My cousin turned 18 a couple weeks ago and told me that he wanted to go to Montreal with my brother and I this weekend (since we’ll be together for thanksgiving). I’m familiar with the city but not the nightlife. What would be a fun place to take him that would be reasonably priced and alive but not overwhelming? Also, if we decide to spend the night there, where’s a cheap and easy place to do it?
[sub]c’mon, matt. i’m counting on you for info :)[/sub]
I guess you’ve taken him already, but just in case- well, if you want a sit-around-the-table-with-a-pitcher type night with frat boys and loud girls, I’d go to Peel Pub (on Peel St and Ste Catherine) where most out-of-towners start off. You could also try Brewtopia, although a kid fell off the balcony and died a little while ago and that’s scary. But they have live music! If you want something posher, go to St. Laurent (not Crescent, as some poor souls are told. While Jacques Villeneuve’s bar is there, so are a hundred cheesy Don Johnson and Tammy Faye Bakker). Try Bifteque bar for a sitdown, or Tokyo, Angels or Jai Bar. You’ll have to pay cover for the last three, but come one, with the Canadian dollar like it is, it’s nothing to complain about.
You might have trouble to find a place to stay this weekend in Montréal. We are hosting the Grey Cup this year, which is happening this weekend, so accomodations are at a premium. Oh, I second the Peel Pub, good place for Drinking 101.
Thank you much 
I will definitely bring this list. We are going on Nov 23, so feel free to add suggestions today and tomorrow. I’ll let you know how it turns out.
You will take the list unless you are already in Montreal, in which case you would already have brought it. You also are taking your cousin to Montreal for his first drink.
Sorry but my kids do that and it drives me bananas.
Have a Good Time and drink one for me, since the 23rd is my birthday.
I feel like I must add my word of dissent. Please, do not take your cousin to the Peel Pub. Fratboy house indeed, there are 1001 places that are better.
I second most other choices, though.
If you’re into sitting down with a pitcher of beer, then the Bifteque might be interesting. Known to be a favourite hangout of local musicians.
Tokyo, Jai: not bad. Angels: underage gallore, will make your cousin feel old.
If you’re feeling really courageous 
you might try to go where the French crowd hangs out.
L’Île Noire: For English/Irish beers and an endless selection of scotch. [sub]hmmmmm. . .scotch[/sub]
Bily Kun: Good beer, good athmosphere but often crowded.
Sadly, it’s too cold now to enjoy the terraces.
There’s more, but I’ve been away for a while. Anyway, if you keep away from Crescent, in favor of St-Laurent or St-Denis, you should have a good time.
I agree, Peel Pub has cheap beer, but it is known in Montreal as the worst bar, and the reason it gets so much business is 'cause they let in underage people.
Brutopia (on Crescent) is cool, I never heard about someone dying there. They brew some of their own beer, lime and raspberry flavoured, pint for 5$. I was just there last night, actually.
I don’t know too much about the rest of the nightlife. Good luck!
Don’t forget Le Club Super Sexe on rue Ste. Catherine.
Personally, I’d recommend Chez Parée, but hey.