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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Club-Soda

1225, boul St Laurent, Montréal, QC H2X 2S6 514-286-1010

Description: Probably the best place to catch live music in Montréal, Club Soda schedules mostly punk, alt rock and metal bands, with the occasional singer-songwriter or gospel choir thrown in for good measure. You truly never know what treasures the calendar will yield. Past performers include Gwar, Chris Isaak, the Misfits, Barenaked Ladies, Dany Bédar, Melissa Etheridge, Holly Cole, Soundgarden and Pascal Picard.
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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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Hurley's Irish Pub

1225, rue Crescent, Montréal, QC H3G 2B1 514-861-4111

Description: This small Irish pub, with its original Irish music and wide selection of beers, is a popular spot with locals. Live entertainment takes place every night. The pub sports two levels and also has a terrace. Its nine theme rooms include music rooms, a game room and a medieval bar. Cigar smoking is permitted in the game room.
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Jello Bar

151, rue Ontario est, Montréal, QC H2X 1H5 514-285-2621

Description: Funky and well-attended, this lounge is one of Montréal's top nightlife venues. The retro-chic establishment is famed for its martinis, and you can choose from among 50 different formulations. Each night, too, musicians perform everything from jazz and R&B to swing, funk and salsa. Patrons are invited to dance or just lounge while enjoying the tunes. Pool tables also provide distraction, or you can always chat with other club-goers around you. If you're lucky, you may spot a celebrity or two. The place's reputation has drawn such stars as Nicholas Cage and Bruce Willis.
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Le Divan Orange

4234, boul St-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2W 1Z3 514-840-9090

Description: Le Divan Orange occupies a vast space divided into sections: guests are greeted with a spread of couches which segue into a bar area and finally a stage at the very back. It's an inviting space with an equally inviting atmosphere. The food menu is excellent, with nachos, upscale sandwiches and salads, and other non-standard bar eats. And the music line-up is wonderfully eclectic, with appearances from singer-songwriters, local funk bands, blues and rock groups, indie musicians, and even choirs and hip-hop acts. The crowd varies depending on what's scheduled, but the vibe is always comfortable.
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Les Deux Pierrots

104, rue St-Paul est, Montréal, QC H2Y 1G6 514-861-1270

Description: For a real taste of local flavor, head over to this neighborhood pub, which has been an area favorite for many years. People congregate here for drinks (beer especially!) and socializing, and it's a great place to meet people. Another perk is the terrific local music that you'll find. Québécois singers serenade the crowd with folk and pop tunes, and everything is sung in French. Much of the conversation happens in French, too. Still, don't let that stop you from coming. You don't have to dress up, and everyone's very friendly; even a non-French speaker may have one of the best evenings of their trip. Outdoor patio available during warm weather.
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Playhouse

5656, ave du Parc, Montréal, QC H2V 4H1 514-276-0594

Description: Here's a great place for indie-types. The schedule includes DJs and regional musicians playing anything from rock and folk to new wave and punk. Affordable and laid-back, it's popular with students, starving artists (and the not-starving variety, as well) and other creative, cerebral folks. The space was once a strip club, and the décor pays homage to that fact with velvet curtains and so on.
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Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grille

1254, rue Mackay, Montréal, QC H3G 2H4 514-931-6808

Description: A reputation for terrific Continental (especially Spanish) cuisine and a desire to book talented musicians has earned Upstairs a loyal following and a growing clientele. The restaurant serves flavorful dishes that mix the smokiness of grilled meats and seafood with liqueur-tinged sauces, fresh vegetables and the sweetness of lush fruits. The relaxed atmosphere is also conducive to great jazz artists, both local and international. At times, you'll also find R&B performers and other styles of music. While you listen to the rhythmic, seductive tones, make sure to enjoy a glass from their wine cellar, or sample a single-malt scotch. Fantastic food and entertainment in one place ­ what could be better?
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