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 décor 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.

This always-crowded tropical dance club is popular thanks to its African, Caribbean and Latin American rhythms. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the club offers live concerts; dancing is available throughout the week. In addition, the club participates in the Festival International Nuits d'Afrique de Montréal, which celebrates African and Caribbean culture with music, workshops, arts and other events.

Probably the best place to catch live music in Montréal, Club Soda schedules mostly punk, alt rock and metal bands, with the occasional singer-songwriter or gospel choir thrown in for good measure. You truly never know what treasures the calendar will yield. Past performers include Gwar, Chris Isaak, the Misfits, Barenaked Ladies, Dany Bédar, Melissa Etheridge, Holly Cole, Soundgarden and Pascal Picard.

For those not into the usual club scene, Les Foufs is the perfect alternative. The three-floor space has pool tables, dance floors, a stage for bands, a booth for DJs and a patio. The ground floor is your basic pub; upstairs, there's a cover charge for bands and DJ-led theme nights. The real difference here, aside from the lack of pretension and the wildly diverse crowd, is the music: punk, metal, hardcore, emo ­ if it's "alternative" you'll hear it here.

The bartenders here regularly win "Best of..." awards in the local press ­ people just love them. And that makes for one happy, friendly, laid back crowd of regulars. The vibe differs from night to night, depending on what's scheduled ­ you might hear 80s favorites, an open-mic session, jazz, blues or rock. Reliable and fun.