Barfly

The

5.0

Overall Impression:

An unapologetically authentic Montréal dive bar… gritty, welcoming, & deeply rooted in the city's music scene.

What I liked:

My wife & I discovered Barfly within a few days of moving to Montréal. Having always had an affinity for dive bars, I knew instantly this was a place for me.

It's a small space, a pool table, a few tables, a long bar, a stage, cheap beer & real people. No pretence. Just a place where locals come to connect.

It's also the kind of spot where visitors quickly feel at home. Conversations happen easily, & it's not unusual to leave having met new people.

During a Habs game, the energy runs through the whole bar… loud, engaged, & shared.

Barfly is clearly a place for musicians & people who love music. It has long been part of Montréal's local scene, with live bands, open mic nights, & bluegrass evenings adding to its character.

Atmosphere & vibe:

Raw, lively, & unfiltered. This is not a curated experience… it's a real one.

Tight, noisy, & full of personality in the best possible way.

Who this is good for:

Anyone who appreciates a genuine, unpretentious dive bar with strong character & a connection to local music.

If you're looking for something polished or upscale, this isn't it. But if you're laid-back & want something real, this place delivers.

Closing:

A place we were drawn to immediately, & one that continues to feel like a true Montréal staple.

Mar 27, 2026

on Google

ThePor-1280

1 Review

5.0

The owner is The Man who's made Barfly the place to be en Montréal!
Kenny Goodfellow
Port Moody BC

MapleHero

5.0

Barfly is one of Montreal's most authentic dive bars, a gritty gem tucked into the heart of the Plateau that pulses with character & charm. It's the kind of place where musicians, artists, & industry folks gather after hours, swapping stories over pints of their crisp, in-house lager. The vibe is laid-back & unpretentious, making it easy to strike up a conversation with someone who just came off stage or out of the studio.

The pool table is a central fixture-well-loved & always in use. Whether you're a seasoned player or just looking to kill time between rounds, it adds a communal feel to the space. The music is eclectic, the lighting is low, & the energy is always buzzing.

One of Barfly's quirks is its legendary bathroom walls, covered in layers of graffiti, stickers, & scribbled memories. It's practically a rite of passage to leave your mark-just grab a Sharpie & add your voice to the collage of past patrons.

Barfly isn't trying to be fancy, & that's exactly why it works. It's raw, real, & reliably fun. If you're looking for a place to drink, shoot pool, & meet Montreal's creative crowd, Barfly delivers.

Sep 26, 2025

on Google

Elaine

5.0

Favourite bar I visited in Montreal. Great staff/owner, excellent live music. Cannot wait to return! Cheers, Anthony!

Sep 25, 2025

on Google

Mic

5.0

This is my favorite bar. It's the CBGB's of Montreal. Lots of great bands play there, it feels like home. Good place to have a drink & watch the Habs play & the bartenders are awesome people.

Jul 3, 2025

on Google