Reviews portray Foufounes Électriques as a legendary, high energy Montreal venue that feels authentic and inclusive, hosting a wide range of acts from punk and metal to goth and drum and bass, with multiple floors and affordable drinks that keep a lively crowd going; the atmosphere is repeatedly praised for its history and its ability to bring people of all backgrounds together, though some visitors note very loud music, occasional crowding and inconsistent service or security.
I don't go for the actual bar which is as told usually really cool. But the events there are also a hit. Definitely recommend if you see they're having events there. They're always well run 🤙🏻
An institution in Montréal's live music scene, authentic, inclusive, & unapologetically energetic.
What I liked:
Les Foufounes Électriques brings me right back to the alternative rock scene of the 1990s. I didn't grow up in Montréal or visit in my youth, but this is one of the few places that truly captures the spirit of that era in a way that still feels genuine today.
It somehow manages to honour that time while remaining relevant for both my generation & those discovering it now. You'll find punks, goths, metalheads, & music lovers of all kinds here… along with people of all identities & orientations. It's a place where everyone belongs.
Come solo, as a couple, or with a group… the space easily accommodates all.
Atmosphere & vibe:
Located in the Quartier des Spectacles, it's centrally positioned near theatres, restaurants, & other nightlife spots, including the nearby Village.
Expect it to be loud & lively. If you're looking for a quiet drink, this probably isn't the place. But if you want energy, live music, & a crowd that feels part of something shared, it delivers.
Keep an eye out for shows as well. While I haven't attended one yet, I've certainly heard them from downstairs while enjoying a drink.
Service:
Service is usually quick & friendly.
On one occasion, a new member of the security staff didn't allow us to sit on the patio with our small dog after we had already ordered drinks… despite having done so many times previously. It was a minor inconvenience & likely the result of someone new to the role, & not something that would deter us from returning.
Who this is good for:
Anyone looking for a high-energy, inclusive venue with a strong sense of identity & history in Montréal's alternative music scene.
Closing:
A genuinely unique space that continues to bring people together across generations.
Le barman avait l'air sympa avec les locaux mais nous n'avons pas eu le même service… De plus, la moitié des cocktails sur la carte n'étaient pas dispos. Le black russian est 1 shot, autant le mettre dans les shooters. Dommage car nous avions apprécié l'ambiance de base.
Je suis venu avec ma copine un dimanche soir. Nous voulions commander une sangria, mais il n'y en avait plus. Ensuite, nous avons choisi un cocktail sur la carte, mais celui-ci n'était également plus disponible. Ma copine a finalement pris un Black Russian, mais le barman a simplement servi un shot avec des glaçons - pour moi, ce n'est pas un cocktail. De plus, le barman était froid & désagréable. Je ne recommande pas cet endroit.
Incontournable institution underground au fil des décennies, lieu mythique comparable au défunt CBGB S de New York , un bar encore punk, metal , alternatif , bonne petite salle à spectacles dans le feu de l action, un gros merci au personnel d avoir maintenu ce lieu légendaire. Mon 1er spectacle la bas fût parabellum en 1990...& avant le zoobar projet harmonica marjo, terapi, francoeur 1983.
Dommages cet endroit que je fréquente depuis plus de 30 ans est rendu woke. Expulser des gens pour un t-shirt. Really. Encore plus dommage la réaction de la direction. Tout de suite les insultes. Il faudrait prendre le temps de s'informer sur chacun des bands & leurs membres. & si vous avez une politique ferme d'accord mais il serait bon de l'afficher pour éviter des situations déplaisantes.
Mar 31, 2026
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Refused to serve my friend, bartenders are doing shots in the back & made eye contact multiple times with said friend yet ignored them for about 20 minutes until we got sick of it & left. Definitely not an inclusive space at all which is ironic because this bar is a self proclaimed'alternative bar'. Clearly this title is outdated since the staff seem to have no issue discriminating customers. 0/10 i don't recommend
I came here with friends last night & while the atmosphere is pretty decent & the place was lively, the staff was extremely condescending. The bouncer was rude to us & the bartenders ignored my girlfriend for 15 minutes (until she gave up on getting service) despite making eye contact with her several times. When the rest of my group did get service, they were very short with us & generally unpleasant. I don't know if we did something to get this kind of treatment but I highly doubt we were being disruptive. The only thing that comes to mind is the fact that we were all pretty young (19-20 years old) & maybe that kind of crowd is not welcomed here, but we weren't rowdy or anything like that. I'm not one to tone police service workers, especially on a busy night, I can fully understand why things would take longer/the staff would be more stressed, but even with that in mind, it was excessive.
Mar 7, 2026
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It was my first time at this bar, I came for the Maggie Lindemann concert & was a bit worried about accommodations since I use crutches. The staff ended up being extremely kind & made sure I was comfortable the whole time I was there. I'll definitely be coming back & I HIGHLY recommend Les foufounes électrique!!
