Everyone in Montreal knows about Cage aux Sports. But what about our city's other fine sporting establishments? From eccentric to casual, check out these top five Montreal sports bar picks.
1. Chez Serge
Photo © Evelyn Reid
You just know management understands the average sports fan's needs when there's a TV on the ceiling of the men's bathroom. Chez Serge is the Montreal sports bar for local scenesters and nightlife butterflies who really love sports, especially hockey. With the equivalent of a disco ball flashing the Habs colors across the bar, Chez Serge attracts a younger under 35 crowd. The red leather-lined decor and atmosphere are unbeatable for anyone looking for a new take on the sports bar experience. Equipped with one giant 110-inch TV screen, four "smaller" 58-inch plasma screens and additional screens in the booths.
Location: 5301 St. Laurent, corner of Maguire; (514) 270-3262
Get there: Laurier Metro
2. Cherry Bar
Not to be confused with Old Montreal's all-dance-no-sports hot spot the Cherry Club, Montreal North's Cherry Bar is the polar opposite as an unassuming, laid back and reasonably priced sports pub. More quiet than some of the downtown core's flashier sports locales, the crowd here varies in age but all share a down-to-earth vibe that matches the pub. Equipped with one large screen and a pool table. Location: 3398 Crémazie East, corner of St. Michel; (514) 723-2020
Get there: St. Michel Metro
3. Le Massillia
Photo © Evelyn Reid
A top spot for soccer fans in particular, but showcasing other sports games as well, the Mile End district's Le Massillia's charm is that it's also Montreal's only Marseilles-style bistro. You'll find croque-monsieurs and other provençal finger food on the menu in addition to weekly karaoke nights celebrating French music. Equipped with three large screens, 80 seats and plenty of standing room, there's also a pétanque court on the back lawn.
Location: 4543 Parc, above Mont-Royal; (514) 678-1862
Get there: Mont-Royal Metro
4. Le Pub Rosemont
Located in the heart of the Rosemont district, Le Pub Rosemont has been around since the '50s and is so laid back, staff won't mind if you order food from outside the sports bar. They'll even hand you some local take-out menus to help you order! The fact that they don't sell food might contribute to this, but still, that's more accommodating than the norm. A crowd varying in ages from twenties to early forties, Le Pub Rosemont offers several microbrews and local beers and you can always count on a warm welcome mixed with a friendly crowd. Overall, a superb spot to enjoy hockey playoffs. Also equipped with a terrace. Location: 2440 Rosemont, corner of Louis Hébert; (514) 279-1069
Get there: Rosemont Metro
5. Sharx
Just below the Faubourg Shopping Center and near Concordia University's downtown campus, Sharx is huge enough for a sports bar, pool hall and bowling alley. So if you can't bear to miss the game but your significant other can't bear to see it, go to Sharx. From barely eighteen to clientèle in their mid-forties, the bar complex is covered with black lights, so do remove the fluff from your clothes before you get there because any linty residue will light up for all to see. Food sold on the premises. Equipped with 36 pool tables, several snicker tables, 10 bowling lanes, and three giant screen TVs. Location: 1606 Ste. Catherine West, corner of Guy; (514) 934-3105
Get there: Guy-Concordia Metro
