Montreal's Best Cheap Beer: Where To Buy

If you're looking for cheap beer in Montreal, there are a few options to consider. While the city has a minimum price for beer set by the Régie des alcools, you can still find some great deals at certain bars, grocery stores, and other retailers. Here's an introduction to the topic to help you find affordable drinks during your stay in Montreal.

Cheap beer in Montreal: grocery stores

If you're looking for cheap beer in Montreal, there are a few options to consider. While the cheapest option may be to buy low-end beers in large bottles from a grocery store, there are also some great deals to be found at bars and restaurants. Here are some tips to help you find the best prices on beer in Montreal:

Grocery Stores

There is a minimum price for beer set by the Régie des alcools in Montreal, which is usually what you'll find at grocery stores. For example, a 12-pack of PBR at 12.99 works out to $.305/100mL, which is the same price you'll find at Costco. However, the price is based on alcohol percentage, so you may find slightly cheaper options for beers with lower alcohol content, like Coors Light (4% ABV). Keep an eye out for specials and sales at grocery stores, as you can sometimes find deals on larger cases of beer.

Some commenters recommend checking the grocery store flyers for weekly specials, as the cheapest price allowed by law is often found at grocery stores and big box stores like Costco and Couche-Tard. For example, one commenter mentions that a 24-pack of Bud Light or Coors Light was on sale for $21.32 + tax + deposit, which is the cheapest price you can find by law. So if you're looking to stock up on beer for a party or event, buying in bulk from a grocery store is probably your best option.

Bars and Restaurants

While grocery stores may have the cheapest prices per volume, if you're looking for a night out, there are plenty of bars and restaurants in Montreal that offer cheap drinks and nightly specials. For example, Foufounes Electriques on Rue Sainte-Catherine Est is known for its cheap drinks and fun atmosphere. On Thursdays, they offer bottles of Bud and Labatt 50 for $2.75, and women get their first four drinks free. Another option is Les Verres Stérilisés on Rue Rachel Est, where glasses of beer start at $3 and pitchers are $9.25.

So, whether you're looking to stock up at a grocery store or enjoy a night out on the town, there are plenty of options for cheap beer in Montreal. Just keep an eye out for specials and sales, and you'll be sure to find a great deal!

Cheap beer in Montreal: bars

Montreal has a range of bars offering cheap beer, with prices starting from $3 for a glass. Here are some of the best spots to check out:

Les Verres Stérilisés

Where: 800 rue Rachel E.

Cost: Glasses from $3, pitchers from $9.25

Les Verres Stérilisés is a pub with old-school charm and friendly staff. With its "clean glasses" neon sign, this bar certainly lives up to its name!

Foufounes Electriques

Where: 87 rue Sainte-Catherine E.

Cost: Bottles of Bud and Labatt 50 for $2.75 on Thursdays, $6 entrance fee

Foufounes Electriques is a punk rock bar with a club night on Thursdays, featuring cheap drinks and a dance floor. Women also get their first four drinks free on Thursdays!

Le Biftek

Where: 3581 blvd Saint-Laurent

Le Biftek is a quintessential dive bar that's open until 3 am every night. It's a cash-only tavern with free popcorn and cheap beer.

SUWU

Where: 3699 blvd Saint-Laurent

Cost: Two-for-one beers for $6 during happy hour

If you're looking for something other than a dive bar, SUWU is a neighbourhood bar and eatery with a great happy hour deal: two-for-one beers.

Grumpy's

Where: 1242 rue Bishop

Cost: Pints from $4 on Wednesdays

Grumpy's is a straightforward bar with cheap beer and music.

Le Sainte-Élisabeth

Where: 1412 rue Sainte Élisabeth

Cost: Bottles from $5

Le Sainte-Élisabeth is known for its green terrasse in the summer, but it's also a great spot to relax with a few beers during the colder months. They have beer specials on select days, so be sure to check their latest offerings.

Cheap beer in Montreal: restaurants

Montreal has a range of restaurants and bars where you can find cheap beer. Here are some of the top spots to check out:

Foufounes Electriques

Located on Rue Sainte-Catherine Est, Foufounes Electriques is a popular bar known for its rock playlist, craft beers, pool tables, foosball, and sports TVs. It has an open-plan layout and a unique, fun atmosphere. They have cheap drafts and a cash-only policy. On Thursdays, they offer bottles of Bud and Labatt 50 for $2.75, and women get their first four drinks free.

Resto-Bar La Maisonnée

This local bar, located on Avenue Gatineau, is known for its cheap beer during happy hour (4 à 7 in Quebec). Pitchers are also available at a reasonable price. It's a popular spot for young students and has friendly bartenders and an excellent music selection.

Kinka Izakaya

Kinka Izakaya is a Japanese restaurant on Rue Sainte-Catherine O. It offers delicious food and cheap beer, making it a great place to hang out with friends. The gyu carpaccio and sashimi salad are particularly recommended.

Les Verres Stérilisés

Located on Rue Rachel E, Les Verres Stérilisés is a pub with old-school charm and friendly staff. Its name, which translates to "clean glasses," is a top-selling point. Glasses of beer start at $3, and pitchers are $9.25.

Le Biftek St-Laurent

Le Biftek St-Laurent is a quintessential dive bar on Boulevard Saint-Laurent. It's open until 3 am every night and is a cash-only, no-pretension tavern. They offer free popcorn, and you can wash the saltiness down with cheap beer.

SUWU

SUWU is a neighbourhood bar and eatery on Boulevard Saint-Laurent. During happy hour (5 à 7), they offer two-for-one deals on beer.

Le Sainte-Élisabeth

Le Sainte-Élisabeth is a pub known for its green terrasse in the summer. The inside is also a great place to relax with a few beers during the colder months. They have beer specials on select days, so be sure to check their latest offerings.

La Quincaillerie

La Quincaillerie, located on Rachel Street, is recommended for its cheap pints during happy hour.

Notre Dame Des Quilles

This bar, located on Rue Beaubien E, offers pints of beer for $5 on Mondays until 8 pm. They also have two bowling lanes, so you can spend a few hours enjoying the cheap drinks and entertainment.

L'Entrepot

With locations downtown and in the Plateau, L'Entrepot offers cheap beer and a food menu where every plate is only $5.95.

In addition to these spots, some grocery stores and convenience stores, such as Costco, Couche-Tard, and Maxi, offer good deals on beer. However, Quebec regulates beer prices, so certain beers must be sold at a minimum price.

Cheap beer in Montreal: breweries

Montreal is known for its vibrant drinking scene, with plenty of bars, breweries and taprooms to choose from. Here are some of the best places to find cheap beer in the city:

Foufounes Electriques

Foufounes Electriques is a punk rock bar located on Rue Sainte-Catherine Est. It offers cheap beer, a great atmosphere, and a dance floor. Every Thursday, they have a club night with bottles of Bud and Labatt 50 for $2.75, and women get their first four drinks free.

Les Verres Stérilisés

Les Verres Stérilisés is a pub on Rue Rachel Est known for its "clean glasses" neon sign. It offers old-school charm, friendly staff, and cheap beer. Glasses start at $3, and pitchers are $9.25.

Resto-Bar La Maisonnée

Resto-Bar La Maisonnée is a local bar on Ave Gatineau that offers cheap beer during happy hour. Pitchers are $11. It's a popular spot for young students, with excellent music and friendly bartenders.

Brasserie Dieu du Ciel!

Brasserie Dieu du Ciel! is a veteran craft brewery with two locations in Montreal. They offer 20 rotating beers on tap, as well as a curated list of imported bottles. Their pints are masterfully made and are a great choice any time of year.

Vices & Versa

Vices & Versa is a beer lover's paradise, with 40 craft brews on tap that change daily. They frequently feature up-and-coming breweries and offer access to rare and sought-after suds. It's the perfect place to taste the best of what Quebec and the world have to offer.

Benelux

Benelux is a brewpub with locations in downtown Montreal and Verdun. They focus on Belgian, Dutch, and Luxembourg-style beers, with a dozen house-brewed options on tap. The Sherbrooke location is popular with McGill University students, while the Verdun spot offers more space.

Microbrasserie Pit Caribou

Microbrasserie Pit Caribou is the Montreal outpost of the infamous Gaspésienne brewery, considered one of the best in North America. They offer 24 taps with some of the finest beers in the world, including a gold medal-winning Brown Ale Américaine. They also have a selection of small-batch and rare bottle-only brews.

Yïsst

Yïsst is a bar that focuses on Quebec producers, especially small-scale brewers from within Montreal. They have 24 taps, including their own collaborations with sister brewery La Succursale. They also offer interesting snacks, such as a Californian ranch party mix.

Le Cheval Blanc

Le Cheval Blanc is a Latin Quarter brewery that has been operating since 1987, making it one of Quebec's oldest craft breweries. Their beer is available throughout the city, but they also have exclusive brews that are only available for on-site consumption.

Cheap beer in Montreal: convenience stores

If you're looking for cheap beer in Montreal, you're in luck! The city is known for its budget-friendly drinking options, and convenience stores are a great place to start. Here are some tips to help you find the cheapest beer at "dépanneurs" (convenience stores) in Montreal:

Look for specials and sales

Like many other retailers, convenience stores often have specials and sales on beer. Keep an eye out for deals, especially at large chains like Couche-Tard. These stores can offer very competitive prices, sometimes even matching the minimum price set by the Régie des alcools.

Compare prices

Don't be afraid to shop around. Prices can vary between different convenience stores, and you may find a better deal at one store over another.

Buy in bulk

If you're planning a big party or get-together, consider buying beer in bulk. Stores like Costco offer good deals on large packs of beer. However, keep in mind that the selection may be limited, and they may not always be the cheapest option.

Check the alcohol percentage

In Quebec, the minimum price of beer is based on its alcohol percentage. Generally, beers with lower alcohol content, such as Coors Light (4%), will be cheaper than those with higher alcohol content (5%). So, if you're looking for a bargain, check the percentage before you buy.

Look for higher-alcohol alternatives

If you're looking to get more bang for your buck, some convenience stores sell beer with a higher alcohol percentage (up to 10%). These beers may be more expensive per bottle but could be a good option if you're looking to get drunk on a budget.

Consider other options

If you can't find cheap beer at convenience stores, there are other options. Montreal has plenty of bars offering nightly deals, happy hours, and student specials. You could also try brewing your own beer, though this may not always be cheaper. Alternatively, if you don't mind drinking at home, you could take advantage of grocery store specials on larger packs of beer.

Frequently asked questions