Best Dance Clubs in Montréal

The booming Belmont, sitting at party central near St. Laurent and Mont Royal, tries to be all things to all people and it succeeds. One wall, covered in large beer logos speaks to its student dive bar past while another, with a cool graffiti motif speaks to its present reincarnation as a hip underground club. Either way, the mixed crowd appreciates the specially-designed spaces perfectly suited for both dancing and drinking. Techno parties, burlesque cabarets, good bands and live DJs played over a good sound system keep the crowds coming back. It's usually free before 11 pm and drink specials are offered most nights.

As if four floors of party fun weren't enough, the Complexe Sky also features a rooftop pool, spa and mini restaurant to compliment the main floor offerings. It's become THE destination nightclub for the gay community from Montréal and beyond. The party grows more intense the higher you climb until you reach the relative calm of the rooftop. On the first floor, grab a drink or a snack at the relatively calm restaurant/bar or head up to the second floor for the drag cabaret dinner show. Dance fanatics head to the third floor to check out the huge dance space and ear-splitting music.

Although the name suggests a student hangout, it's more than that as the club has been a solid feature in the east end neighbourhood conveniently located near other drinking establishments. This venue features great live concerts from top independent bands and performers. Depending on the night, you'll find blues music or a variety of other genres. The decor isn't elaborate, but the music more than compensates. It's a fantastic place to come with friends, nurse a beer, and enjoy the sounds of the talented performers. The club also offers great DJ-mixed dance music that's popular with locals and tourists alike.

A fun and happening primarily gay bar in the heart of - you guessed it - Montreal's Gay Village.One of the biggest dance venues in the city with multi-level dance floors, attracts a diverse crowd. Watch for the drag queens walking about who will pour a shot directly into your mouth upon request.The three floors offer different styles of music every night in a friendly and open environment. Two gigantic dance floors offer powerful sound systems where the best DJs from around the world come to spin. Need a break? Head to the rooftop terrace or enjoy the cabaret and drag shows.

Montreal's oldest salsa club is a real tribute to French Canada's long-standing love affair with all things Latin. Host to surprise visits by Arcade Fire,it's the spot to see and be seen. Neon lights, disco balls, giant palm trees and a range of Latin beats - salsa, merengue and bachata tell you you're in the right place. Some nights are devoted to top-40 beats to change up the fun. Even if you don't dance (what!) you can watch some of the pros performing in the dance contests or enjoy the big bands playing their Latin tunes while sipping tropical drink specials. You can even get dance lessons from some of the friendly regulars.

Stereo is hot on the international club scene with DJs and musicians who come for its true, old school sound system and blasting house in all it's glorious forms.The place was specially built for dancing featuring acoustic walls within walls and a dance floor on springs and shock absorbers to keep your legs and feet moving for hours. It's also a bar and after hours club. One of the best places to come and hear DJs from around the globe spin their tunes and meet up with other party people from all over Montreal who've spent the earlier hours in various other venues. The true early morning after party place.

Established in September 2000, Casa Del Popolo (The House of the People) is Montreal's only family-run neighborhood vegetarian hot-spot! Part fair-trade cafe, part music venue, part resto-bar and part art gallery.Where else would you find an eclectic mix of music, art, snacks, film, zines, spoken word and the hottest bartenders in town! The Casa holds up to 55 people and is an intimate and warm place to see live performances. We are open from noon for soup, salad and sandwiches. Come on by and enjoy a relaxing afternoon and plan on staying for early or late evening performances. The scene changes frequently so check listings before planning your night out.

Club Soda's medium-sized, 800-seat concert space sits in a great downtown location and is perfect for performances of all stripes from the "Just For Laughs" comedy fest to name acts from the International Jazz Festival to Burlesque shows and every style in between the two. The second floor of the two storey spot offers the best views and more private seating. It's often possible, with a little elbow jostling, to get close to the band on the first floor. The space tends to be a bit on the narrow side but high ceilings allow for half-decent acoustics. The light shows are well done too.

Most people go to the Tokyo Bar for the great dancing compliments of top DJs as it's a dance club without the dance club attitude - just high energy dancing. Best to go on summer evenings to check out the views of St. Laurent from the back patio. - In winter when this area is closed, it gets even more crowded especially in the red room. Best to get here before midnight. Low cover and coat check charge, tasty lychee martinis and the trance techno room all contribute to the party atmoshpere set in motion by the best DJs in town.

The giant spider sculpture climbing the exterior wall on Ste. Catherine Street lets you know you're in the right place. Foufones is a truly versatile space - equally good for checking out the Montreal scene over a late summer afternoon drink on the uber cool patio or the perfect spot to check out top name bands at a reasonable price that cater to a diverse crowd of punk, metal and electronica fans. Everyone comes for the great vibe and powerful sound system. For those looking to chill a bit, the three-floor sprawling space includes a downstairs bar and pool tables.