You can’t talk about jazz venues in Montreal without talking about the House of Jazz. It has been around since 1981, and as such the attitude of jazz has soaked itself into the building itself. The downtown location of the House of Jazz closed in 2020, but its Laval location continues brings in an ever-rotating list of local & international acts. Equipped with a full bar and full menu, this is a great place to visit for a romantic night of a delicious dinner accompanied by beautiful music.
Make no mistake, the best jazz bars in Montreal are right up there with the bustling clubs may found in New Orleans, Paris or New York. This city has been home to some of the world’s jazz legends like Oscar Peterson, and the scene here is why Montreal festivals like the Internation Jazz Festival take place annually. While jazz today may not be as vivacious as it was in the early 1900s, there are still many venues around the island that keep this storied legacy going—and with dinner and drink menus closely rivalling that of the best cocktail bars and wine bars in Montreal. From chill sessions in garden venues to fast-paced performances and upstairs speakeasy vibes, Montreal always has something on offer.
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