Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill

"Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill is hailed as one of the finest live-music jazz venues in Montreal—you'll find pros dropping in to listen as well as perform. The space is a small and intimate club downtown, so there really isn't a bad seat in the house. But the seats at the bar are the most comfortable. You'll see a lot of local legends, such as renowned drummer Jim Doxas, blues queen Dawn Tyler Watson, and singer Ranee Lee. But international musicians often headline at Upstairs too, which was also the first off-site jazz club to be a part of the Montreal International Jazz Festival. Upstairs, which has been selected by Downbeat Magazine as one of the world’s 150 most important jazz clubs, is a great place to bring a date, hang out with friends, or simply enjoy an evening of live music. Also worth noting: the pretty dinner menu includes a good steak." - Todd Plummer

"Despite the popularity of the Montreal International Jazz Festival, this bar represents one of the few establishments in the city where live jazz can be found every week from Wednesday to Saturday. Its owner and artistic director Joel Giberovitch makes a point of bringing in both local and international acts to enjoy over cocktails, wine, and a long dinner menu." - JP Karwacki

"Upstairs, located downtown, is home to many Montreal-based acts, such as renowned drummer Jim Doxas, blues queen Dawn Tyler Watson, and jazz legend Ranee Lee. But international musicians often headline at the club too, which was also the first off-site jazz club to be a part of the Montreal International Jazz Festival; it has also been selected by Downbeat Magazine as one of the world’s 150 most important jazz clubs, so you know there'll always be something good on." - Todd Plummer

"What's this place known for? Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill is hailed as one of the finest live-music jazz venues in Montreal—you'll find pros dropping in to listen as well as perform. How are the seats? Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill is a small and intimate club downtown, so there really isn't a bad seat in the house. But the seats at the bar are the most comfortable. So, what makes this place special and worth visiting? You'll see a lot of local legends, such as renowned drummer Jim Doxas, blues queen Dawn Tyler Watson, and singer Ranee Lee. But international musicians often headline at Upstairs too, which was also the first off-site jazz club to be a part of the Montreal International Jazz Festival. At the end of the day, who's it best for? Upstairs, which has been selected by Downbeat Magazine as one of the world’s 150 most important jazz clubs, is a great place to bring a date, hang out with friends, or simply enjoy an evening of live music. Also worth noting: the pretty dinner menu includes a good steak." - Richard Burnett