L'Escogriffe (L'Esco)

Few venues in Montreal have as much heart—and as much sweat—as L’Escogriffe. Known to regulars as L’Esco, this low-lit Plateau haunt has gone from a country bar to a rock ‘n’ roll institution, hosting garage, punk, and underground rock acts that often play to packed, beer-soaked crowds.

The space is intimate, loud, and built for bands who can actually play—if they can sound good here, they can sound good anywhere. The drink prices are solid, the terrace is a hidden gem, and the vibe? Unfiltered Montreal grit, the kind that’s getting harder to find. Catch a show here while you still can.