Best Beer Bars in Montréal

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Best Beer Bars in Montréal

Beer bars in Montréal Canada

The Ultimate Local’s Guide to Montréal’s Must-Visit Beer Bars

As someone who’s spent years exploring Montréal’s craft beer scene, I can tell you our city has become a powerhouse for innovative brewing. Here’s my carefully curated list of the absolute best beer bars in the city.

  1. Dieu du Ciel! – Where Beer Becomes Art
  2. L’Amère à Boire – Czech-Inspired Beer Heaven
  3. Vices & Versa – The Beer Explorer’s Paradise
  4. Benelux Brasserie Artisanale – The Urban Brewpub
  5. Le Cheval Blanc – The Historic Beer Pioneer
  6. Isle de Garde – The New School Brewpub
  7. Saint-Bock – Beer Geek Central

1. Dieu du Ciel! – Where Beer Becomes Art

Mile End’s Crown Jewel

What sets this brewpub apart isn’t just their award-winning beers – it’s how they’ve become the beating heart of Mile End’s creative community. Their Péché Mortel imperial coffee stout has achieved cult status internationally, and their constant rotation of experimental brews keeps locals coming back. The small batch brewing system on-site means you’ll always find something new and exciting. Their rosemary-infused Saison Une and aphrodisiac-inspired Aphrodisiaque stout are perfect examples of their creative approach to brewing.

2. L’Amère à Boire – Czech-Inspired Beer Heaven

Latin Quarter’s Brewing Pioneer

This beer bar specializes in Czech and German-style beers, making them unique in Montréal’s craft scene. Their Štout and Cerna Hora dark lager are produced using traditional European methods, and their copper brewing tanks visible from the bar add to the authentic atmosphere. The second-floor space offers a perfect view of Rue Saint-Denis, and their pretzels are the perfect accompaniment to their crisp, clean lagers.

3. Vices & Versa – The Beer Explorer’s Paradise

Little Italy’s Hidden Gem

With 40 constantly rotating taps, Vices & Versa is beer diversity personified. They focus exclusively on Québec craft breweries, making it the perfect place to explore the province’s beer scene. Their heated terrace stays open year-round, and their knowledgeable staff can guide you through the extensive selection. The food menu at the beer bar Vices & Versa, featuring beer-friendly dishes like duck confit poutine, perfectly complements their impressive tap list.

4. Benelux Brasserie Artisanale – The Urban Brewpub

Downtown’s Craft Beer Oasis

Located in an old bank building, Benelux combines industrial chic with serious brewing credentials. Their house-brewed beers lean toward Belgian and American styles, but always with a unique twist. Their vanilla bean porter and dry-hopped sour ales show their range, while their year-round offerings maintain consistent quality. The downtown location makes it a perfect spot for after-work drinks.

5. Le Cheval Blanc – The Historic Beer Pioneer

The Latin Quarter’s Original Craft Beer Bar

Opened in 1908 and brewing their own beer since 1986, Le Cheval Blanc is Montréal’s oldest existing brewpub. The art deco interior hasn’t changed much since the 1930s, and their house-brewed ales respect traditional styles while incorporating modern craft techniques. Their English-style bitter and classic blonde ale are consistently excellent, and the vintage atmosphere makes every visit feel special.

6. Isle de Garde – The New School Brewpub

Rosemont’s Craft Beer Destination

This modern brewpub represents the evolution of Montréal’s beer scene. Their brewing program focuses on both traditional styles and contemporary craft innovations, with a particular talent for IPAs and barrel-aged beers. The sleek, minimalist space features a clear view of their brewing operations, and their kitchen serves some of the best beer-focused food in the city. This beer bars rotating guest taps showcase the best of Québec’s other craft breweries.

7. Saint-Bock – Beer Geek Central

Latin Quarter’s Experimental Hub

With over 40 taps and their own on-site nanobrewery, Saint-Bock is a beer lover’s paradise. They’re known for pushing boundaries with their house brews, creating unique concoctions like their maple syrup imperial stout and spruce tip IPA. Their cellar contains rare and aged beers, and they regularly host bottle shares and tasting events. The pub food menu is designed to pair perfectly with their extensive beer selection.

Pro Tips for Beer Bar Visitors

  1. Don’t miss the seasonal offerings – Québec brewers are known for their winter warmers and summer saisons
  2. Most of these spots fill up quickly on weekend evenings
  3. Many offer tasting flights if you want to sample multiple beers
  4. Several sell bottles/cans to go, perfect for bringing home local specialties

Related:

  1. Things To Do in Montreal for Young Adults
  2. What Time Can You Buy Beer in Quebec in the Morning?
  3. The Drinking Age in Montréal: A Local’s Guide
  4. SAQ Chateauguay