The FIFA World Cup is in full swing and if you don’t want to watch the games on your couch, you better head out to one of Montreal’s many bars. How to choose which bars will offer the ultimate soccer experience? With so many bars and restaurants with a few TVs hooked up to their walls, it’s tough to find the ones with the best World Cup atmosphere. You’ll want to yell, cheer, or cry (of happiness or sadness) without the other patrons giving you the side-eye. Here’s a list of our favourites.
Parc Jean Drapeau
Parc Jean Drapeau will be live streaming the final game of the FIFA World Cup. Experience the World Cup on a big screen outside with hundreds of other fans. This won’t be your typical game night, nor should it!
What jersey to wear: to be determined…
1 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montréal, QC H3C 1A9
(514) 872-6120
Champs Sports Bar
Champs Sports Bar is your go-to spot for any sporting event, so it’s no wonder it’s a top pick for the World Cup. Check them out on Taco Tuesdays (99¢ per taco) or Wednesday and Sunday Wings Days (45¢ & 50¢ per wing, respectively). Get some chicken wings with their Scotch Bonnet Suicide Sauce and show everyone what a hardcore fan you are.
What jersey to wear: International
3956 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2W 1Y3
(514) 987-6444
Bar L’Barouf
There’s plenty of room for wild arm flailing with Bar L’Barouf’s high ceilings, so go wild while watching the game. L’Barouf has a varied selection of local and imported beer, so there’s something suited for everyone’s taste. Take advantage of the free pretzels and settle yourself in at the bar or in one of their cozy booths.
What jersey to wear: France
4171 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2W 2M3
(514) 844-0119
Café Olimpico
Café Olimpico is a Montreal staple when it comes to World Cup games. They get so into it, the staff even makes friendly wagers with their neighbours at Burgundy Lion and Bishop & Bagg. Sip a creamy espresso or latte and munch on a homemade sausage sandwich and let yourself get swept up with the crowd of soccer worshippers flocking this nearly 45-year-old café.
What jersey to wear: Italy
124 Rue St-Viateur Ouest, Montréal, QC H2T 2L1
(514) 495-0746
Caffè Italia
Dubbed by some as the best Italian coffee in Montreal, Caffè Italia has made a name for itself in the 50+ years it has graced Montreal with its presence. Join the regulars and adopt the passionate hand gestures of true Italian soccer fans, just try not to poke someone’s eye out in the process.
What jersey to wear: Italy
6840 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2S 3C7
(514) 495-0059
Burgundy Lion
Burgundy Lion has two floors to fill up with soccer fans from all over the city. Chomp on some British pub fare, like Bangers & Mash or Fish & Chips, while hollering at the TV screens. Don’t forget to take advantage of their great beer and cocktail selection to make sure you’re really into the World Cup spirit.
What jersey to wear: England
2496 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H3J 1N5
(514) 934-0888
Le Massillia
Montreal’s only authentic Marseilles bistro, Le Massillia offers an authentic French experience. Munch on a Croque Monsieur or one of their homemade tapenades and enjoy the game amongst a crowd of eager fans.
What jersey to wear: France
4543, Av Du Parc, Montréal, QC H2V 4E4
(514) 678-1862
Café Saint Laurent Frappé
Café Saint Laurent Frappé is a sports bar well-known and loved by locals and for a good reason. With two floors, a terrace, and great beer prices, it’s obvious why Montrealers flock to Café Saint Laurent Frappé on game night. If the game frustrates you too much, start a game of your own with their many pool and foosball tables.
What jersey to wear: Brazil, Uruguay, Portugal
3900 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2W 1Y2
(514) 289-9462
Bishop & Bagg
Bishop & Bagg is the place to be on game night. This gastropub (gourmet pub) will offer you delicious eats alongside a varied selection of beer, whiskey, and gin. Nibble on bar snacks like hickory sticks, pickles, or spiced nuts, and try not to choke on anything when your team scores.
What jersey to wear: England
52 Rue Saint Viateur Ouest, Montréal, QC H2T 2X2
(514) 277-4400
Bar Coin du Metro
Bar Coin du Metro can be found, you guessed it, next to Henri Bourassa Metro. You’ve probably already spotted it on one of your public transit commutes, and if you haven’t ventured inside yet, you’re missing out. Step into a buzzing atmosphere during the World Cup and order their chicken poppers along with a cold beer.
What jersey to wear: Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chili
10719 Lajeunesse, Montréal, QC H3L 2E7
(514) 389-4929
Sports Station
It’s no surprise that Sports Station is a go-to spot during the World Cup. Call up your soccer possey and order some nachos and beer. They’ll be playing all of the games, so grab your jerseys and head out to one of their many locations.
What jersey to wear: International
2051 Ste-Catherine West , Montreal, QC H3H 1M6
(514) 931-5559
862 Ste-Catherine East , Montreal, QC H2L 2E3
(514) 903-8571
6862 Jarry East , St-Leonard, QC H1P 3C1
(514) 328-5777
5773 Taschereau Blvd., Brossard, QC J4Z 1A5
(450) 462-4587
Café Safir
Café Safir is not necessarily on everyone’s radar, but it should be. They serve up delicious Algerian food for a very affordable price. Never tried Algerian food? Now’s the time! Check them out during this World Cup and experience what the locals are raving about.
What jersey to wear: Algeria
3413 Rue Jean-Talon Est, Montréal, QC H2A 1W7
(514) 227-0147
Les Bobards
Les Bobards often has live bands, showcasing world music for a decent price. During the World Cup, however, you can expect soccer fans coming in droves. They have a happy hour from 3:00pm to 8:00pm (hello!) and drink specials throughout the day.
What jersey to wear: Brazil
4328 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2W 1Z3
(514) 987-1174
Restaurant Las Palmas
Where to go in Montreal for delicious, cheap Columbian food? Restaurant Las Palmas will not disappoint, and they’ll provide the perfect atmosphere during the World Cup. Try their incredible empanadas and watch the game along with other hungry fans.
What jersey to wear: Columbia
14 Rue Rachel Est, Montréal, QC H2W 2B1
(514) 987-1243
Where do you watch the FIFA World Cup games? Let us know in the comments below.