About Bar La Shop
Bar La Shop is a longstanding nightlife venue in Montreal’s Plateau Mont-Royal district. Located at 4177 Rue Saint-Denis (2e étage) (www.rue-saint-denis.com ) (artbattle.com ), it bills itself as “le bar des bars” and has been open for over four decades (www.rue-saint-denis.com ). The club occupies an intimate two-floor space above street level, giving it a hidden, underground vibe. Inside, it’s fairly small – one reviewer even calls it a “little bar” with a pool table and couches lining the dance floor (canadareviewers.com ). Despite its size, Bar La Shop is notable for its vibrant electronic music scene and inclusive atmosphere. It caters to Montreal’s diverse nightlife, especially fans of techno, dark electro, goth and alternative dance music. Its long history and reputation as an LGBTQ+‐friendly, arts-focused club make it a fixture of the local party scene (husasounds.com ) (bar-la-shop.wheree.com ).
Events and Programming
Bar La Shop hosts parties and concerts almost every weekend (and often mid-week) featuring DJs and live electronic acts. The programming tends toward underground techno, industrial, synthpop and related genres. You’ll find events by local collectives, such as Techno Crudo, AlpaKa Muzik, SPACES Live and others. For example, on Dec 11, 2024 the Techno Crudo collective held a night at Bar La Shop with a lineup of local DJs (ra.co ). In Sept 2024, label AlpaKa Muzik celebrated its 5th anniversary there (with early-bird $12 tickets) (it.ra.co ). Montreal’s Art Battle competitions (live painting battles) also use the space; for instance the Montreal Championship Art Battle was held on July 17, 2025 at Bar La Shop (artbattle.com ). Earlier events have included international guests (e.g. techno legend Rob Acid headlining SPACES Live) and local favorites. Recurring promo nights include “Back Room Social” underground techno parties (recently on Mar 27, 2023 (ra.co )) and queer-centric techno events like “Heavy Load” as covered by local blogs (husasounds.com ). Many nights feature a lineup of 3–5 DJs playing everything from pulsing techno to darkwave. Notable past performances include local DJs such as Charlatan, Shigero and Maltazar (ra.co ), among others. In short, if it’s electronic dance music or art battle night, there’s a good chance Bar La Shop has an event on its calendar. Ticket prices are generally affordable (often $5–15), with specifics announced per show (ra.co ) (it.ra.co ).
Tickets and Booking
Bar La Shop does not have a physical box office – tickets are sold through the event organizers. Most events use online ticketing (often via Montreal promoters or platforms like Eventbrite). For example, Art Battle events use Eventbrite links (artbattle.com ). Tickets typically go on sale a few weeks before each event. Many nightclub nights offer cheap presales and a higher at-door price. As one recent birthday invite noted, presale tickets were $7 and door $10 (ra.co ). A 2023 techno party had $8 presale / $12 at door (ra.co ). Big anniversary shows might list $12–15 (all taxes included) (it.ra.co ). Generally, follow the promoter’s social page or the Bar La Shop Facebook for ticket links. For sold-out or last-minute shows it’s often best to arrive early and queue, since many tickets are held at the door. Keep in mind some events (especially club nights) prefer cash at the door – the “Techno Crudo” night in Dec 2024 was cash-only for $9 GA or $5 student tickets (ra.co ). In summary: check event pages or local listings for tickets, buy presale if possible, and remember that door sales are usually available (cash recommended).
Seating and Layout
Bar La Shop is primarily a standing-room dance club with only a few lounge areas. The main layout is one open floor. Along one wall there are cushioned couches and occasional tables, giving some seated VIP-style spots (canadareviewers.com ). The opposite side of the space is the bar and a pool table (canadareviewers.com ). In between is a small dance floor in front of the DJ. There is no formal stage; DJs play on an elevated booth at floor level so the crowd is essentially on the dance stage with them. Sightlines are generally good all around – most people stand on the dance floor or near the couches. For the best view of DJs and maximum immersion, head straight onto the dance floor. If you need a rest, the couches along the wall provide a comfortable perch, though they are at the edges of the party. (Be aware a pool table sits near the couches – often in play when no event is on.) Acoustically, Bar La Shop is known for its sound system. Reviews praise its “great sound system” (bar-la-shop.wheree.com ). In fact, one event listing even notes “Sound: Meyer Sound” as the audio gear (it.ra.co ). The audio mixes are generally clear and powerful, suitable for techno and EDM. There is no seating in front of the DJ booth except on the floor. The venue holds a small crowd (likely under a few hundred at full capacity), so even the “front” standing spots are close to the DJ. There is no VIP balcony or separate upper level besides the single room. In summary, viewing at Bar La Shop is a true standing/dancing experience with only a few lounge niches; your ideal spot depends on whether you want to dance or chill on a couch with others watching the floor.
Getting There and Parking
Bar La Shop is located at 4177 St-Denis, on a lively section of the Plateau near Laurier and Mont-Royal Avenues (www.rue-saint-denis.com ) (artbattle.com ). If you’re driving, on-street parking can be a challenge late-night. Paid metered parking is enforced on St-Denis and nearby streets, especially from Monday to Saturday evenings – plan to pay meters or find a commercial lot (for example, there’s a public lot near Laurier Metro). Carpool drop-off or rideshares (Uber/Taxi) are common: just be ready to be let off on St-Denis in front of 4177. If you drive, leave early enough to hunt for a spot or consider parking a few blocks away where easier. For transit, take advantage of Montreal’s bus and metro. The closest Metro (subway) stations are Laurier (Orange Line) a 8-10 min walk west, or Mont-Royal (Orange Line) about a 10-12 min walk via Mount-Royal Avenue. Bus routes run along St-Denis itself – for example, the 46 St-Denis bus passes very near 4177. The Noctilien overnight buses (300-series) also stop on nearby streets after midnight. Bixi bike-share has stations out front and around the block (like at Sherbrooke/St-Denis and Mont-Royal/St-Denis) if you bike. In short: easily reach Bar La Shop by metro + walk or by bus; parking is limited so expect city metered parking or use transit/rideshare.
Inside the Venue
Inside Bar La Shop you’ll enter through a nondescript door on Rue St-Denis and walk upstairs (it’s on the second floor (artbattle.com )). There will typically be a cover charge line and ID check at the door for 18+ (Quebec legal age). Once inside, the atmosphere is dark, energetic and party-friendly. The décor is understated: think club lighting (LEDs and strobes) and tight dance-floor layout. The bar counter is on the side, serving beer, cocktails and spirits at very reasonable prices (one review notes drinks are “affordably priced” (bar-la-shop.wheree.com )). Don’t expect full restaurant service or food beyond basic bar snacks (there is no kitchen). Keep your phone charged for pictures, but be mindful of others – casual phone photography is usually fine but large cameras or flash might not be allowed. Coat check is available for a fee (especially on chilly nights), but come early to avoid crowds. Some visitors caution that the coat check can get hectic at peak times (bar-la-shop.wheree.com ), so keep valuables close or use a small bag. There is a bathroom area (with both men’s and women’s rooms), and presumably a unisex toilet, but no explicit signage of gender-neutral facilities. (Note: Bar La Shop is on an upper floor with stairs; it likely has no elevator.) The club is non-smoking inside (Montreal law), so smokers step out front on the sidewalk. The staff (bouncers and bartenders) are generally friendly, and a small crowd of experienced club-goers means audiences are respectful (bar-la-shop.wheree.com ). Security is present at the door and on the floor – typical event safety rules apply (no weapons, fluids, or professional video gear, etc). Coat and bag checks are often offered, sometimes at a small cost. The vibe is casual to clubwear (jeans, tees, leggings, etc.); definitely no strict dress code. The sound blasts from the DJ booth and the dance floor often fills the room. Overall, expect an unpretentious underground club experience: quick-draw bar service, a bouncy dance floor, and pockets of seating by the wall and pool table for a break.
Nearby Amenities
The block around Bar La Shop is bustling with pre- and post-party spots. St-Denis itself has dozens of cafes, restaurants and bars a block away, so you have many dining options before a show. For pre-show dinner or drinks, local favorites include casual bistros and pubs along St-Denis and parallel streets (for example, a few blocks north you’ll find bar-grills and sandwich shops near Mont-Royal). If you prefer something more upscale, there are trendy restaurants on nearby Laurier or Mont-Royal Avenue. Late-night food is also plentiful: pizza and food trucks operate late on weekends in this area, or you can duck into 24/7 spots (like diner bars near St-Laurent). Around the corner on Mont-Royal or Laurier there are bars and breweries for post-show drinks; some nights people head to the bars on St-Laurent (like Dieu du Ciel! or Lambi). As for hotels, the Plateau isn’t wall-to-wall with big hotels, but there are a few budget and boutique options within a 10-15 min walk (for example, Hotel St-Denis at 404 Rue St-Denis is a small motel/inn roughly half a kilometer away). Many visitors simply stay downtown (Berri-UQAM area or Ville-Marie hotels) and take a short cab or subway up. In any case, aim to arrive 30–45 minutes before the event start time to account for street parking, a quick bite at a nearby cafe, or a last-minute stop. Public restos and bars nearby stay open late – but don’t expect underground clubs past 3AM due to curfew. For late-night transport after a show, note that metro lines close around 1AM and night buses run afterwards; you may need to rely on taxi/rideshare after 3AM when the club closes.
What Makes This Venue Special
Bar La Shop stands out as one of Montreal’s old-school, “boutique” nightlife spaces. Its 44-year history (www.rue-saint-denis.com ) gives it pedigree: long-time Montrealers see it as a survivor from earlier club eras on St-Denis, yet it still feels fresh with new promos and nights. Architecturally, it’s not flashy or new-build; it’s housed in a vintage Plateau building with a no-frills, gritty charm. The fact that it’s somewhat hidden (upstairs, on a narrow street) adds to its mystique. Culturally, La Shop has become synonymous with inclusivity and underground culture. Multiple sources highlight its role in the local electronic and LGBTQ+ scene (husasounds.com ) (bar-la-shop.wheree.com ). For instance, one guide celebrated it as a safe queer-friendly space for techno in the Plateau (husasounds.com ), and City critics note its vibrant, open-minded crowd. Artists and DJs favor La Shop because of its intimate vibe – playing here means a real connection with the audience. Its strong sound system (even noted as “Meyer Sound” on event flyers (it.ra.co )) and considerate crowd (reviewers mention a “respectful crowd” in one of the monthly art battles (bar-la-shop.wheree.com )) make each event feel both polished and communal. The bar’s unconventional layout – including the pool table and side couches – creates a social lounge feel unusual in many clubs (canadareviewers.com ). Over the years, it’s seen some legendary nights (local lore speaks of epic back-to-back DJ stays) and quietly hosted art shows, making it more than “just another bar”. In short, Bar La Shop’s legacy, its combination of cozy seating and dancefloor, and its reputation as a welcoming hub for niche music and culture give it a unique character highly prized by Montreal artists and audiences alike.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility & Policies: Bar La Shop is 18+ (Quebec drinking age) and ID is required at the door. The club is on the second floor, reached by stairs (artbattle.com ), so it is not wheelchair-accessible. There is no mandatory dress code, but comfortable club attire and sturdy shoes for dancing are recommended. Expect a standard club security check – bags may be inspected. Smoking is not allowed indoors (it’s fully non-smoking inside). Phones and small cameras are usually fine, but keep flash off and be considerate of others’ privacy. No re-entry after you leave (typical club rule), so plan accordingly. The venue does have coat check for a small fee; however, some visitors caution that the coat check can get chaotic on busy nights (bar-la-shop.wheree.com ), so travel light and keep valuables on your person. Bar La Shop operates late – doors often open around 9–10PM and music runs until 3AM. Shows can be late on weekdays and weekends. Arriving by 10PM or when doors open is wise for popular events. Bars serve mixed drinks, beer and wine; cash can be handy, as sometimes cards are slow to process during peak hours. Avoid these mistakes: Don’t arrive too early (the club doesn’t open until around 10PM for most events). Don’t expect fast food from the venue itself (food must be purchased outside). Avoid bringing large backpacks – space is tight. If you bring a coat, use coat check immediately. Finally, be respectful: La Shop prides itself on zero tolerance for harassment or hate (husasounds.com ). Cheers and socializing are encouraged, but rowdy or disrespectful behavior could get you removed. Insider tips: Follow Bar La Shop’s social media or check local electronic music listings; many shows are one-off collaborations with collectives. Presale tickets (if offered) sell out for big nights, so get them early. Otherwise, arriving within the first hour of start time usually still lets you in without a long line. Utilize public transit or late-night buses after the show – even though the club closes at 3AM, some 24-hour buses run nearby or hail a taxi from Laurier Metro. Lastly, chat up the bartenders or regulars – they often know of after-parties (some flyers mention after-hours at partner venues) or off-hours events that happen in Montreal’s underground scene.
How do I buy tickets for Bar La Shop events?
Tickets are sold by the event promoters, not at a box office. You usually get them online or at the door. Many nights sell presale tickets through local promoters or platforms (like Eventbrite for art events (artbattle.com )) and then tablets sell at the door. If pre-sale isn’t available, arrive early to buy at the door (often cash-only (ra.co )).
What do tickets typically cost?
Most shows at Bar La Shop are very affordable. Dance nights often list tickets from about $5–10. For example, one techno event had $7 presale and $10 at the door (ra.co ). Another party was $8 early/$12 door (ra.co ). Special events or anniversary nights can be a bit higher (around $12–15 (it.ra.co )). Always check the specific event flyer for exact prices.
Can I buy tickets at the door or do I need to pre-book?
Generally, you can buy tickets at the door for Bar La Shop events (unless marked “sold out”). Promoters often hold tickets for door sale and accept cash. That said, for very popular shows it’s safer to grab presale tickets if they’re offered, since door lines can form. But in most cases, the bar will sell you a ticket at the door up until capacity is reached (ra.co ) (ra.co ).
Where is Bar La Shop located?
Bar La Shop’s address is 4177 Rue Saint-Denis, 2e étage (Plateau-Mont-Royal), Montreal, QC H2W 2M7 (www.rue-saint-denis.com ) (artbattle.com ). It’s on a lively block near the Laurier and Mont-Royal Ave cross streets.
What is the parking situation?
There is no private parking lot for Bar La Shop. Street parking is available but limited, and most is metered (check posted rules). Paid parking lots and garages are a few blocks away (for example, near Laurier Metro). Ridesharing (Uber/taxi) is a convenient alternative, with drop-off right on St-Denis in front of the club.
How do I get there by public transit?
The nearest Metro (subway) station is Laurier (Orange Line), about a 10-minute walk west. Mont-Royal station (also Orange Line) is a 10–15 minute walk to the south. Several STM buses run on or near St-Denis; for example, the 46 bus goes along St-Denis and St-Joseph. Late-night, the 427 all-night bus also stops nearby. In practice, many visitors take the Metro to Laurier and then walk north on St-Denis to 4177.
Are there any special parking rules or parking passes?
No special parking permits apply. It’s all general street parking in the Plateau zone. Be sure to pay parking meters (even at night on weekdays). Some nights (weekdays) there are 90-minute limits; check nearby signs. If driving, consider parking a few blocks over where restrictions may be lighter, or pay for a private lot. Many just use rideshare or transit to avoid parking hassles.
Is there seating or open viewing at Bar La Shop?
Bar La Shop is largely general admission standing room. There are a few couches and bar tables along the walls, as well as a pool table, but these are not reserved; it’s first-come, first-served. Most guests stand on the dance floor. In short, there are no assigned seats or VIP areas – you pick any spot to lean or sit along the perimeter, but everyone pays the same cover.
What are the best spots to watch the show?
The main dancefloor in front of the DJ booth is the best spot if you want to be in the heart of the action. It can get crowded, so arrive early. If you want to sit, the couches along the side are comfortable but off to one side of the floor (canadareviewers.com ) – you’ll see the dance floor easily from there. (Note that the pool table is also along that side.) Beware that being near the bar or bathroom might mean the crowd dims near walls. But overall, since the room is small, your view of the DJ is good from most areas.
Is the dance floor crowded?
On a typical sold-night it can become quite lively and crowded (it’s a popular late-night spot). However, the space is limited so even a full crowd is more intimate than in big clubs. The layout means everyone shares the same room, so “packed” simply means you’re among the dancers rather than stacked in rows. By late evening peak hours, expect a full floor. The advantage is that Bar La Shop rarely feels empty; there’s usually a respectable crowd that keeps the energy up.
Are age restrictions or ID checks enforced?
Yes, Bar La Shop is 18+ and you must show photo ID (government-issued) to enter. Security checks IDs at the door for every person. This is standard for a bar of its type in Montreal. While the club does encourage a queer-friendly crowd (husasounds.com ), everyone must still prove they are 18 or older.
What items are prohibited inside?
Typical club rules apply. Do not bring outside alcohol or food. Large backpacks, rollerblades, skateboards, sports equipment or weapons will be refused entry. Small bags and personal cameras/phones for snapshots are usually fine. If in doubt, small purse or pocket items are safest. The venue may check bags at the door.
Does Bar La Shop have accessible facilities?
Unfortunately, Bar La Shop does not have full wheelchair access. It’s on the second floor of a building (stairs only) (artbattle.com ). There is no elevator, so the venue is not accessible to guests with mobility limitations. (There is also no indication of wheelchair-accessible restrooms.) The club does host inclusive crowds, but the physical space itself is not easily navigable by wheelchair.
Are restrooms and coat check facilities available?
Yes. Bar La Shop has restroom facilities (at least men’s and women’s rooms). You will also find a staffed coat check for hanging jackets/coats (especially needed in winter). Note that during very busy parties the coat check line can be long, and some visitors have reported issues there (bar-la-shop.wheree.com ). Still, having a coat check is convenient. Some people choose to keep a small bag or jacket with them if they’re concerned about delays or loss.
Is there a dress code?
No formal dress code. It’s a nightclub, so casual clubwear is normal (jeans, sneakers, T-shirts or club outfits). However, many patrons take the opportunity to dress up for a night out, so you’ll see everything from casual chic to trendy. Avoid flip-flops or heavy boots if you plan to dance. In practice, comfort for dancing and standing is most important.
What time do doors open and when does the music end?
Most events start late. Doors typically open around 9–10PM (some special events begin even earlier, e.g. Art Battle doors at 7:30PM (artbattle.com )). Music and dancing continue until about 3AM, which is the venue’s usual closing time (closing is mandated by city licensing). Plan to stay until then or arrange a ride, as the club empties out right around closing time.
Is Bar La Shop wheelchair accessible?
No. The venue is on the 2e étage of the building (artbattle.com ) with only stairs leading up. There is no lift. Individuals requiring elevator or ramp access cannot enter the main club space. Unfortunately, at the time of writing no ADA-style accommodations have been noted. Visitors with accessibility needs should consider this limitation when planning their visit.
Are the restrooms gender-neutral?
The club does not explicitly advertise gender-neutral bathrooms. It likely has separate men’s and women’s restrooms. However, given the venue’s LGBTQ+–friendly reputation (husasounds.com ), they may be flexible or have an all-gender option; it’s best to ask staff if you need a gender-neutral facility.
