Where to go for a boys' night out in Montreal

Muni isn’t your standard sports bar with a couple of simulators stuffed in a corner—it’s an 8,000-square-foot alt-country club for golfers and the golf-curious alike. Designed to bring the fairway indoors, this Pointe-Saint-Charles space merges high-tech GOLFZON simulators with a Southern-inspired menu, a boutique stocked with hard-to-find brands, and a sleek Ivy Studio-designed space that trades cliché snobbery for something far more inclusive.

The brainchild of ex-golfer Emile Ménard and a team behind some of Montreal’s best-known hangouts, Muni’s name—short for “municipal”—is a nod to accessibility. Whether you’re swinging a club for the first time or refining your game with AI swing evaluations, the goal is the same: Have a drink, hit a few shots, and enjoy the game without the rigid traditions. Throw in a cocktail program influenced by New Orleans classics and a menu of biscuits, fried chicken, and Cobb salads, and you’ve got a clubhouse built for everyone.

Willie’s Clubhouse is the latest effort from the team behind Montreal Bowling and Muni to redefine how the city hangs out. Built inside a long-forgotten 3,000-square-foot space in the Forum, it trades on classic pub games—pool, darts, cards—but elevates them with design-forward interiors and an easygoing cocktail culture. Ivy Studio was tasked with channeling a high-end English clubhouse, and it shows: no neon beer signs, no busted felt, no rowdy sports bar clichés.

Instead, you get an atmospheric layout split between a sleek main room lined with 8-ball tables and a moody, lounge-style “Dark Room” for darts, where jazz and soul set the tone. It’s laid-back but deliberate, with a short list of pub snacks, games like chess and backgammon, and a drinks menu that leans heavy on vermouth and amaro. It’s not a bar. Not quite an arcade. And that’s the point—just a grown-up clubhouse for people who still want to play.

Revived by a crew of local hospitality pros, this fourth-floor Forum time capsule blends a Y2K aesthetic with a modern bar menu and just enough grit to keep it interesting. The original neon, woodwork, and Brunswick lanes are still intact, but now there’s smash burgers, pan pizzas, glizzys, nachos named after Peter Weber, and a QR-coded wheel of chance at the bar. You can even order 100 beers for $500 and have them delivered in a bucket. It’s not precious and that’s the point—this is a hangout for people who want to do something while they drink, not just drink. Whether you’re a Concordia student killing time or a former NDG league bowler reliving your glory days, Montreal Bowling makes a strong case for the comeback of good old-fashioned fun.

The Bell Centre is Montreal’s pressure cooker, where 21,000 fans can make it feel like the loudest room in hockey. Opened in 1996 to replace the old Forum, the building was designed with size and spectacle in mind, built to accommodate everything from NHL games to international concerts and political rallies. For the Canadiens, it’s home ice and a shrine to a century of hockey history, with banners and retired numbers hanging over the rink as reminders of what’s at stake. Off the ice, it doubles as the city’s biggest stage, hosting touring acts, UFC bouts, and even e-sports. Some criticize it for lacking the character of its predecessor, but the Bell Centre represents Montreal’s shift into a new era—where tradition collides with modern spectacle, and the city’s identity is projected under a roof of concrete, steel, and relentless noise.

A pillar of Montréal’s steakhouse tradition for over six decades, Rib N Reef is a masterclass in old-school indulgence. The menu revolves around dry-aged USDA Prime Midwestern beef, carefully aged on-site using both wet and dry-aging methods for maximum depth of flavour. Steaks are hand-cut and grilled over an open charcoal pit, a nod to the kind of precise, high-heat cooking that defines a top-tier chophouse. Beyond the beef, the experience leans into spectacle—valet service, tableside flambés, and a fully stocked cigar lounge set the tone.

In the summer, the rooftop terrasse offers an open-air alternative, while the wine cellar below provides a more intimate setting. The leather-backed booths, extensive wine list, and unwavering attention to detail cement this spot’s place as a destination for those who take their steaks, and their rituals, seriously.

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.

Rage Axe Throwing has been part of Montreal’s recreational landscape since 2016, offering a structured, safety-first entry point into a sport that’s equal parts focus and release. Sessions are built around private targets, guided by trained coaches who walk groups through technique before letting competition take over. Smaller bookings lean social—friends, families, dates—while longer sessions and full buyouts shift toward organized tournaments and corporate team-building.

Beyond the main venue, Rage also runs leagues for those interested in the sport’s competitive side and operates a mobile axe-throwing trailer that brings the setup off-site for festivals and private events. The operation is affiliated with the International Axe Throwing Federation, anchoring the experience in established rules and standards.

Saputo Stadium is Montreal’s dedicated soccer venue, standing in the shadow of the Olympic Stadium’s iconic inclined tower. Originally built in 2007 for the Montreal Impact’s NASL days, the stadium opened in May 2008 with a capacity of just over 13,000. But when the club secured its spot in Major League Soccer in 2010, expansion became inevitable. A $23 million investment from the Quebec government brought capacity to nearly 20,000, adding corporate suites, a partial roof, and upgraded seating—transforming it into a true MLS-caliber venue.

Designed with a natural grass pitch that quickly became a favourite among players, Saputo Stadium remains CF Montréal’s home turf and headquarters. While its history isn’t as extensive as its neighbour, the stadium has seen its fair share of memorable moments, including a dominant 4-1 victory against the Seattle Sounders in its post-renovation debut. Compact but purpose-built, it’s an essential piece of the city’s soccer culture.

For over four decades, The Comedy Nest has been Montreal’s home for stand-up, hosting some of the sharpest comedians from around the world. From Just for Laughs regulars to Netflix and late-night veterans, the stage has seen everyone from Sugar Sammy to Norm MacDonald, Jim Carrey, and Russell Peters before they became household names.

Located inside the Montreal Forum, The Comedy Nest is part of a larger entertainment hub, making it an easy stop for a full night out. The 140-seat club keeps things intimate with candlelit tables, a full-service bar, and bites like fresh popcorn and corn chips with salsa. Whether it’s a pro-am night early in the week or a headliner-packed weekend show, every set delivers the real, unfiltered thrill of live comedy.

Founded by Ernie Butler in 1979, the club remains a Montreal institution, carrying on its legacy of laughter and top-tier talent.

Arcade MTL occupies a particular place in the city’s nightlife history: it was the first bar here to treat arcade games not as décor, but as the point. What began as a word-of-mouth pop-up among friends eventually became a permanent home in the Quartier Latin, just as conversations about gaming as culture—not nostalgia—were gaining traction.

The model is straightforward. Pay a modest cover, play everything. The lineup leans heavily on classics—fighting games, early platformers, puzzle staples—alongside a rotating cast of retro consoles that many patrons haven’t touched since childhood. Drinks follow suit: local beers, simple cocktails, nothing competing for attention with the machines. More than a bar with games, Arcade MTL functions as a social anchor for Montreal’s gaming community, built around shared reference points and low-stakes competition rather than spectacle.

Ping Pong Club sits at the intersection of Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Bernard Street, where weekends reliably tip from busy to packed. The draw isn’t subtle. Yes, there are well-executed cocktails and the like, but the room is really organized around motion. Ping pong tables take centre stage, backed up by a small lineup of other games that keep the energy circulating.

This isn’t a spot you drop into for one quick drink. Games stretch, rivalries form, and hours disappear once someone suggests a tournament. The crowd skews competitive without turning aggressive—focused enough to care, loose enough to laugh it off. If the plan is to drink, move, and let winning (or losing) dictate the night’s pace, Ping Pong Club understands the assignment.

Open since 1991, this private shooting club operates with a clear emphasis on structure, safety, and control. The indoor range features 16 individual stalls with automated target retrieval, a 100% fresh-air ventilation system approved by public health authorities, and full winter heating—details that matter when sessions run year-round.

For newcomers, the pay-and-shoot program offers a tightly supervised introduction: one shooter at a time, one-hour sessions, and direct oversight from a range officer. Reservations are required well in advance, with eligibility rules that are explicit and enforced. Beyond public bookings, the club runs in-house safety courses and provides firearm sales, storage, and repair, serving a long-standing membership alongside active law enforcement and security professionals.

Polari is a garage-turned-wine-bar that ditches the pretense. Located in Villeray, this eight-seat counter and handful of communal tables serve as both an intimate hideaway and an unplanned meeting spot for whoever happens to be passing through. Behind the project are three friends—wine industry vet Keaton Ritchie, designer Asa Perlman, and artist Émile Foucher—who built the place themselves, scouring yard sales and Facebook Marketplace for furniture and repurposing a bowling lane into a bar. The wine list leans natural, the snacks are pared-down but thoughtful (think: good tinned fish, Quebec charcuterie, Hof Kelsten bread), and the setup is as casual as it gets—order at the bar, open a tab, and let the night unfold. No over-explaining, no fluff. Just a solid bottle, a bit of food, and a space that feels like yours.

The Golf municipal de Montréal is a rare find: a public nine-hole course with a driving range, tucked right next to Parc Maisonneuve. What remains today is a scaled-down version of what was once the city’s first public golf course, a sprawling 36-hole layout that hosted the Canadian Open in 1967 before the Olympic Games reshaped the landscape. Originally designed by Albert Murray in the 1920s, the course was a staple for both the city’s English-speaking elite and everyday Montrealers looking to play without country club membership.

Now reduced to a par-3 course with 29 practice enclosures, it’s an accessible and affordable way to work on your game in an urban setting. Private and group lessons are available, and equipment rentals make it easy for casual players to drop in. While its grandeur has faded, its legacy as a democratizing force in Montreal’s golf scene lives on.

The Montreal Casino is one of those places where the city’s past and present sit side by side without pretending otherwise. Built into two former Expo 67 pavilions on Notre-Dame Island, it’s a reminder of the era when Montréal showed itself off to the world—and a marker of how the site has been reinvented ever since. The complex stretches across multiple floors of gaming rooms, bars, and performance spaces, all wrapped in the angular architecture of the old French and Québec pavilions. It draws a steady mix of night owls, cyclists arriving from the river paths, and metro riders crossing over from Parc Jean-Drapeau.

Bord’Elle is where Montréal’s nightlife meets the decadence of a bygone era. Inspired by the roaring 1920s, this Old Montréal hotspot blends Gatsby-era glamour with high-energy club culture, offering burlesque performances, aerial shows, and a scene that’s as much about spectacle as it is about style. The space sprawls across two levels, with private booths, a sprawling central bar, and enough vintage opulence to feel like you’ve stepped into a modern-day speakeasy—one where the champagne flows and the entertainment never lets up.

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.

This no-frills establishment is a top pick for bachelor parties and group outings, offering a mix of amenities and energetic entertainment. With four VIP sections, 21 private booths, and four erotic beds for more personalized shows, the club caters to those looking for a unique and intimate experience. Known to ramp up the excitement during events like the Grand Prix, they bring in over 50 performers from around the globe to keep the energy high.

Whether you’re catching a Canadiens game or indulging in the club’s private options, the staff is consistently praised for their attentive service, and the dancers bring plenty of variety. VIP sections with plush seating offer a comfortable retreat for groups, while private booths and couples’ shows provide more intimate thrills.

Cinéma du Parc is where Montreal’s art film enthusiasts have gone for bold and eclectic programming that showcases the best international films since 1976. Originally called Cinéma La Cité, it has evolved over the years while staying true to its mission of connecting Montreal’s diverse, bilingual film community with culture. Reinvigorated in 2006, the cinema now blends old and new, keeping its 35mm projectors for retrospectives and special events while adding modern digital equipment and comfy renovated seating.

As part of a non-profit collective with Cinéma Beaubien and Cinéma du Musée, Cinéma du Parc is a hub that celebrates storytelling and creativity through a myriad of festivals, themed screenings, or hidden gems from around the world.

Montreal’s oldest tattoo parlour has been operating out of Pointe-Saint-Charles since 1976, with red-and-black checkered floors, hand-drawn flash on the walls, and a no-nonsense vibe that hasn’t budged in decades. Owner Dave Cummings learned the trade old-school, under the wing of “Tattoo Tony,” a New York transplant who brought his machines and East Coast sensibility to Centre Street before tattooing was mainstream—or even legal in some cities.

Today, PSC still holds the line. The shop runs on walk-ins, phone calls, and face-to-face consultations. Dave and his crew specialize in bold traditional and Japanese-American pieces, with an emphasis on large-scale work that takes time, trust, and a steady hand. Don’t expect curated Instagram grids or flashy marketing; expect clean lines, quiet confidence, and a shop that’s earned its stripes.

Royal Montreal Curling Club is a piece of sporting infrastructure that has been in continuous use since 1807, making it the oldest active sports club in North America. Tucked into downtown Montreal, the club operates a historic three-sheet ice rink beneath a distinctive arched shed, paired with a clubhouse that doubles as a living archive of curling’s past.

Recent upgrades to the ice-making system ensure top-tier playing conditions, while the bar and dining facilities allow the club to host public rentals, private events, and corporate outings without losing its old-world rhythm. For newcomers, the Learn to Curl program offers a structured, coach-led entry into what’s often called “chess on ice,” blending technique, strategy, and social life in equal measure.

Pony BBQ brings the vibrant energy of Seoul to downtown Montreal with authentic Korean BBQ. Located on Sainte-Catherine Street West, this is the brainchild of Hanhak Henry Kim and Vien Man Cao-Tran of An Choi Plaza, with support from their friends at 9 Tail Fox.

Named after the iconic 1984 Hyundai Pony, the restaurant blends nostalgia with modern flair. Guests can grill top-tier cuts of meat right at their table, including the standout nagano pork belly and expertly marinated options, prepared on-site over 48 hours. For hot pot lovers, the richly flavored broths are perfect for simmering ramen, vegetables, and more. Signature Korean fried chicken with spicy garlic sauce is a must-try.

Pony BBQ elevates the experience with a playful, neon-drenched decor that transports diners to the bustling streets of Seoul.

Chez Miller is what happens when seasoned bar owners apply their party-savvy instincts to a sports bar format—and let it breathe a little. Set on Atateken in the Village, this 70-seat spot combines the bones of a classic dive with some deliberate design choices: a long wooden bar, moody lighting, and a mirror-paneled ceiling that catches the glow from TVs and trophy cases alike. Sports memorabilia—Habs jerseys, CF Montréal gear, vintage Expos finds—fills the room without overdoing it. It’s festive, familiar, and built for groups.

The menu keeps things simple: nachos, dogs, baked spaghetti, and other reliably greasy comforts. Cocktails lean into nostalgia and affordability—think Blue Lagoons, Mojitos, and pitchers of Spritzes—alongside beer staples and a solid well of spirits. There’s zero pretension, and the staff know how to keep things moving without killing the vibe. Whether it’s for a big game or just a casual night out, Chez Miller is built to deliver.

Zero Latency VR trades the usual VR booth for scale. The experience unfolds inside a free-roam arena roughly the size of a tennis court, where players move freely through shared virtual environments—no cables, backpacks, or fixed boundaries to break the illusion. What sets it apart is how physical it feels: you walk, turn, and react in real time, watching friends appear as avatars beside you as scenarios escalate.

Sessions range from puzzle-driven worlds to survival-style games involving pirates, zombies, or lost civilizations, all rendered with high-resolution visuals and spatial audio. First-timers aren’t left guessing; hosts handle the onboarding, from briefing to gear setup. The result sits somewhere between gaming and sport—collaborative, kinetic, and surprisingly social—designed for groups who want a night built around movement, teamwork, and mild adrenaline rather than screens and stools.