As the school year commences, now is the perfect time for McGill students to make the most of Montreal’s nightlife before coursework ramps up. Here is The Tribune’s tried and true guide to going out in Montreal on a budget.
As the school year commences, now is the perfect time for McGill students to make the most of Montreal’s nightlife before coursework ramps up. Here is The Tribune’s tried and true guide to going out in Montreal on a budget.
Commit to the pre-game
The largest cost of going out isn’t the club cover or transportation, but drinks at the bar. Bars and clubs alike notoriously upcharge drinks to ridiculous heights, with a single shot typically costing more than a six-pack at your local dépanneur. Heading to SAQ for a cheap bottle of vodka to pair with easy mixers like lemonade or soda water is a much more budget-friendly option. The only downfall, however, is finding the elusive sweet spot—being just buzzed enough to last the night without buying overpriced bar drinks, but not //so// drunk that you end up crying to a stranger in the club bathroom. It’s a balance you must perfect yourself throughout your four years at university.
Bars
Montreal is home to many of the best clubs in Canada, with a few boasting the top sound systems in North America. There is an overwhelming number to pick from on any given night out, and you may accidentally find yourself at one of the many locations that charge a hefty cover or require high-fashion dress codes. However, for every expensive, high end bar, there is a basement dancefloor with a makeshift coat check that can make for an equally exciting night out.
A first-year classic is Pow Pow Club. In a tiny room with a long queue, pop hits reverberate amongst thick clouds of sweaty fog and bright rave lights. But if that doesn’t fit your vibe, an underrated bar lies just below: L’Esscogriffe Bar, familiarly known as Esco’s. The retro common area is more roomy than its upstairs neighbor. The music provides a stark contrast to Pow Pow’s modern repertoire, featuring classic rock hits from the 80s to early 10s. There’s no doubt that alternating between these two hot spots will lead to a memorable and varied night.
For a relaxed evening with more seating options and beautiful cocktails, try Barbossa on Saint Laurent. With free entry and $8 CAD cocktails between 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm, Barbossa proves itself to be the perfect budget-friendly hotspot. As you enter the dimly lit, hip space, there is seating along the bar as well as spacious booths perfect for large groups. Past the seating area is a mini dancefloor, featuring local DJs later in the night. At Barbossa, your night can evolve from chatting over classy espresso martinis to losing yourself on the dancefloor.
Post-game eats
Following a night of drinking, dancing, and sweating, the temptation to crush the $17.50 CAD four piece chicken tenders from Chef on Call can be tempting. However, there are plenty of restaurants on Saint Laurent, a short walk from campus, that provide filling late-night eats for a great deal to complete the evening..
Patati Patata is the perfect Chef on Call ‘dupe.’ With its broad menu featuring items from poutine and fries to burgers and hotdogs, the restaurant has all of the classic greasy foods you could want as a nightcap. Rather than spending $20 CAD on one item, a burger and fries only cost $10 CAD pre-tax. However, take caution: The wait for these popular post-partying eats can be pretty hefty.
If $10 CAD is still out of your budget, Chez Mein operates with pre-inflation prices that seem too good to be true. Colloquially known as Two Chow, the spot is renowned for its $2 CAD chow mein. After a hectic night of impulsive spending under the influence, all you need to finish the night out is a toonie.
