I’ll be leaving in the summer, and I won’t come back till fall, / Goodbye Broadway, hello Montreal. / With a stein upon the table, I’ll be laughing at you all, / Goodbye Broadway, hello Montreal.
— Irving Berlin, excerpt from "Hello Montréal!" (1928)
Such was the allure of Montreal’s bars during the United States’ dry Prohibition years that it inspired musical tributes like this one. Our city’s public houses have long attracted thirsty revelers from afar while starring in some of our greatest historical moments, from the "Harlem of the North" jazz golden age to the lively tavern gatherings that helped propel the Quiet Revolution.
Still today, Montreal remains well-known for its nocturnal culture, with an estimated 22% of tourists visiting specifically for nightlife. While nights here are known to get a bit wild, our bar scene is run by professionals who bring standards and civility to their roles—and expect the same from you.
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