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.

Hurley’s is as close as you’ll get to a proper Irish pub without a transatlantic flight. A staple of Crescent Street’s long-running nightlife scene, this two-floor institution has been pouring pints and packing in crowds for years. Upstairs, it’s all about good conversation and an easygoing pint; downstairs, the energy shifts with nightly live music—folk, traditional Irish, open mics, and whatever else fuels a proper session. The beer selection leans classic rather than trendy, with a steady lineup of taps for those who’d rather drink than debate hop varieties. Whiskey drinkers have their pick of over 50 single malts, and if you’re here for Guinness, you’re in the right place—Hurley’s moves more of it than anywhere else in North America. Celebrities have passed through, but it’s the regulars who give the place its character. No pretense, no gimmicks—just a pub that does it right.

McKibbin’s Irish Pub is what happens when a classic Irish drinking hole finds a home in Montreal and refuses to leave. It’s a place that checks all the right boxes—pints flowing at all hours, live music every night, and a menu built for soaking up Guinness. Born from a historic red sandstone mansion built in 1904, the pub carries more than just a good pour—it’s got stories, too. Once the residence of pioneering surgeon Dr. Frank Richardson England and trailblazing women’s rights advocate Grace Octavia Ritchie, the building has seen its share of history before turning into one of the city’s go-to spots for a proper night out. Today, McKibbin’s has expanded across town, but the original location on Bishop Street remains a hub for rowdy St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, sports on big screens, and the kind of pub fare that keeps the night going.

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.

Brutopia is proof that Crescent Street isn’t just about cheap shots and student bar crawls. This long-standing brewpub has been crafting its own beer since before the city’s craft scene exploded, offering a lineup that veers from classic pints to playful experiments—Raspberry Blonde, Brit Tea, and Bluet among them. Spread across three floors with as many bars and terrasses (one heated year-round), it’s a spot that suits any kind of night, whether you’re settling in for a happy hour pint, catching live music with no cover charge, or taking your chances at Montreal’s longest-running open mic. Sustainability is baked into their brewing, sourcing malt from local farms and giving spent grain a second life as livestock feed. The menu leans globally inspired, with a mix of vegetarian-friendly plates and pub staples done right. Whether you’re new to craft beer or a regular with a favourite stool, Brutopia delivers on quality without the fuss.