About 2040 Rue Saint-Denis
In Montreal’s Quartier Latin, 2040 Rue Saint-Denis is home to Turbo Haüs – an intimate cocktail bar and live music venue. The space is known for its DIY spirit and long ties to the local music scene (www.ticketfairy.com ). Founded by Montreal musicians, it has served as a hub for punk, metal, indie and other alternative bands (many of whom came up through the local underground) (www.ticketfairy.com ). According to archives, the venue’s capacity is roughly 150–250 people (depending on the stage and seating configuration) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Turbo Haüs traces its roots back to an early 2010s DIY club on Saint-Antoine Street downtown; it later launched a smaller location in the Saint-Henri neighborhood. In 2018 the owners relocated the venue into this current address, a former Italian restaurant called Amarone (therover.ca ) (therover.ca ). The move brought a fresh start in the Grands Boulevards area of downtown Montreal while retaining the venue’s rowdy charm.
Inside, the decor still shows its gritty roots. Turbo Haüs displays the original stone walls and exposed brick, giving it a loft-like character (www.ticketfairy.com ). In fact, the venue retains an antique copper espresso machine from the old café, and out front you’ll find the golden statue of a robed, redheaded woman making a shaka sign – a well-known landmark in Montreal’s Latin Quarter (www.ticketfairy.com ) (montreal.eater.com ). A signature feature is that the main cocktail bar sits in a room separate from the concert area, so bar patrons can drink and chat without disturbing the show (www.ticketfairy.com ). The overall vibe has been called warm and inclusive: one guide describes Turbo Haüs as a “vibrant DIY venue” with cheap food and drinks and a friendly atmosphere (www.themain.com ) (www.lavitrine.com ). This local character (rather than glitzy decor or high cover charges) is what makes the venue stand out on Saint-Denis.
Events and Programming
Turbo Haüs maintains a busy show schedule. Styles range from punk, hardcore and metal to indie-rock, with the occasional hip-hop, funk or electronic act topping the bill (montrealconcertposterarchive.com ). According to local guides, the venue is known for its “eclectic” lineup – it regularly hosts trivia quizzes, cult-film nights or even comedy open-mics on weeknights (www.themain.com ). Weekly open-jam sessions and themed karaoke parties are common midweek events, while Friday and Saturday nights are usually reserved for live band concerts. Performers have included many of Montreal’s up-and-coming scene (some now well-known local bands played early gigs here), as well as touring indie and alternative acts. Cover charges are generally modest: many local rock shows are around $10–$15, while larger showcase nights or touring bands might go for $15–$20. (One recent benefit concert was listed at $15–$25 with a sliding-scale donation policy (www.turbohaus.ca ).) Overall, visitors can expect at least one or two shows almost every night, with the programming geared toward music lovers rather than mainstream pop audiences.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for shows at 2040 Rue Saint-Denis can be purchased in several ways. Most events go on sale online through the venue’s official calendar or partner ticket platforms, but often the easiest method is to buy at the door on the night of the show. In practice Turbo Haüs often functions as its own box office – cash (and usually credit cards at the bar) are accepted at the entrance for tickets. Indeed, a concert archive notes that tickets are typically sold « sur place » (on site) or through affiliated partner networks, with many events priced accessibly (montrealconcertposterarchive.com ). If a concert looks popular, it’s wise to pre-buy as soon as possible; otherwise arriving early is recommended. There is no traditional daytime box-office window. In short, check the show online (via Turbo Haüs’s event page or listings) and either grab an e-ticket in advance or plan to line up before doors to buy your pass. The venue rarely uses complex tier levels – most shows have a single entry price – though occasionally special events or benefit concerts will add VIP or reserved-seating options for an extra fee.
Seating and Layout
2040 Rue Saint-Denis is primarily a general-admission standing-room venue. You enter through a small lobby and main bar area at the street corner, then step into the concert room toward the back. There are no fixed theater seats – people typically stand on the flat floor in front of the low stage, with only a few high-top tables or stools along the back if available. Because the main bar is in a separate front room (www.ticketfairy.com ), patrons aren’t forced to crowd the stage just to get a drink. For the closest view of the band, arrive early and hold a spot at the front – but at full capacity it will be packed. Some regulars prefer standing a few rows back or by the bar “door,” where they can hear well and sip a drink without being pinned at the speaker cabinets. The room’s high ceilings and hard brick walls give the sound a live, resonant quality. It can get extremely loud near the amplifiers, so many concertgoers bring ear plugs. In practice there are no bad spots: even at the very back you have a clear view of the stage. There are no balconies, mezzanines or elevated VIP sections – it’s one open loft-like space. In summary, if you want energy, stand up front; if you need some space, hang back by the bar or wall. Either way the floor plan is small enough that you can easily move around during a show.
Getting There and Parking
The venue’s address (2040 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal QC H2X 3K7) is often listed on event pages (www.turbohaus.ca ). It lies just north of downtown Montréal, so transit access is excellent. The Sherbrooke Metro station (Orange Line) is only one block east (exit at Berri & Sherbrooke) (www.metrodemontreal.com ), and the larger Berri-UQAM station (Orange, Green, Yellow lines) is two blocks south. Many bus routes run in the area (Sherbrooke and De Maisonneuve Streets have frequent buses), so taking public transit is usually easiest. If you drive, note that Rue Saint-Denis is one-way (southbound) north of Sherbrooke; from downtown you’d approach on Sherbrooke or Berri and then head down St-Denis. Street parking is very limited: most nearby spots are metered or permit-only, and they fill up early on event nights. There is no private lot for Turbo Haüs. Instead, some guests use nearby paid lots or garages (for example a pay garage at Sherbrooke & Berri is within a few blocks). Rideshare/taxi drop-offs can be made on Rue St-Denis in front of the club (watch out for any festival tents or sidewalk setups as were noted during Nuit Blanche (globalnews.ca )). After shows, cabs often line up on Sherbrooke or nearby streets. In all cases, plan your route in advance and allow extra time – especially when major festivals are in town – since one-way streets and street-cleaning rules can be tricky. Overall, most locals recommend taking the metro or a taxi rather than hunting for street parking, given how busy this part of the Plateau is.
Inside the Venue
When you arrive, staff will typically check your ID (photo ID is required as the club is 18+ (www.turbohaus.ca )) and ticket (paper or e-ticket). The space is cozy and dimly lit, with the main bar just inside the entrance. After passing the bar you enter the main hall. Security is minimal – usually just a quick bag check or pat-down at the door – so don’t expect metal detectors. Inside, you’ll find a few stools and tables along the walls, but most patrons stand for shows. The bar remains open during concerts (since it’s separate from the stage) so there’s no need to leave the room to order drinks. Bartenders and staff are generally friendly and laid-back (www.themain.com ). The bar accepts both cash and credit cards for drinks; major cards are widely accepted, but crowd‐favored smaller shows might be cash-only at the door. The venue does not offer public Wi-Fi, so it’s best to have a charged phone. Coat racks or a small coat check area may be available on busy nights, but space is tight – many recommend keeping jackets with you or leaving them in the car. Look around and you’ll often see band T-shirts and flyers on the walls; touring bands typically set up merch tables in the hall. Finally, remember Montreal’s laws: no smoking indoors is allowed, so smokers use the sidewalk outside. In short, expect an informal, concert-hall atmosphere: bar service is quick, your belongings are your responsibility, and the staff are there to help keep the show running smoothly.
Nearby Amenities
Because Turbo Haüs sits just steps from central Montreal, you’ll find dozens of dining and nightlife options within a short walk (www.themain.com ). On Rue St-Denis and the surrounding blocks there are casual eateries – poutine and burger shops, pizza slices, diners and ethnic takeouts – for a quick pre-show meal. Many sit-down restaurants (Italian, Asian, Middle Eastern, etc.) line nearby streets like St-Laurent Boulevard and Boulevard de Maisonneuve, and smaller bistros or brewpubs are clustered around the Sherbrooke/Berri area (the Sherbrooke metro exit). For a coffee or snacks, chains and convenience stores are within blocks. The crowd often heads to the bars on Sherbrooke or Crescent for happy hour right before shows. After the show, St-Denis itself is lined with late-night pubs and lounges where people spill into the sidewalk – in fact the whole Latin Quarter stays lively until the early morning. As for lodging, hotels are plentiful a few blocks east and south. Best Western and other downtown hotels near Sherbrooke are a 5-10 minute walk, and budget hostels on St-Denis or Ste-Catherine are similarly close. In summary: arrive at least an hour before doors if you want a sit-down dinner (Sherbrooke Street has more formal choices), or grab quick eats on St-Denis and then head in. Whatever your choice, you’re unlikely to go hungry, given the neighborhood’s restaurant density.
What Makes This Venue Special
Turbo Haüs’s charm comes from its strong DIY roots and local-culture vibe. Rather than a slick corporate club, it was built by Montreal musicians who wanted a proper venue for alternative music. The longtime patrons and performers see it as a community hub – it’s the kind of place where a basement band can play onstage one night and become a local favorite the next. The decor emphasizes this authenticity: the old stone walls, exposed brick and vintage espresso machine create a homely, lived-in feel (www.ticketfairy.com ). The out-front redheaded statue and hand-painted signage make it obvious you’re not at a generic bar, but at one-of-a-kind spot. Ownership-wise, Turbo Haüs’s operators even became local champions of Montreal’s nightlife. For example, the co-owner publicly warned against overzealous noise complaints and spoke of the city’s music scene as a “fragile ecosystem” that venues like this sustain (therover.ca ). Patrons often remark on the “family” atmosphere – regulars stand by the bar talking in pairs, and many bands recognize faces in the crowd. All these quirks – the quirky statue, the no-frills interior, and the owners’ devotion to punk ethics – keep Turbo Haüs truly unique in Montreal’s bar scene.
Visitor Tips and Information
Don’t forget your ID (this is an 18+ venue (www.turbohaus.ca )) and plan for a casual night out. A small bag or purse is fine, but large backpacks or coolers will likely be searched or denied. Photography (for personal use) is generally allowed, but flash should be avoided during shows. The music gets very loud, so consider bringing earplugs or noise-canceling hearing protection if you stand near the speakers. Dress is informal – jeans, band shirts, leather jackets and comfortable shoes are common – but wear layers in cold weather (you might wait outside). One big “don’t”: outside food and drinks are not permitted. Also be aware that Montreal enforces a strict indoor smoking ban, so smoking areas are only outside on the sidewalk. Arrive early: doors often open about 30–60 minutes before showtime, giving you time to grab a drink, use the restroom and find your spot. It’s wise to eat dinner ahead of time (many come an hour early to dine on Sherbrooke or St-Denis). Finally, know the neighborhood: walking between nearby bars and restaurants is generally safe, but always lock your belongings and beware of traffic when standing on the sidewalk outside. Follow these tips and you’ll be ready to enjoy the friendly, high-energy atmosphere that makes Turbo Haüs so special.
What kind of venue is 2040 Rue Saint-Denis?
2040 Rue Saint-Denis is home to Turbo Haüs , a cocktail bar and small music club. It has a DIY, underground vibe – run by local musicians – and hosts alternative live shows. Its decor (stone walls, vintage espresso machine) and even a large statue outside mark it as a unique, independent venue (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). It’s not part of a chain or big company.
What events and shows are held at this venue?
Turbo Haüs primarily features live music – especially punk, hardcore, metal, indie and alt-rock bands (montrealconcertposterarchive.com ). It also hosts themed nights like open-jam sessions, karaoke parties, comedy or trivia on slower evenings (www.themain.com ). Look at the club’s event calendar for specifics, but expect at least one or two concerts every weekend, plus occasional weeknight events. Ticket prices are generally low (around $10–$20 for most shows). For example, a benefit concert in 2023 was $15–$25 with a sliding-scale policy (www.turbohaus.ca ).
How do I get tickets and what are the prices?
Tickets can usually be bought online or at the venue. Turbo Haüs often sells tickets “sur place” (at the door) and through partner sites (montrealconcertposterarchive.com ), so you can arrive before the show and pay for your entry. Many promoters also list the show on social media or small ticket sites. Pricing is generally affordable: local band shows are often around $10–$15, while bigger lineups might be $15–$20. (Most shows don’t use expensive service fees.) If a show is popular, consider buying in advance, but casual shows can often be handled at the door too.
What is the capacity and layout of the venue?
The space holds roughly 150–250 people (depending on setup) (www.ticketfairy.com ). It is essentially one big room plus a side bar area. There are no fixed seats – it’s mostly standing-room. The main bar is separated from the stage area (www.ticketfairy.com ), so you can drink at the front without blocking the crowd. The stage is at one end and you can stand anywhere on the floor. There are a few stools or tables around the edges, but no VIP or balcony. For the best view, arrive early to secure a front-row spot; otherwise you can stand a bit further back and still see and hear the show well.
What’s the nearest Metro station or transit to 2040 Rue St-Denis?
The closest Metro stop is Sherbrooke station on the Orange Line (Berri exit), which is just one block east of St-Denis (www.metrodemontreal.com ). Berri-UQAM station (Orange, Green, Yellow Lines) is also very close (about 2 blocks south). Several bus lines run along Sherbrooke and St-Laurent nearby as well. Given limited parking, most locals recommend taking the Metro or a bus.
Is 2040 Rue St-Denis accessible by car, and is parking available?
Street parking around 2040 is very limited. St-Denis is a metered, one-way street, and nearby spots (meter or permit) fill up quickly on show nights. There is no private parking lot for the venue. Some drivers use paid lots or garages in the area (for example near Sherbrooke & Berri). During big events or festivals, alternate transportation is advised. Valet drop-offs (Uber/taxi) can use the curb on St-Denis in front of the bar, but watch out for any sidewalk closures (globalnews.ca ). In summary, driving yourself is possible but tricky; public transit or rideshare is often easier.
What is the age restriction for entry?
Turbo Haüs is strictly 18+ for all events (www.turbohaus.ca ). You must show a valid photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.) at the door. Under-18s are not permitted even if accompanied by an adult.
Are outside food or drinks allowed inside?
No. Outside food and beverages (including alcohol) are prohibited. Turbo Haüs has a full cocktail bar inside, so all drinks should be purchased there. If you bring a snack or a drink from outside, you will likely be turned away at the door.
Is there coat check or lockers?
The venue does not have a formal coat check service for every show. Sometimes during busy nights there may be a small coat rack or unattended space, but this is not guaranteed. It’s best to minimize what you carry (keep phones or wallets in pockets) or leave large coats/bags at your hotel before arriving.
Does Turbo Haüs have Wi-Fi or charging stations?
No, Turbo Haüs does not offer public Wi-Fi or dedicated charging outlets for patrons. Plan to use your mobile data or carry a portable battery if needed.
Can I record or take photos of the show?
Personal photos and videos are generally allowed as long as they’re non-flash and for personal use. However, some performers may ask audience members not to use flash photography or video during their set. It’s courteous to ask the performer or watch the crowd: if others aren’t using phones, it might be a hint to put yours away.
What time do doors and shows usually start?
There’s no fixed time for every event, but doors typically open about 30–60 minutes before the first act. For example, one event notice showed “Doors 8:00 PM, Show 8:30 PM” (www.turbohaus.ca ). Always check the specific event listing for exact timings. Arriving early is a good idea to get a drink and secure a spot.
What can I bring to make my visit more comfortable?
Since you’ll likely be standing, bring earplugs if you’re sensitive to loud music. Wear comfortable shoes for dancing or standing. In winter, a warm coat is needed for waiting outside in line, but you may be asked to leave it at the door or keep it over your chair. Bringing cash is handy (for small vendors or tips); the bar accepts cards but having cash can speed up service. A charged phone is recommended (there’s no venue Wi-Fi) and your ID is required.
Is smoking or vaping allowed inside?
No. Montreal law forbids smoking and vaping inside bars and clubs. If you need to smoke or vape, you must go outside to the sidewalk area. (As a venue with open doors, be careful when stepping out into traffic.)
