Cabaret Mado

As much as I love and support the drag community, and the shows are great (so is the staff), there is much room for improvement: the cabaret has no food at all, not even easy-to-provide snacks, such as peanuts or fries (or even chips). Sometimes, they take away all the seats, like tonight, and to be waiting for more than an hour for a 3-hour show... it can be somewhat uncomfortable (especially with a ticket costing beyond 40 $ on a Sunday). Also, we are forced to check our coats and the place is super cold indoors. Hoping it will become better in the future. Thanks.

Coming to Montreal this time around, I was excited to check out the Village with my partner. I have to say, the hostesses were absolutely hilarious campy, charismatic, and a joy to watch. They really brought a sense of humor and energy that could light up the room. That being said, I couldn’t help but feel disheartened for the performersand the hostesses when they performed too because there was barely any tipping, we saw 1 person throughout the night. The energy in the room felt so cold, despite how much effort these artists put into their craft and how much they do for our community. It genuinely hurt to witness that. This kind of show deserves engagement, not indifference. It’s meant to be immersive, not just something to passively watch For example, in Toronto, people are tipping generously, laughing, and actively showing appreciation. That kind of atmosphere was what we expected and the lack of it here really threw us off, also it will be in French don't come here expecting any different, that shouldn't be in question if they will speak English. I truly hope the people in Montreal learn to engage better and show these queens the respect they absolutely deserve.

Didn’t watch a show but stopped in midday for a drink with a friend, bartender was friendly and attentive and the guests were all lovely. Loved the vibe. Very chill. Definitely coming back for a show.

The English speakers giving bad reviews are clearly expecting a very American experience tailored to them. This place, the staff, the performers, the host, and the show in general are all absolutely amazing. Staff all made us feel welcomed and taken care of. We're huge supporters of drag and although we're not french speakers, the host and all the performers had an amazing energy and did their best to make everyone feel included. The show is 90% in french, but the host does a great job of still swapping to english to include and make playful jabs at the English speakers. Lip syncs are all to English songs. If you're a lover of drag, this is a must go while you're in Montreal. We had a spectacular night.

Unfriendly towards queer women. Also tickets didn’t include seats and we were told it was standing even though there were multiple open tables after the show started. Were quite rude to my partner and made her cry. Very cold employees. When we tried to leave I was also blocked by the bouncer. Felt very unsafe and confused why he would try to prevent me from leaving.

One of my friends was drunk and made the bad decision to finish her drink before we were about to leave. My friends and I ran out of cash buying drinks and we found out the hard way that they don't allow customers (who even bought tickets) to have a cup of water. They have to buy bottles. My friend got alcohol poisoning and almost died. I'm also quite sure not serving tap water in an indoor bar is illegal in Montreal which is very surprising for a well established bar like Mado? The show was awesome though. The drag queens are great performers and do a lot more than a bare bones lip sync. 5/5 for that. 0/5 for the near death experience, so I give an average 3/5 stars.

Amazing time and experience. Definitely worth reserving in advance. If you do, be aware that there are two prices, depending on the size of your group and wether you want to have a drink ticket included. Mado is very warm and funny, a great hostess. The performers were talented and the costumes were great. There was some decent music and dancing before the show and at the intermission (presumably after too, but we didn't stay for the second half). Diverse and accepting audience.

The performance was high energy and excellent. However as a venue, I’m disappointed. They opened the doors late and started the show before everyone entered. Our group bought tickets with seating, but they didn’t have seats for us. We were given makeshift stools behind the support pole. I feel like i missed half the show. (Note: the main performer is entirely blocked from view in the picture)

We definitely got lucky the day we came to Cabaret Mado because there was a bridal party from the US that only spoke English, so the show we saw ended up being in French and in English, but don't always expect the MC to always speak in both languages based on past reviews I've read. Even if that weren't the case, all the songs they performed were in English, and even regardless of that, it was ridiculously entertaining! My cousin surprised me by taking us all there and the performance quality was just absolutely top top tier. We ate, we drank, we danced in our seat a little, it was an amazing set! The queens were hilarious, gorgeous, and stellar performers. This is arguably one of the best drag shows I've ever been to to be honest. Tips-- Since this date of posting (Aug 2022), if you are from the US because of conversion rate everything purchased in Canada equates to 31% off in US dollars, so if you pay everything with credit card (such as drinks), you're really in for a great night!

A group of three friends and I stopped in on our first night in Montreal! We ordered our tickets ahead and ended up being seated very front row. In America, I often bring ones in cash to tip as performers walk the aisles, so we came prepared with cash but didn't end up needing them as the performers stayed on the stage the whole time. We are native English speakers and the show when we went in June 2022 was entirely in French with a small portion acknowledging the English speakers in the room. However, I thought the performers did a great job and I was entertained the entire time! Everyone we talked to was very kind and as long as you can appreciate that it's not in English, tourists would have a great time here. We used the public transportation system to get to and from the venue from our AirBnB and felt safe even at night getting on the bus back.

This was my first drag show and I didn't really know what to expect. It turned out to be a series of performers who sang, dance, and lip synced along with a host. Being in Montreal, it was mostly in French of course. I understood just enough to be entertained. Quality of performers will vary from night to night of course but the host was definitely great and ragged on a couple audience members throughout the show.

Completely not my scene, as in I'm not a crowds or drinking person. You spend a lot of time waiting for the show to start (assuming that's what your there for), unless you want to risk coming in later and definitely not getting a seat. But, still worth checking out at least once. We got there around maybe 10 pm and ended up standing around for 1-1.5 hours. By the time we arrived, all the tables were taken. After the show started, we ended up having a nice time and staying another 2 hours (mostly because we finally found seats). Some of the dancing was better than others. Mostly in French, so I didn't understand most of it. A LOT more talking than expected, like 5-10 minute talks after every performance. And filled with bachelorette parties.

10:00pm and the place was pretty packed, but I managed to snag one of the few bar stools available. My wife was wearing heals, so being the gentleman I am, I gave her the seat and stood just behind her. I feel a pair of hands touch my sides, and then lovingly glide gently down to my hips. "Oooh La La..." a gentle voice whispers in my ear. The hands grip more firmly, yet in a teasingly manner. Was that a gentle squeeze? "Kenichi Wa..." that same amorous voice...my heart tingles... The tender hands push me slightly to the left, a warm body brushes against my backside. "Pardon moi..." that sweet feminine voice sings to me again. I turn my head to the right to see face of this mysterious and seductive voice... Though its dark inside , I could still see her beautiful face is flawless, perfect eyes, smooth pale white skin, plump ruby lips...Madame Mado herself? "So sorry handsome, I just wanted grab a drink before I go on!" -Mado "Oh no worries, you're good!" -Chun P. She's real good...if only my wife wasn't around... Its a $13 cover charge and so worth it! Even though the show is about 80% in French and only 20% in English, the music, performance, and sexiness of the shows don't need any translation and are 100% awesome. The friendly bar staff spoke perfect English, and cocktails are only $6-7 each(I'm talking Canadian dollars, so its only like $5-6 each in US dollars!). Good times!

Mado is a gay celebrty in Montreal. She is a fabulous drag QUEEN and has a huge following. (Take that Shena Hershey!!). Mado opened her own drag bar in the gay village and has some wild and has some wild and outragous shows. Open every day tea dance to late night. It is all fun and campy. A good time. One can not miss the huge Mado sign out front, of Mado's face huge as a Macy's balloon.

Incredible experience and show. If you love drag or if you're new to the art form, you're going to have a blast. The conversation between the performances were largely in French so if you're not a native speaker you may not understand all of what's being said. With that said, it is absolutely still worth going! Everyone was friendly and helpful. Drinks were strong. The drag was EPIC.

The first time that my sister and I visited Montreal in May, we weren't sure where to go or what to do. We arrived late on a Wednesday night to our Air BNB from our drive from Maine, got in PJs, and were going to call it a night. Then my sister got on Facebook and saw that Cabaret Mado was having a PUSSYCAT DOLLS-THEMED DRAG SHOW. I have never gotten dressed and ready faster. We were out of bed and in an Uber within 10 minutes. The bar was full, and it was a lively crowd. Drinks were pretty cheap. Bartenders were really nice. Many different types of people crowded this place and danced and sang together as the performance went on. The performers are incredibly talented, funny, and charismatic. It was a truly upbeat environment. My sister and I both decided we loved Montreal from this one experience. We had an absolute blast. All of the performers are incredible. The show was in French, which my sister and I don't speak, but it didn't seem to matter because the energy of the place was so good and positive. Since, my sister and I have been back to this place on many occasions--sometimes during the day just for drinks on the outdoor patio, sometimes out at night, sometimes for shows--and every time, it is a great, welcoming space. Bartenders are super friendly. Typically a cash cover for shows/at night but always worth it.

This place is so much fun! High energy, good vibes! Don't be discouraged by the late showtime, once you arrive, you won't be tired!

Witnessed the best performances I have ever seen! Don't know the name of the performer who came out to Lady Gaga on 1/19/19- but seriously the Best! Coat check during the winter storm was excellent benefit. The place was busy, however we had no trouble getting to the bar for drinks. Staff was super friendly and professional. Will be telling everyone back home this is the place to go and have some fun, can't wait till we come back for the summer.

I was so disappointed. Came here 2 weeks ago on a Thursday night at around 8pm to watch a live viewing of Rupaul's drag race. I was so excited but from the moment we stepped in, it was all downhill from there. We were told we had to put our coats in coat check. What a cheap way to try and make money. It's a bar, anyone can put their coat on the back of their chair or behind them in a booth. Next, the crowd. So rude. Everyone's entitled and no one give's a shit if they're blocking your view, if they shove you by accident. The drinks were actually well priced at $6-7 each and the bartender was ok. The layout of this place is horrible. To watch a small screen in the middle when you're sitting on the side of the bar is impossible. Unbearably annoying and I will not be going back. Let's just say I rewatched the episode to understand what was being said... lol

Truly entertaining even though it's not the best looking drag I've seen. They were funny! Most of it is in French so I was a bit lost. The best part was when the first act ended, the stage turned into a dance floor. Not sure if that is what usually happens but that's what happened when we were there. We danced the whole way through. Second act was funnier! Worth the wait. Our reservation was made with the tables priced at $20/person since all the $25/person tables were taken. If you call to make reservation and the $20/person is the only option, DON'T DO IT! Our table was placed on the right side of the stage where we saw the side view of the performances. Such a bad angle. But it is right next to the bar which is a plus.

Very entertaining and drinks were very affordable! Place is small and intimate. It's located in the heart of local bars and pubs, so you can enjoy the night outside as well. Keep in mind that the liquor stores in the area closes at 10pm to purchase.

Supposedly, this IS the hot spot in Montreal...not only for tourist, but mainly for kicks and giggles for the locals and bachelorette/bachelor parties. This was my first drag show and I had a fantastic experience. It's a 3 hours show with a 30 minutes intermission that allowed you to dance up on stage. I thought the show itself was classy and not trashy at all. It's mainly for pure entertainment and a good laugh. I didn't understand any of the jokes because they were in French, but Mado really knew how to spice up the crowd. He picked on people, like us New Yorkers, that weren't laughing (due to the language barrier) and decided to translate some of the dirty jokes in English for us. Despite not knowing French, the show was awesome and some of these drags were actually very pretty and skillful in their dancing. Oh, and that Mary Poppin show was priceless! It left my jaw dropping to the ground because what they did was so unexpected.Your Montreal trip would not be complete if you didn't stop here to watch the show. I'm glad both a friend of mine and my landlady recommended this place beforehand. My friend and I loved the Gay Village in Montreal. The entertainment was fabulous, the bars were fun, and who doesn't love free wifi on Saint Catherine Street and those hot pink ping pong ball decorations.

I had an incredible time. We got here super early and got a seat at the bar, but you can't get close to the stage without reservations. Fair warning: it was FULL of bachelorette parties! Even though most of the in between bits were in French, I still got the gist and they made sure to throw in some English jokes to cater to their US visitors. The performers were absolutely stunning! We stuck around for both shows on a Friday night and had an absolute blast. Highly recommend!

This was a great experience. Came here with a bacholorette party and it was very entertaining. The first half of the show was more in English so we could understand a lot of it. Unfortunately the second half of the show was in French - I do wish we had known this because we thoroughly enjoyed the first half and would have been fine to leave for the second half and go elsewhere. However the show is a must and the host and performers were all amazing.

Having been to drag shows in NYC and Thailand , I was excited to see what Montreal had to offer . We were greeted by a lovely bearded lady , who it turns out was the best part of the night . We grabbed a couple drinks at the bar and watched the crowd roll in . Mostly already drunk bachelorette parties. The lovely bearded lady upgraded our tickets to a seat in front of the stage but the crowd of drunken folk were standing in front of our table . The bouncer asked them to move 15 minutes into the show. The drag was mediocre at best , the lip syncing was off and only one of the ladies had any kind of dance moves . Some drunk chic behind me was screaming so loudly I had to keep covering my ears . I had such a headache by intermission we left the show . A very disappointing experience . I would have given 1 star if not for the lovely bearded lady .

From what I've come to understand "cabaret' is what I'm most used to knowing as drag performers here. Lots of Queens just running around and occasional choreographed dances. Great music from the DJ and one of the rare bars that actually accepted cards to purchase drinks.

I'm a big fan of drag shows and try to catch one wherever I can so after reading about Mado, I was super excited to come on my recent trip to Montreal. Although the show was fun, it wasn't as good as I expected. I'm sure a lot of this had to do with the fact that the entire speaking part was in French and our group didn't speak French. The performances weren't out of this world either...except for one. One of the queens performed as Mary Poppins (among other performances) and she was FLAWLESS. From the bird and outfit to the facial expressions and the umbrella, this girl knew her thing. It was the biggest crowd pleaser of the night. During the intermission and after the show, the cabaret becomes a nightclub and you can dance your heart away to everything from Britney and Pitbull to Sophie Ellis Bextor and French dance pop. I can't say it was a bad show, we all had a good time, I think I'm just spoiled when it comes to drag queens. Although it wasn't drag perfection, it was still pretty fun. I don't think a trip to Montreal's Gay Village would be complete without at least one night here.

Reserved some seats for a bachelorette party and was told to arrive 15 minutes before the first showing to start but said nothing about losing the seats if we arrive after. Our dinner looked like it was running behind and i left mid-way to pick up the tickets. I asked and they even recommend not to come until next showing if we are going to be late for the first. We assumed we paid extra for reservation we can come late if something happens and still have our seat but that is not the case. its first come first serve after, even with reservations - minus one star and that is my only complaint. I will say it was a very entertaining show and everyone in our group enjoyed it thoroughly. We eventually got some tables in the front after another group left after the first showing. You do not need to speak french to enjoy as they do part of it in English if there are english speakers in the crowd. The host is hilarious and the performance were excellent! They have a bar for drinks and also another sever running around serving shots. i wish they would include some food services as Asia SF and Supperclub SF did but nonetheless, it was still a fun event. FYI - LOTs of bachelorette parties and we were one of them! The place is small so i have two suggestions: 1- if you make reservations, be sure to arrive 15 minutes before the first showing or else you'll lose your seats 2 - show up early anyways with no reservations since the place is small and intimate to get a good spot. i think it helps with the atmosphere. Would i go again - sure, if i'm ever in the area again and looking for some laughs and giggles. Would i recommend it, most definitely.

This place and Mado herself are an institution, it's joyful, kitchy, strobe lighty, and the performers and even the techs are amazingly cute. Mado herself is super funny, she was in full gleeful French mode since the PQ had just won, and making jokes about not needing to bother with English anymore, but when she chatted up a group of Japanese bridesmaids she switched into her excellent and firey witty English no problem, with a rapid fire string of Japanese to boot. The place feels clean and loved and like it's happy to embrace a timespace contiuuum somewhere between here and the nineties. Sometimes they'll amp up the strobe lights for a couple songs for no apparent reason which could be seizure inducing to the sensitive and kinda random to all others... except the ubiquitous 45 year old man with the blond tips, muscle top, who is just ready to dance alone to anything, no matter what. I heart him. It's a diverse friendly crowd. Tuesdays Mado hosts and sometimes you can catch all stars from Drag Races if you're lucky - the website won't be much help, the Facebook page is a bit better - during Pride week come here any night for full on awesome. Thanks to the glorious Bday lady Amy T for getting me back to this joyous dragventure, definitely tops my Tuesday todo's.

Good show, but way too crowded on Saturdays. If you want to be comfortable better make a reservation and arrive at least 30 min before the show. Since we don't speak French we got a little bit bored towards the end. Overall we had fun, but I probably won't go there again.

An interesting night a Mado's is always fun! The shows are fun and entertaining, and the people are actually nice. This was my first experience at Mado's I never had the opportunity to go before. They drinks were good, and Mado loves telling jokes. Shows usually don't start before 11pm, but there is always someone outside to welcome you in or trying to draw you in.

Wish I could give zero stars for the awful experience I had here. I was chaperoning a group of over 35 students at Mado's for an orientation event. We all paid cover but was extremely pressured to order alcohol as well. I couldn't drink because I was working and chaperoning, but the bartender loudly made a scene about it. I was standing by the bar to watch the show and he said that the area are for people drinking only. When asked for a cup for water, he gave me a plastic cup and told me to fill it up in the bathroom. I understand that they want to make money at the bar too but the customer service was atrocious. What if I didn't want to drink for any other reason? The pressure to order drinks made the night very unpleasant. The overall feeling here was negative and unwelcoming.

This could have been a fun show but the layout of the actual space is horrible and the staff is rude. You either pay more in advance for a table or have to stand and try to see around people. It was mostly in French so keep that in mind if you don't speak English. You think it won't bother you but there are ten minute periods of the host just talking in French. It is also SO hot inside that one of our group had to leave because she almost fainted. I would recommend skipping Mados altogether

This is a fun, approachable gay-oriented bar/entertainment venue in Montreal. I saw the most amazing Celine Dion/Kylie Minogue cabaret/grag performance here in the summer of 2008. SO GOOD!!!! A definite stop on any excursion to the Le Village in Montreal - gay or straight.

They put on a great show! Alot of the show is in French and I didn't understand some of the jokes because I don't know the language but that didn't take away from the experience at all. Had a great time. They allow you to go on stage and dance during intermission and after the show. They get pretty packed so be sure to get there early to try to get a table or at least get close to the stage. Definitely check it out, you'll have a blast!

Terrible bartender nearly ruined our night. My friends and I were so excited to see some drag! Excitedly paid our cover, cheered on the Queens and went to grab a beer at the bar. I paid for 2 and left a loonie on the bar. As I walked away the woman behind the bar shouted frantically for me to come back so I assumed I had forgotten something, she preceded to scream in my face that I needed to tip her more and demanded I give her another loonie on the spot. I handed her an extra toonie and told her to keep the change but felt totally signalled out and inappropriately accosted. We were planning to drink many cocktails since there were 8 of us and to tip all night long as we went but instead we left and brought our business somewhere else. What an awful way to be welcomed into a business. I am a conscientious person and do not take well to being yelled at in front of a bar full of people. If this was my establishment I wouldn't want a jerk like that representing my bar and treating people like crap unwarranted. Looks like it may have some fab queens but I will never go back and neither will my friends. F U bartender. The short lesbian with the gross attitude. Love A.J.

Only a $10 cover but the talent was worth so much more than that! Went in a group of 11 girls on a Saturday night and had a blast! Was crowded but we managed to seat-hop our way into the main seating area where the view was great and the airflow was kickin. Looked like the crowd was mostly women and bachelorette parties. I was adamantly against going to Club 281 and even though we didn't go there, I imagine Cabaret Mado is infinitely better!

So overpriced and overhyped. At least 10-20-30 mins between acts and they only do one song. Plus the huge cover charge and annoying host "banter" plus forced coat check make this a dud me.

Love Mado and Shirely 4-ever!!! If your spirit is free and your mind open...you must make spectacular memories. I always leave smiling

Great Cabaret club. The atmosphere was comfortable and the shows were high caliber. If you don't speak french the banter from the performers was only in french.

What a lousy place! There's a $12 cover then you HAVE to check your coat even though you could put it on the back of your chair. Drinks are ridonkulously expensive as well. $8 for a small coke with no rum... Common!!! Then it's a given that even though most of the dogs are in English absolutely NO English is spoken. Unless you're French you're out of luck.

Disappointed in the show. The Queens were not very good at all. Their outfits were horrible...boring and conservative (mumus, nun costumes, full coverage). All they did was lipsync and most were not even good at that. The hostess, Mado, was pretty good, though, since she's quick-witted and her outfits were regal for the Madame Hostess part. However, you need to be fluent in French to really enjoy her schtick. Her sidekick, Nana, was not so good. Her post -intermission outfit was ridiculous, worthy perhaps for one number, but for the entire second half to see her dressed as an old lady in a see-through négligé with sagging paper tits was boring and no longer funny. Also they spent too much time during their act on the floor rather than on the stage, so that takes away from enjoying if you don't have front row seating. Nana led a couple of group numbers where the songs were lively but her lipsyncing to them was expressionless and dull. None of the Queens had great outfits and their makeup was terrible. Venue was OK but not enough seating. Reserve a table in advance or expect to stand a few hours. Sorry, Cabaret Mado, I had really looked forward to the show but it was a waste of a night in the great city of Montreal for our group.