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

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

Online

5.0

I wish I could say everyone was rude & disrespectful being as it is a dive bar. But Edan was nice & made sure everyone felt welcome even at the shift change & with the'easy dj' which may not be everyone's vibe for a dive bar. My only suggestion would be to play more dive bar music & less techno but that's just me.

Jun 28, 2025

on Google