Bily Kun

354, ave du Mont-Royal est, Montreal, QC H2T 1P9 514-845-5392

Description: Reveling in its kitschy-stylish décor, Bily Kun is about as unpretentious a spot as you'll find anywhere. The vibe has been called "electric" but it's not a high-energy club by any means ­ people come here to relax. Absinthe and beer are the quaffs of choice, and live jazz is on the schedule a few nights a week. Word of warning: the rather infamous ostrich heads may take some getting used to!
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Café Campus

57, rue Prince Arthur est, Montréal, QC H2X 1B4 514-844-1010

Description: This venue features great live concerts from top independent bands and performers. Depending on the night, you'll find blues music or a variety of other genres. The décor isn't elaborate, but the music more than compensates. It's a fantastic place to come with friends, nurse a beer, and enjoy the sounds of the talented performers. The club also offers great DJ-mixed dance music that's popular with locals and tourists alike.
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Foufounes Electriques

87, rue Ste-Catherine Est, Montréal, QC H2X 1K5 514-844-5539

Description: For those not into the usual club scene, Les Foufs is the perfect alternative. The three-floor space has pool tables, dance floors, a stage for bands, a booth for DJs and a patio. The ground floor is your basic pub; upstairs, there's a cover charge for bands and DJ-led theme nights. The real difference here, aside from the lack of pretension and the wildly diverse crowd, is the music: punk, metal, hardcore, emo ­ if it's "alternative" you'll hear it here.
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Grumpy's

1242, rue Bishop, Montréal, QC H3G 2E3 514-866-9010

Description: The bartenders here regularly win "Best of..." awards in the local press ­ people just love them. And that makes for one happy, friendly, laid back crowd of regulars. The vibe differs from night to night, depending on what's scheduled ­ you might hear 80s favorites, an open-mic session, jazz, blues or rock. Reliable and fun.
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Madhatter

1220, rue Crescent, Montréal, QC H3G 2A9 514-987-9988

Description: Although it likes to call itself a dive bar, Madhatter is really quite a bit nicer than the average beer-swilling den! For one thing they have a great rooftop terrace (absent from the vast majority of true dives). They also have an actual theme ­ Alice in Wonderland ­ which is trippy and fun. Then there's the beer selection and the prices: about 20 beers on tap, at starving-artist-friendly prices. Burgers, sandwiches and the like are available, and DJs spin crowd-pleasing tunes once the night gets going.
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Sir Winston Churchill Pub Complex

1459, rue Crescent, Montréal, QC H3G 2B2 514-288-3814

Description: This complex has been a mainstay on Crescent Street since 1967, and helped usher in the nightlife for which the area has become famous. In addition to two outdoor terraces overlooking Crescent, there are three floors, each with its own distinct personality: the cozy Sir Winston Churchill Pub, the more upscale Winnies Bar and Restaurant, and a stylish dance club/lounge called Karina. In the pub, enjoy a game of pool or darts and a pint of your favorite beer, a pitcher of sangria or a cocktail. If it's food you're after, try Winnies Bar and Restaurant, where you'll find a great selection of traditional and international fare (the same menu is offered in the pub). Finally, there's Karina, a sleek space where world class DJs keep the grooves coming into the wee hours.
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Thursday's Bar

1449 Crescent St, Hôtel de la Montagne, Montréal, QC H3G 1Z5 514-288-5656

Description: Connected by tunnel to the Hôtel de la Montagne, this well-known club meets a variety of needs. If you're in the mood to drink, the bar on the main floor can set you up with your beverage of choice. If you'd rather dance, the disco on the lower floor plays all sorts of music that you can groove to. Just listen for the rhythms and show off your best moves. Given its central location, Thursday's attracts a diverse group of patrons and is a terrific place to meet people. One of Montréal's most popular clubs.
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Whisky Café

5800, boul St-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2T 1T3 514-278-2646

Description: Aficionados and novices alike find plenty to love at this stylish lounge. The selection of whiskey is truly astounding ­ if the plethora of choices makes your head spin, opt for a sampler. Or try a tasting of grappas instead. Alternatively, you could luxuriate in a pairing of champagne and foie gras, ice wine and chocolate, or porto and cheese. There's a separate cigar lounge, as well. This is the place to celebrate the good life.
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