family-run business in every way, Club 6/49 was the brainchild of Myriam and Luis Campanelli. Twenty years later, their offspring now help run the joint. Rick Campanelli is the DJ, Sandra Campanelli is the occasional performer with her band “Latin Groove,” which plays at the club when it’s not touring, and Jessica Campanelli is the bookkeeper.

A twenty-year run is a rock solid success story and many things make 6/49 tick; fun luvin’ people (dressed to dance), a downtown location (Ste. Catherine West) and a room designed to party (dark woodwork, big dance floor, long and inviting bar). While attentive service is all about pleasing, timing is not always perfect – prepare to wait for that drink.

The energetic crowd gathers at the crowded bar. But the best spot is on the sweat-inducing dance-floor; free salsa lessons for beginners, Mondays at 10 p.m. Free salsa lessons for intermediate and advanced dancers, Thursdays at 10 p.m. Sunday nights are when the really, really good salsa dancers show up to strut their stuff. Unlike other local clubs, there's no velvet rope, and the gracious staff goes the extra mile for its regular patrons. - R.L.