Where to Grab a Drink in Quebec City?
For an apéritif with friends or a final nightcap before heading home… here are our favorite spots to grab a drink in Quebec City.
Quebec City has that rare gift of turning any evening into a glowing little escape. Whether it’s a spontaneous after-work drink, a night out planned weeks in advance, or simply the urge to soak up the vibe of a neighborhood, the city offers countless places to stop, toast, and savor the moment. It’s a city you can drink in just as beautifully as you visit.
From the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec to the lively backstreets of Saint-Roch, by way of Saint-Sauveur and Limoilou, every neighborhood has its own signature, its own rhythm, that special something that makes you want to linger. You’ll find cozy wine bars pouring carefully curated bottles, lively spots where cocktails flow to the beat of the music, creative breweries showcasing local talent, and even tiny counters that surprise with short but perfectly executed drink lists. In short, whether you’re team bubbles, local IPA, vibrant sake, or ultra-classic martini, Quebec City has the perfect address for you.
What we love most are the atmospheres. The bar where everyone knows each other and the bartender gives you advice like a friend. The more intimate spot where you settle in to solve the world over a glass of natural wine. The buzzing room where you start casually and, without realizing it, stay for hours. And of course, the summer terraces—because in Quebec City, when the sun comes out, it’s as if the whole city decides to celebrate together.
To guide you through your next outings, we’ve gathered our favorite addresses: places where you drink well, feel good, and where every glass becomes its own little story. In Quebec City, the evening can start anywhere—and we’re here to help you choose the right spot.
And in summer, we also recommend sipping on something fresh at the beautiful local vineyards, especially those on Île d’Orléans.
Cheers!
jjacques
jjacques is that hidden bar we always come back to. The atmosphere is hushed, spellbinding, almost mysterious. You’ll find excellent seafood and thoughtfully crafted small plates on the menu. The cocktails by Frédéric Pouliot are flawless—both the classics and the original creations. The wine list is just as expertly curated. It’s no coincidence that jjacques has held a spot on Canada’s 100 Best list since 2022. A practical bonus: they’re open on Mondays, and the kitchen serves until 1 a.m. It’s truly one of Quebec City’s go-to spots for a great drink.
Québec
Le Bijou • Salon à cocktails
Located inside Hôtel Monsieur Jean, Le Bijou is a chic little lounge without any of the snobbery. Perfect for a date night or a little indulgence, especially thanks to its cocktail menu that blends well-executed classics with original creations. You snack on tapas, settle in comfortably, and forget about time for a while. It’s elegant yet approachable—the kind of hotel bar you genuinely love.
Québec
Staff Only
Above Santa Cruz, Staff Only leans fully into mystery—and it works. The décor blends curiosities, low lighting, and an underground vibe. You almost feel like you’ve stepped into a 1920s cabaret. People come primarily for the cocktails, which are inventive and refined, and for the small menu that pairs beautifully with an evening out. There’s even a secret cocktail for the truly curious. In short: a bar where you love to stretch the night out.
Québec
Justine
In Quebec City’s Lower Town, Justine is a little forbidden-looking bar hidden behind dark curtains. Inside, it delivers full speakeasy vibes: dim lighting, music just loud enough, and beautifully crafted classic cocktails. The small plates are ideal for sharing—charcuterie, bites, and generous boards. It feels a bit like a scene straight out of Peaky Blinders. A great spot for lingering into the night.
Québec
Maelstrøm Saint-Roch
Whenever we’re in Quebec City, we love stopping by Maelstrøm for brunch or a great coffee. But we also go back in the evening, when the place transforms into a cocktail bar: softer lighting, original drinks, shareable plates, and sometimes comedy or live music nights. It’s a versatile spot that always delivers, no matter the time of day.
Québec
Le Don
Le Don remains a sure bet for great food and great drinks—vegan style. The menu is generous, colorful, and truly delicious (even for those who aren’t fully plant-based). The atmosphere is relaxed and a little eclectic, and the cocktails are always well balanced. Perfect for a boozy brunch or a laid-back aperitif.
Québec
Louise Taverne & Bar à Vin
Louise is the kind of place where you step in “for one drink” and end up staying all night. The atmosphere is just dim enough, with well-executed classic cocktails, a carefully curated wine list, and a seriously solid kitchen.
Québec
Va Bene bar antipasto
Va Bene brings the spirit of Italian aperitivo to Quebec City. The space is compact and lively, and the service moves fast between boards of antipasti, crispy supplì, mortadella, burrata, and fresh pasta. It’s convivial, perfectly noisy, and best enjoyed with a spritz or a glass of pinot grigio.
Québec
Buvette Scott
Small, cozy, and always buzzing, Buvette Scott is the ideal spot for a glass of natural wine and a few shareable plates. The menu changes often, the food is fresh and well executed, and the vibe is effortlessly relaxed. The kind of wine bar where you stop in “just for one drink” and happily stay for two more.
Québec
Griendel - Brasserie Artisanale
The Griendel microbrewery has found a second life in Montcalm, with a more spacious room and an incredible 70-seat terrace. The beers—still as good as ever—are brewed with the same care, and the menu features simple, flavorful dishes made with local ingredients. A perfect spot for a beer with friends.
Québec
Alphonse Cuisine & Cocktails
Housed in a former credit union in Old Quebec, Alphonse overflows with charm. The bistro showcases modern Québécois cuisine done right, along with a wine and spirits list that invites exploration. Tourists stop by, but it’s truly been embraced by locals. A warm, welcoming spot to grab a drink and a bite.
Québec
La Barberie - Microbrasserie & Restaurant
A true pioneer of craft beer in Quebec City, La Barberie remains a rock-solid classic. In summer, its lush terrace is one of the most pleasant in the city. You’ll find creative beers brewed on site (special mention to their sours!) and an ultra-laid-back atmosphere. A timeless favorite that hasn’t lost any of its charm.
Québec
Jekyll & Hyde Bar à tapas
Jekyll & Hyde delivers a winning duo: creative tapas and expertly crafted cocktails. The ambiance is chic without being pretentious, and it quickly becomes festive in the evening with weekend DJs. The kitchen serves until 2 a.m., making it an excellent spot to extend your aperitif—or kick off the night.
Québec
Noctem Artisans Brasseurs St-Roch
Noctem is the colorful pub that loves cats—and it shows all over the menu. Their feline-themed beers are delicious, surprising, and pair perfectly with the short but seriously indulgent food menu. It’s friendly, fun, and unpretentious. A perfect spot for a relaxed drink with friends.
Québec
Chez Tao!
Chez Tao is Asia street-food style: bold-flavored dishes, cocktails inspired by Southeast Asia, and a décor that blends tiki vibes with a bright dive-bar feel. It’s energetic, lively, delicious, and ideal for kicking off a night on a festive note—or just hanging out and chilling.
Québec
Gisèle Buvette
Gisèle is the perfect neighborhood wine bar: lively wines, tasty small plates, vinyl spinning in the background, and a super relaxed vibe. It’s impossible not to feel at home here. Open since 2025, it’s already become a Saint-Sauveur favorite. You stop in for one drink… and stay until late.
Québec
Taverne Jos Dion
Jos Dion is the legendary tavern on the border of Saint-Roch and Saint-Sauveur. A true slice of working-class Quebec, with walls covered in memories and a wonderfully mixed crowd that gives the place its soul. You come for a cold beer, to chat, to watch a game—and to enjoy a spot with real character.
Québec
Limoncello bistro italien
In Limoilou, Limoncello is the perfect no-fuss dinner spot: fresh pasta, well-made pizzas, and simple, tasty cocktails. The atmosphere is warm and convivial—ideal for a drink with friends before (or after) a great meal. Unpretentious, reliable, and always enjoyable.
Québec
Coquette
A small neighborhood buvette by the team behind Kebec Club Privé, Coquette focuses on delicate, ocean-inspired dishes and a fresh, vibrant cocktail menu. It’s light, simple, and beautifully executed—perfect for an aperitif. The charming pink bar is especially great for a relaxed date. A lovely addition to Montcalm.
Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
La Souche - Microbrasserie (Limoilou)
La Souche Limoilou is the quintessential neighborhood microbrewery: 18 beers on tap, an upgraded pub-style menu, and a consistently welcoming vibe. Perfect for a pint and a great burger.
Québec
Microbrasserie - Les Grands Bois
Housed in a former movie theater, Les Grands Bois has become a Saint-Casimir staple. Excellent beers, a strong cultural vibe, and a performance hall upstairs that hosts artists from near and far. You drink, eat simply, and catch a show. A true gathering place, just the way we like it.
Saint-Casimir
Microbrasserie de l'Île d’Orléans - Pub le Mitan
A must-stop during an island getaway. Charming views, classic pub food, and delightful local beers to enjoy on the terrace. Nothing complicated—just a great place to stop, relax, and breathe in the island air.
Sainte-Famille
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Photography by jjacques
