This iconic Montreal club is closing after over two decades

After more than two decades as a staple of Montreal’s nightlife, this after-dark institution is preparing to turn out the lights for good.

According to a report by City News, the longtime Prince Arthur Street nightclub Le Rouge Bar, just steps from Saint-Laurent Boulevard, will officially close on Jan. 31, ending a 23-year run. 

Despite being located in one of the coolest neighbourhoods on the planet, operating partner Massimo Minchella stated that the decision comes down to the mounting financial pressures facing large nightlife venues in today’s Montreal.

Read more: Montreal's Plateau-Mont-Royal recently ranked one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world

Rouge Bar has been a cornerstone of Boulevard St-Laurent’s nightlife, consistently keeping the party alive and the dance floor packed. Open on weekends, it has run on a formula of bottle service, guest list access, and a dress code that leans upscale.

In the report, Minchella noted that the city’s nightlife has shifted over the years, with operating costs steadily climbing and the economic realities of running a major club becoming far more challenging than in the past. 

Rising rents, stricter noise regulations, and heavier penalties have reshaped the landscape, contributing to a wave of recent closures across the city’s bar and music scene.

With the venue’s lease coming to an end and rental conditions evolving, Minchella stated that continuing operations was no longer viable over the long term. 

Check out: Ultimate guide to the best nightlife in Montreal

When is Le Rouge Bar closing?

Le Rouge Bar will mark the end of an era with a final closing night event on Jan. 31, 2026.

For more information about Le Rouge Bar, click here.

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