Go to the Upstairs, located close to you in Shaughnessy Village, and discover the biggest names in Jazz in a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of 1920’s New York!
The century-old buildings lining Mackay Street in Shaughnessy Village hide a closely guarded secret for Montreal music lovers. The Upstairs offers nightly jazz concerts appealing to both newcomers and true fans (like us!)
The discreet façade sets the tone: the atmosphere is understated and tasteful. Black and white are the primary colors, much like the aesthetics of a musical score.
![upstairs-bar-jazz-facade-shaughnessy](https://www.prevel.ca/wp-content/uploads/blog/upstairs-bar-jazz-facade-shaughnessy.jpg)
![menu-upstairs-bar-jazz-shaughnessy](https://www.prevel.ca/wp-content/uploads/blog/menu-upstairs-bar-jazz-shaughnessy.jpg)
Around 9:00pm, the place fills with groups of friends and music lovers. Here, we eat and listen to jazz! The menus and risers are decorated with a piano key motif, and the walls feature pictures of the great masters of jazz such as Miles Davis, Nina Simone and Louis Armstrong. One of the hottest spots in a changing Montreal, Upstairs has been animating the scene for over 20 years.
![mur-upstairs-bar-jazz-montreal](https://www.prevel.ca/wp-content/uploads/blog/mur-upstairs-bar-jazz-montreal.jpg)
![table-upstairs-bar-jazz-shaughnessy](https://www.prevel.ca/wp-content/uploads/blog/table-upstairs-bar-jazz-saughnessy.jpg)
![bar-upstairs-bar-jazz-shaughnessy](https://www.prevel.ca/wp-content/uploads/blog/bar-upstairs-bar-jazz-suaghnessy.jpg)
Let yourself be swept away by the sounds of piano, bass, guitar and saxophone while sipping a Negroni or Old Fashioned: you’ll be transported to John Coltrane’s New York! The jazz bar also offers a wide selection of beer and wine and a varied menu of dishes (salads, grills, tapas and pasta.) A modest sum of $8 (most of the time) will be added to your bill for the musical entertainment.
![upstairs-bar-jazz-shaughnessy](https://www.prevel.ca/wp-content/uploads/blog/upstairs-bar-jazz-shaughnessy.jpg)
We had the chance to hear the Sam Dickinson Trio, who performed jazz classics and original compositions to the delight of the mesmerized audience. The three musicians – a drummer, a guitarist and a bass player – are from Toronto. They’re regulars at Upstairs, so you’ll certainly get the chance to hear them!
![upstairs-bar-jazz-groupe-shaughnessy](https://www.prevel.ca/wp-content/uploads/blog/upstairs-bar-jazz-groupe-shaughnessy.jpg)
Our low-budget suggestion: The show is free if you get there for the last third of the show! You can enjoy half an hour of great jazz music, without spending a dime. It’s the ideal place to visit!
Getting tired of your three favorite bars? Whether for a drink and a show or to deepen your knowledge of jazz, blues and bibop, the Upstairs is the place for you. Go ahead and jazz up your evening!
Upstairs – Jazz, Bar & Grill
1254 Mackay Street
514-931-6808
Monday to Thursday: 11:30am – 1:00am
Friday: 11:30am – 2:00am
Saturday: 5:30pm – 2:00am
Sunday: 6:30pm – 1:00am