It’s always great to know of the best dive bars in a city; the type of joint without frills that’s inexpensive but fun for an evening of beer, whisky, and good times with good friends. Have no fear, we will not be sending you to dirty places with strange people. These are cool, fun, trendy spots that spend more time focusing on creating a fun atmosphere than worrying about aesthetics.
Else’s – 156 Roy East
Else’s pretty much has everything you could ask for in a dive bar. It’s cozy, dark, and cheap. This corner bar in the heart of the Plateau neighborhood, just off the main strip, attracts local young professionals with a great scotch and beer selection, as well as tasty bar-type finger foods like samosas and nachos. This is the ideal place to drink with a good friend until the wee morning hours.
La Distillerie – 300 Ontario East
This corner dive bar just west of St. Denis on Ontario Street is a diamond in the rough as far as the Latin Quarter is concerned. Known for its line up out the door, people come from far and wide for their famous cocktails prepared by some of the best bartenders in the city. This is seriously no frills; it’s a fun, low-key bar with good people who like strong drinks. The potential wait time is more than worth the wait for one of Montreal’s most enjoyable dive experiences.
Chez Serge – 5301 St. Laurent
This dive bar in Mile End specializes in two things: Molson beer and hockey. The owner of Gogo Lounge opened this hot spot up a few years back in partnership with Molson beer to create a bar that’s an ideal hockey watching environment for all the neighborhood Habs fans. Even on nights where there isn’t a game, the bar is always full of cool Mile Ende young professionals stopping in for a beer and to watch whatever sports game being broadcast. You must book in advance for seats on game nights, and if you are brave enough, try your luck on their mechanical bull.