Thirsty in La Capitale-Nationale? No sweat — here are 24 options for consuming alcohol in Quebec City, running the gamut from unpretentious pubs to a slick speakeasy, and board game bars to breweries. Some focus on beer, others on wine or cocktails — all are worthy places to spend an evening.
Read More/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61778369/35077474_395609037624409_7676659296003686400_n.0.jpg)
The Essential Bars of Quebec City
Secret speakeasies, brilliant brewpubs, and more

Brasserie Griendel
This trendy Saint-Sauveur beer destination is set in a modern, industrial building with high ceilings and a lively atmosphere. Expect a wide selection of in-house brews, wild collaborations and finger licking pub grub.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595712/29216789_1295593780540077_3916038435541054683_n.0.0.jpg)
Chez Tao
This recently opened Saint-Sauveur joint serves street-style Vietnamese food alongside the kookiest cocktails in town. Owner and mixology master Vincent Thuaud blends alcohols, herbs, fruits and bitters in some rather ludicrous containers. Guaranteed fun times, especially for a late night.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595713/37240706_325373018002556_417970446126809088_n.0.0.jpg)
Taverne Jos Dion
One of the oldest taverns in North America, Jos Dion has been open late almost every day since 1933. This no-fuss Québécois tavern highlights Saint-Sauveur’s typical fauna, from working class through to suited industry professionals.
MacFly Bar Arcade
At this very casual St-Roch hang spot, local beer and grilled cheese sandwiches are as popular as the many free vintage arcade games and retro pinball machines.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595714/22365671_1497884360306010_3761340743708780724_n.0.0.jpg)
Maelstrøm Saint-Roch
Complex and coffee-centric creations served in a beautiful red brick building with a cracking wooden floor. Decorated with an eccentric mix of wood furniture and a standing piano, there’s a vintage energy to Maelstrom, yet with a very modern and refreshing take on cocktails. It’s vegan-friendly on the food front, and has strong options for non-alcoholic drinks.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595715/40591381_938293806370897_1265989954647883776_n.0.0.jpg)
La Cuisine
This bistro-bar offers straight up beer and booze without pretentiousness. Expect amicable service, a laid-back ambience, and a very welcome late-night kitchen.
Korrigane
Heaven for beer drinkers and gourmands in general looking to dive into Québec’s unique terroir, whether in a glass or on a plate. Expect friendly staff, lively community-centric events and a beautifully intimate terrace.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595716/31959077_1702163033163836_9039245835392516096_n.0.0.jpg)
La Souche (multiple locations)
The Stoneham location for this brewpub is a popular hangout for a refreshing pint after a long hike or a ski in the Jacques Cartier trails. The original Limoilou location is a great place to soak in a local, younger crowd serving styles that cater to all types of drinkers, and great pub grub too.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595717/01_brasserie_173_2017_12_18.0.0.jpg)
Also featured in:
Les Salons d'Edgar
With a dimly-lit ambience that feels like you’re walking into a Jane Austin novel, Edgar touts leather sofas, lounge chairs, a fireplace, and pool tables, attracting artists, students, and professionals alike. Delightfully austere and ideal for scotch, champagne or a martini (shaken, not stirred).
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595718/19399226_1569304526422734_6616610939452990542_n.0.0.jpg)
Bateau de Nuit
Considered one of Canada’s best craft beer bars (according to beer geeks), Bateau de Nuir pours limited edition casks and funky brews from some of Québec’s favourite artisan breweries, and is also the best place to watch a hockey game in town.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595719/32748937_1648433168604226_8929547092137869312_n.0.0.jpg)
Le Projet
Even though it could feel like you’re walking into a former Victorian bordel, the only pleasure here is served on tap. Projet features an exhaustive list of Québec-brewed beers and ciders to please every beer lover. There’s good food on offer, although service can be spotty.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595720/40228537_2209368619277402_168416396504465408_n.0.0.jpg)
La Revanche
Quebec City’s go-to for booze and board games in the one location, La Revanche boasts literal walls of games to choose between, fuelled by beer, pizza, and other pub standards, in a jovial setting.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595721/o.0.0.jpg)
Le Sacrilège
With cheap drinks and friendly service, Le Sacrilège is home to the best quality to price ratio for beer in town, and boasts one of Québec City’s most beautiful terrasses. Expect live performances and art exhibits with a laid-back neighbourhood bar atmosphere.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595722/07_bar_le__253_2018_07_17.0.0.jpg)
Nénuphar
This newcomer to Limoilou is Quebec City’s first hidden bar (“speakeasy”, if you like). With a floral interior drawing major inspiration from impressionist art, Nénuphar fittingly goes full 19th century France with its absinthe offerings, but also does other cocktails and natural wine in a strangely gorgeous setting.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595723/38017306_441002219751757_6011497765220122624_n.0.0.jpg)
Lvlop
Pronounced “Level up”, this is Quebec City’s bar for gamers and e-sports fanatics. Expect booze and video games located in the heart of Saint-Roch, as well as greasy finger foods and geeky cocktails.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595724/33850527_1735570879852845_1872369912991711232_n.0.0.jpg)
Le Moine Echanson
Never underestimate the power of Mother Nature in a bottle, especially served in a very French-inspired guinguette. Exclusive, elusive and funky beverages are most prominent at this wine bar.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595725/34741792_1771842916195356_8141316779667357696_n.0.0.jpg)
Pub Nelligan's
Quebec City’s staple Irish pub serves more than just beer: it’s quite the whiskey destination with regular tastings offered either by the distillers themselves or the very knowledgeable, friendly staff. See also: the charming private terrasse.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595726/36854837_1779003555480116_6778267298638594048_n.0.0.jpg)
La Barberie
Drawing crowds for its luxurious side-street terrace and it’s impressive selection of house-brewed beers, Barberie is a pillar and a pioneer for craft beer in Québec that strives to constantly renew and polish its products. It’s Québec City’s only “bring your own food” establishment, too.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595727/23915766_10155965606189187_7238889573274921941_n.0.0.jpg)
L'Atelier
This lively Grande-Allée restaurant/bar and cocktail hotspot is popular with college and university students looking for zesty tartars and late night drinks. It all takes place in an industrial-modern setting (spread over a hefty five levels) with street art décor and friendly service.
Bar Ste-Angèle
Hidden off the beaten paths of touristy Old Québec, the Ste-Angèle is a popular destination for live jazz and cocktails (in pitchers, no less). Note that it doesn’t open until 8 p.m., generally speaking.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595729/21433155_1556874344369047_116391428546340129_n.0.0.jpg)
Taverne Belley
Hotel Belley’s on-site tavern is Quebec City’s best-kept secret for a happy hour game of pétanque accompanied with some pastis, or pretzels and Negronis by the pool table. The bar is also a hub for folk music, poetry readings, fundraising events, and art installations.
1608
At the Château Frontenac’s classy bar, wines of the world are paired with local cheese and charcuterie. A sumptuous central circular bar attracts many a world traveller, while the leather love seats are ideal for seductive conversations.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595731/12249597_1238069582876144_6404969550394598004_n.0.0.jpg)
L'Oncle Antoine
Known for its decadent onion soup, l’Oncle Antoine is the granddaddy of Quebec City pubs. Set in the heart of historic Place Royale, it feels like your stepping into some historic figure’s bar-cave dream, complete with whisky and a fireplace.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62595732/1451452_226811684154408_1727185758_n.0.0.jpg)
Bar Artefact
Set inside the Auberge Saint-Antoine, Artefact serves both classic cocktails and whimsical new creations. Lounge in a cozy sofa next to the fireplace, and indulge in live jazz every Thursday. Or, watch the game sitting at the bar sipping on gin and slurping oysters.