QUEER MTL: 10 Alternative Party Places in Montreal

Montreal is a cultural quilt made up of different people from many different places. While much of Montreal’s gay scene takes place in the Village, there’s a whole alternative queer scene scattered throughout the Downtown, Plateau, Old Port, and Mile End. If you’re looking for a queer-friendly party place in Montreal, check out these venues…

ROYAL PHOENIX (5788 Boulevard Saint-Laurent): The most popular queer bar in Montreal. Show up any night at Royal Phoenix and you’re guaranteed to have a good time, meet some new friends, and probably drink a little too much. (They have a heavy free pour in their beverages.) Check out the karaoke, screenings, shows, DJs and more.

CAFE CLEOPATRA (1230 Boulevard Saint-Laurent): An iconic venue in the heart of the neighbourhood formerly known as the Red Light District but now known as Quartier des Spectacles. And what a spectacle it is when queer burlesque troops like Glam Gam take the stage and strip down in usually whacky but definitely sexy routines. (Photo by glam_gam)

THE WIGGLE ROOM (3874 Boulevard Saint-Laurent): Located across from Schwartz’s on Saint-Laurent, The Wiggle Room is one of the city’s premiere burlesque destinations. In the spirit of throwback vaudeville style, this venue has burlesque and variety shows six nights a week! (Photo by adam_reider)

CABARET PLAYHOUSE (5656 Avenue du Parc): This venue in the Mile End hosts a slew of different theme parties and shows every week. If you don’t mind getting really sweaty at a Beyonce-themed party—all Bey all night—then Cabaret Playhouse is definitely a must visit. (Photo by tristanginger)

LE BELMONT (4483 Boulevard Saint-Laurent): Located at the corner of Mont-Royal and Saint-Laurent, Le Belmont has been at the centre of Montreal’s party scene for 20 years. It’s a concert venue, a place to grab a drink, and hosts one of the most popular gay nights in the city called Mec Plus Ultra. (Photo by ghostfacech1lla)

CABARET UNDERWORLD (1403 Rue Sainte Élisabeth): Located in the Quartier des Spectacles, Cabaret Underworld is a venue dedicated to underground entertainment like The 420 Show, and Gay Bash (the good kind.) Cabaret Underworld has a packed and eclectic event schedule so check out their website to see what’s coming up. (Photo by cabaretunderworld)

PEOPL (390 Rue Notre-Dame West): Boutique club Peopl describes itself as “the nightlife experience for mature, discerning and progressively mixed (straight and gay/lesbian, 25–50 yrs old) clientele.” The space melds creative design technology, internationally known DJs, and artists to create an ambient space that is constantly morphing into something new.

IL MOTORE (179 Jean Talon West): Il Motore is a bar and performance venue that always has great shows, a welcoming crowd, cheap beer, and an all-around cool vibe. Check out the upcoming shows here. (Photo by stephanielar)

KATACOMBS (1635 Boulevard Saint-Laurent): With a dungeonesque decor and skulls on the walls, Katacombs is place to dress up in your best leather and chains and party until the sun comes up. Check out the Pompe party at Katacombs the third Thursday of every month.

NOTRE DAME DES QUILLES (32 Rue Beaubien East): A bar with a bowling alley for drunk bowling at a bar? Yes please! Notre Dame des Quilles is one of those hot spots that never gets old. These hipster queers sure now how to decorate a bar! Definitely a must go. (Photo by bonnallie)