurant staff (highly recommend chatting one up for insider tips). Cafe des Eclusiers, a favorite of the city’s multimedia crowd, has something happening just about all the time, but Thursday is their official 5 à 7.

Dinner and Drinks

Aside from the wildly popular lounges and waterhole’s, Old Montreal also shines as a haven for gourmands. After you’ve whet your appetite you might find your bearings at the posh Chez Queux (pictured above). Or if you’d prefer something more casual, try L’Appartement for tapas and drinks, where on Wednesdays ladies eat free with the purchase of a bottle of wine. The busiest nights are generally later in the week, but don’t be surprised if these places are rippin’ on a Monday night.

Clubs

If the song I Wanna Dance With Somebody is your battle cry, then it’s time to hit the clubs. If Jello shots are your thing, maybe head towards St. Laurent. A more upscale party is always at Velvet (pictured above), Montreal’s exclusive nightclub and breeding ground for beautiful people. If house music is your jam, try the gay (and hetero-friendly) afterdark mecca, Bains Douches (used to be Tribe Hyperclub) late-night host to many a world-class DJ. This club is sleek and geared to a refined crowd and legend has it that the DJ booth glides up and down to the pulse of the bass. But if it’s bass you’re after, give the clearly well-named Bassment a whirl.

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Guest Blogger: Sophie Naima Caird

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DETAILS

Le Local, 740 William, (514) 397-7737

Suite 701, 701 Cote de la Place-d’Armes, (514) 904-1201

Hotel St. James, 355 St-Jacques Street, (514) 841-3111

Cafe des Eclusiers, 400 Rue de la Commune West, (514) 496-0109

Chez Queux, 158, Rue St-Paul East (514) 866-5194

L’Appartement, 600 Rue William, (514) 866-6606

Le Velvet, 420 St-Gabriel Street, (514) 878-9782 (PS- Closed Mondays)

Bains Douches, 390 St-Jacques Montreal, (514) 845 3066

Bassment Nightclub, 990 St-Antoine West, (enter via the parking lot)

Photo Credit: Montreal by Night- © Tourisme Montreal, Velvet- © Karel Chladek

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