Are you on the lookout for the most poppin’ Cocktail Bars in Montreal?
Then we have you covered!
On this page, you’ll find the official shortlist of the best Cocktail Bars in Montreal. (More in-depth further below)
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Even though the pandemic has taken its toll, Montreal’s cocktail scene remains impressive. And now that boozy beverage establishments have reopened after their third lockdown in two years, we’re taking stock: A couple of the cocktail bars on this map have sadly closed; others remain dark and dormant, but the majority are back in business (or will be very soon). Below is our list of the best cocktail bars in Montreal.
Nhậu Bar
By crossing the imposing golden door that gives access to the Nhậu Bar, you discover a universe that invites you to travel. Here, everything is done to make your evenings unforgettable; from the mysterious decor to the sophisticated cocktails to the menu designed by the talented chefs of the Nhậu, nothing is left to chance.
The soft light of Vietnamese lanterns, the warm decor and the unique musical atmosphere create the exotic atmosphere of Nhậu Bar. The Nhậu Bar is the perfect place for an evening with friends that stretches into the night. Cocktails at Nhâu Bar, a mysterious and otherworldly basement bar, involve creativity, zing, and nontraditional ingredients. They aren’t exclusively Vietnamese, but they do have Asian influences.
You’ll notice dozens of Vietnamese lanterns and tapestries, a long, sleek bar, and small, intimate tables as your eyes will calibrate to the darkness of Nhâu Bar. This venue is located beneath the beloved Vietnamese restaurant Hà in Old Montreal. Designer Amlyne Phillips created a mysterious and otherworldly atmosphere—precisely what a basement bar should be.
Nhâu Bar, located on the Griffintown side of McGill Avenue on the outskirts of Old Montreal, attracts crowds of well-heeled professionals who spend their days in the area. The crowd comprises people who have just gotten out of work (slim suits, tailored dresses, and sparkly accessories abound) and a few local celebrities. Cocktails, which are not exclusively Vietnamese but have Asian influences, feature creativity, zing, and unconventional ingredients.
Consider the Pandan Sour, served in a tall coupe and made with rum, pandan (a vanilla-like Southeast Asian plant), kombu, and lime, or the Nhâu Shell, a two-person drink made with strawberry wine, Oloroso, tequila, raspberries, passion fruit, and pineapple in a conch shell. There’s also a small but tasty wine list, including a few by the glass. Chef Ross Louangsignotha’s menu features cocktail-bite versions of Hà’s best-sellers.
The famous chicken wings, bao buns (the crispy shrimp ones are exceptionally addictive), fried broccoli bits, and crispy imperial rolls are all available. What is the quality of service? The attentive staff is as appealing as the space itself. Finally, why are you coming here? Gather friends and catch up over inventive cocktails and delectable bites. So, Nhậu Bar is one of the best bars in Montreal to visit. If you are in the city, we highly recommend you visit this venue at least once. Go with friends, family and loved ones!
Córdova
Córdova is a modern, low-key cafe & bar offering espresso, cocktails, wine & Mediterranean-inspired eats. Cordova is a new café in St-Henri that specializes in Spanish tapas, excellent coffee, and soon-to-be-delicious wines (still waiting for that Quebec liquor license!). Cordova, which debuted at the end of February 2018, is the brainchild of Anthony Benda (Myriade), Aaron Polsky, and Elayne Teixeira-Millar.
Allow us to tell you about the space. Córdova’s gleaming white design, bright pops of color, and blonde wood bar top all have a sunny feel. The plants add a touch of greenery, and the subtle alternative-pop soundtrack gives it a distinct vibe. So, who will you encounter there? During the day, this café-turned-Spanish bar draws workers hunched over laptops. Some workers sip excellent third-wave coffee and others who sip mediocre but beloved Labatt 50 beer.
Friends join them as the day progresses. Because the venue is small, the crowd remains civilized—ideal for a casual conversation. When sitting down to work or hanging out with friends, what should you order? Classic cocktails like Negronis, Old Fashioneds, and Martinis are a safe bet here. Excellent white wine is also on tap, as are 750-milliliter bottles of Labatt 50, the old-is-new-again trend in hipster bars around town.
The price is reasonable on all counts. And what if you get hungry? The kitchen prepares Spanish Conservas—tinned fish—with care and the flavorful vision of “MasterChef Canada” winner Aaron Polsky. Sardines are served with hearty rye bread from Hof Kelsten bakery, and delicate anchovies are served with a crunchy toast crumble on soft-boiled eggs. Other Spanish snacks include jamón serrano, chorizo Iberico, and tomato bread.
Will the bartenders help you navigate the menu? The staff is small, but so is the establishment; everyone appears enthusiastic about the offerings and will gladly explain the ingredients. When and why should you visit Córdova? During the day, this is an excellent location for a pre-lunch meeting or a mid-afternoon snack. Everything in this bright Saint-Henri spot is inexpensive, tasty, and simple. Sabrina Barazin’s design talents have resulted in a bright, airy space that seats 25 people.
Córdova is bright and cheerful, and the overall decor is simple but effective. The art application on the wall behind the bar adds a splash of color and depicts what appears to be an arcade of various buildings reminiscent of a plaza in Spain. The coffered ceiling in the entrance is an excellent design element, and the pendant lighting over the bar adds a unique and modern touch.
Brasserie Harricana
Brasserie Harricana is a brewpub offering many craft beer options & gourmet comfort eats in a contemporary space. It is a local brewery and restaurant between Little Italy and Mile Ex. The beer selection changes weekly and includes a wide variety of beer styles. Brasserie Harricana has been operating since 2015 and has made a name for itself.
The reason is simple: Brasserie Harricana, located on the border of Little Italy and Mile-Ex, offers something for everyone. Harricana is the name of a river in Canada that is one of the longest. The first Brasserie Harricana opened in Amos, Abitibi, in 1975. Set in Mile Ex, the gentrifying neighborhood north of Mile End, this brewpub has some of the best local beers. Brasserie Harricana is a large corner brewpub with many natural lights and an uplifting design.
A cream tile floor, wood accents, peach leather seating, and ceiling paneling all contribute to the feeling of calm and fresh air. Is there anyone else here? Regulars from Villeray, Parc Ex, Mile End, and other nearby neighborhoods. What’s your plan as you approach the bar? Skip the cocktails and wines in favor of beer.
Seasonal home brews range from sour passion fruit ales to hearty, creamy Irish-style stouts, English-style IPAs, and white sake-fermented rice blondes. There is also a long list of imported bottles, but they are much more expensive. Get the whole experience by purchasing a $20 flight with four 5-ounce glasses of your choice. Beer goes well with bar snacks. Do they have us covered?
From quick snacks (deviled eggs, blue-cheese stuffed celery stalks, duck confit croquettes, salt-and-pepper fried tofu cubes) to fuller entrees, the menu features Canadian and Quebec classics (the famous Caesar salad for two, as well as beef tartare and chips, a monkfish burger, beer-braised ham). If you’re in doubt, go for the sharing platter, which includes a meat pie, ragout, baked beans, coleslaw, and fries.
Can the bartenders assist you in navigating the menu? The young, dynamic staff, dressed in crisp white shirts, is fully present and ready to jump to it whenever you need a top-up. They will also provide information on the most recent brews. We believe we understand, but if you can summarize—why should you come here? The bar is ideal for twosomes or solo diners looking for a comfortable, civilized setting to try out new beers.
Buvette Chez Simone
Buvette Chez Simone is a convivial wine bar with a rotating list of vintages & tapas in urban digs with moody lighting. In 2008, La Buvette Chez Simone opened on Parc Ave. Since then, the venue has become an enjoyable classic spot for a drink and a bite to eat. Eric Bélanger, Michel Bergeron, Fabien Lacaille, Gabrielle Bélanger, and Simone Chevalot own La Buvette Chez Simone.
They opened a snack bar instead of a restaurant, which is far superior. The restaurant was supposed to be called La Buvette because of its evocative name. Still, Simone’s friends preferred something more personal – Chez Simone – so the five owners settled on La Buvette Chez Simone. What’s the mood like here? La Buvette, with its Zébulon Perron-designed interior, was the first to bring cool to Parc Avenue.
The small terrace present on the front porch leads to a warm atmosphere defined by exposed brick, lots of russet woods, and neon-orange wire hanging fixtures. The space is organized around a horseshoe-shaped bar and features a network of narrow counter-width tables ideal for fostering intimate group conversations. What can you learn from your fellow drinkers? Who exactly are they?
The crowd here speaks English and French, and the average age is around 30. Many artsy professionals work in the nearby Plateau and Mile End office buildings. If you want a seat, arrive at 4 p.m. or around 9 p.m. after the first wave has passed. How are the beverages? Their menu here focuses on reasonably priced bottles of wine, many of which are under $40; think discoveries and edgy selections from small independent wineries.
There is also a huge collection of wines by the glass available. Is it worth ordering something to eat as well? The food is appealing: generous platters of house-cured charcuterie, delectable salads, and a whole roast chicken with all the trimmings. How is customer service?
The fast-paced staff can keep up with the growing crowd, and everyone knows their wines. To summarize: why are we coming here? This is an excellent venue for a group hangout, with plenty of tables that can accommodate larger groups of eight or ten. You’ll have to save them by arriving early. So, Buvette Chez Simone is one of the best bars in Montreal for you. If you are in the city, we highly recommend that you visit this venue at least once!
Loïc
Loïc is a buzzy locale serving elevated bistro fare, cocktails & imported wine in a casual space with a patio. The whole vibe at this wine bar in Saint-Henri is loose and easy—drink well, eat well, and it’ll all come together. You’ve only recently arrived. What do you notice? This wine bar, located in a grandiose neoclassical building on Notre Dame, is bright and airy thanks to large windows and an unfussy, airy bistro décor.
The atmosphere is unmistakably French, with cane furniture, a row of small round tables, and a gleaming red bar that dresses up the place like red lipstick dresses up an outfit. Cool. So, who’s in? Wine lovers from Saint-Henri and surrounding areas and young patrons stopping in for a bottle before heading upstairs to Turbo Haüs, a live music venue owned by the same crew, fill the room.
We’re in a wine bar, so we expect to drink wine. Sommelier Charles Tarzi collaborated with owners Max Ruiz Laing, Michael Griffin, and chef Liam Barron to create a small, intelligent wine list with plenty of options by the glass; all focused on fun, light drinkability, and natural or biodynamic production processes. That means delicious Rieslings, Chenin Blancs, and Gamays that are all food-friendly. The wait staff will gladly recommend pairings, but the overall vibe is loose and easy—drink well, eat well, and it will all go together. The food has been recommended to us. Please elaborate. This extensive seasonal menu goes far beyond bar fare—it’s a draw in and of itself.
The general approach is fresh, green, and vegetable-forward, with a few hits of luscious richness thrown in for good measure (like a recent, sublime ravioli Verde filled with mascarpone and taleggio). With the silky tang of labneh and a bright, sunny garlic scape pesto, a roasted beet salad cuts their caramelized flavor. Loc’s menu is a study in contrasts, with platings as simple and approachable as its price point.
Choose the handsome cheeseburger, or the thick piece of Quebec halibut served on a salad of dense du puy lentils with garden green peas and tomatoes for a full-meal deal. So, when and for what is this one best suited? Loc’s small bistro tables encourage great conversations between friends. Swing by in the afternoon for a bright and airy bistro experience appropriate for a work catch-up; at night, it’s moodier, louder, and just as much fun.
The Coldroom
The Coldroom has gourmet cocktails mixed in a speakeasy-style hideaway with exposed-brick walls & wood beams. A small cocktail bar situated in the Heart of Montreal’s old port. Ringing a bell next to its black door and waiting for admission from one of the bartenders gets you into this stylish Montreal speakeasy.
Owner Kevin Demers meticulously designed the interior, transforming a former industrial cold room into an intimate cocktail lounge with plenty of cozy nooks. People-watching is one of Coldrooms draws, having made a name for itself as a local celebrity hotspot, but it’s drinks – based on classics with innovative twists and flavors – should be enough to attract guests. The employees are knowledgeable, dedicated, and efficient.
This venue, located at the intersection of Saint-Amable and Saint-Vincent streets, was created by Kevin Demers of Flyjin fame and has enchanted Montreal’s clubbing elite and an ever-growing list of international superstars. Where have we ended up? Ring the bell next to the big, imposing black door at the corner of Saint-Amable and Saint-Vincent streets to enter this semi-secret bar, and one of the bartenders will let you in.
You’ve arrived after descending the stairs and passing through the low-ceilinged hallway. This chic speakeasy, created by Kevin Demers of Flyjin, has enchanted Montreal’s clubbing enthusiasts and a growing list of international superstars. International celebrities? Let us explain further. Every cool person in town has visited the Coldroom at least once if only to see what all the fuss is about.
Even if you don’t drink, the people-watching is interesting: Bruce Willis, Christina Aguilera, Seth Rogen, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Luke and Owen Wilson, Ben Stiller, and members of the Montreal Canadiens all appeared. What should we eat? The drinks, like the décor, are classic with modern twists. Try the savory Kingfisher or the Japanese Highball (Toki whiskey with lemon zest and soda) (Citadelle gin with Lustau sherry amontillado, Cocchi Americano, caper brine, and turmeric).
Three white and red wine options are available by the glass or bottle (all for less than $65). Did the staff treat you well? The bartenders are knowledgeable, committed, and efficient. So, to summarize: What’s the mood like here? The Coldroom has a cozy, clandestine vibe with tucked-away nooks for two. Larger groups can congregate near the bar. Expect to stand a lot because this place is trendy.
Flyjin
Flyjin is a relaxed cafe specializing in coffee, tea & fresh-squeezed juice served in a cozy setting. Flyjin is a Japanese restaurant and bar located in Old Montréal. At the height of his reputation, renowned Chef Daniel Ken proposes a delectable Asian fusion menu using only the best, fresh ingredients. Flyjin also has a carefully curated list of resident DJs to provide a sensational musical experience.
Flyjin is mysterious and sophisticated, providing its patrons with a one-of-a-kind experience. One of the chicest hangouts in Old Montreal is this basement speakeasy-meets-izakaya, which excels at inventive cocktails. Open a low-key door in Old Montreal, descend a gilded wallpaper-decorated staircase, and proceed down the longest, narrowest corridor you’ve probably seen.
The basement speakeasy-meets-izakaya at the end is one of Montreal’s most chichi hangouts. With a long, red, angular bar and teal leather banquettes filled with beautiful people, this moody and magical bar is dressed in rich auburn woods and exposed brick. This place has a who’s who vibe, incredibly late at night when it transitions from a restaurant serving pan-Asian fare to a club.
The crowd, typically between the ages of 25 and 45, is always dressed to the nines—a sexy dress and Louboutins for her, slicked back hair, and a statement watch for him. Seasonal cocktails feature unique flavors and Asian ingredients such as sake, plum wine, Japanese whiskey, and soju (Korean vodka). Take, for example, the Ichigo Monkey Business, a boozy concoction of rum, Campari, citrus juices, rose and hibiscus syrup, and, for good measure, grapefruit Red Bull.
Most people here, however, order bottle service; you can go big-shot with a $575 bottle of Don Julio 1942 or go casual with a $200 bottle of Veuve Clicquot Brut. Aside from the club business, Flyjin is a legitimate restaurant. The menu here, created by Montreal star chef Antonio Park, reinterprets izakaya classics like tataki and sashimi with unconventional flavor combinations.
The sticky, smoky Korean braised beef ribs, the Gyuniku sashimi, and the buttery lobster maki, which include tender slices of raw beef topped with Montreal steak seasoning and yuzu sauce, are all must-orders. The staff here is model-like, and the service is flawless. This is squad central, with large group tables and plenty of bar seating. Because you cannot make reservations if you do not intend to eat, your best bet is to reserve a meal and stay for the night.
Le Vin Papillon
Le Vin Papillon is a cozy, rustic-chic wine bar with an outdoor patio, serving eclectic, farm-fresh fare. You can’t go wrong with this Joe Beef sibling on Notre-Dame Ouest for a delectable feast and wines you won’t find anywhere else. What’s your first impression? This narrow wine bar, located two doors down from its siblings on Notre-Dame Ouest, is the third in the family of businesses owned by the Joe Beef and Liverpool House chefs.
A bar faces a white-painted brick wall on one side, with black-leather banquette seating, small round tables, and extensive blackboard menus on the other—the clatter from the busy bar and kitchen blends in with the chatter from the always-present crowd-like music. What do you notice? This venue is one of the most famous wine bars in town, so it’s always packed, no matter what day.
Furthermore, they do not accept reservations, so arrive early if you want a table. The food is delicious, but the wine keeps people coming back. And what exactly should we order? More wine, more wine, more wine. Vanya Filipovic, co-owner, has been a Joe Beef fixture since the beginning. This wine menu is her baby; it is ever-changing and reflects her insatiable curiosity and nose for the most excellent, out-there Old World products, including bottles from Hungary, Greece, Poland, and France.
Filipovic favors natural, one-of-a-kind wines, which include varieties you’ve never heard of from vintners so small that they’re used to serving only their respective regions. Expect a tasty adventure and an enology lesson at a reasonable price, and take all the advice you can get about which choices to make.
What about the cuisine? The small shared plates resemble the appetizers at Joe Beef and Liverpool House; grab a snack here for a taste of the legend. The menu constantly changes, including duck, house-cured ham, smoked mackerel, and chèvre cheese. Don’t leave without trying the whole cauliflower head, a menu mainstay that’s wood-roasted and topped with fresh herbs, lemon slices, and chicken-skin crunchies.
Is there anything noteworthy about the service? Co-owners Vanya Filipovic and chef Marc-Olivier Frappier will most likely be milling about and, if you’re lucky, serving you. The service is friendly, warm, and effortless, typical of the Joe Beef restaurant group. To summarize: why are we coming here? Le Vin Papillon is the spot to go for a delectable feast anchored by unusual wines you won’t find anywhere else.
Atwater Cocktail Club
Atwater Cocktail Club is a buzzing, speakeasy-style cocktail bar with late hours in a stylish French brasserie. This venue is a neighborhood bar where creativity, authenticity & hospitality converge. Their ultimate goal is to share with you their knowledge & passion for cocktails in a unique and inviting setting. Atwater Cocktail Club is located at the back of Foiegwa restaurant, keeping with parent group Barraco’s MO (sister venues include Barroco, Foiegwa, Milky Way, and Super Loco).
The decor pulls no punches, with a mirrored ceiling and patent silver leather banquettes lending an air of serious kitsch to the space, but the drinks are all elegant. The cocktails at this buzzy club on Atwater in Little Burgundy are flawless, ranging from classic Old Fashioned to inventive house drinks made with blackberry liqueur.
Sneak around the back of the trendy Atwater restaurant Foiegwa to find an uninviting door that leads to a space with mirrored ceilings and a magnificent marble bar. Scenes in after-dinner mode lounge on the colorful leather banquettes that make this Little Burgundy favorite sparkle all around you. This much-talked-about club, owned by the same people who own Foiegwa, attracts a crowd of hip 30-somethings looking for after-dinner drinks.
The excellent cocktails and speakeasy vibe draw in Montrealers from all over. There are bubbles by the glass and bottle, as well as beer and wine. On the other hand, the cocktails are flawless, from classic Old Fashioned to inventive house drinks like the Bonne Maman, which is made with Jim Beam, port, blackberry liqueur, and vanilla syrup, with berries muddled with lemon and thyme.
There’s also an element of showmanship; the Smoke Show, for example, includes just that. Atwater Cocktail Club, the sister restaurant to Foiegwa next door, serves a full menu, including upscale snacks (garlic escargots, salmon terrine) and main courses (truffle spaghetti, black Angus steak fries). If you arrive at the venue early enough, you can dine just like at Foiegwa—without needing a reservation.
You may be competing for the bartender’s attention, but the staff is efficient and combines exemplary service with easy banter. On a weekend night at 10 p.m. or 11 p.m., Atwater Cocktail Club will be buzzing—glasses clinking, loud laughs emanating from all corners of the room—but you may have to line up to get in, and you may have to wait a bit at the bar. Have patience because this is a fantastic place to live as a hip Montrealer.
El Pequeño Bar
El Pequeño Bar has craft cocktails & Cuban bites on offer in this tiny, charming outpost with exposed-brick walls. The Coldroom presents the smallest cocktail bar In Quebec. El Pequeno Bar translates as “the little bar,” and they’re not exaggerating. The 150-square-foot space seats only 11 people (two seated, nine standing) and is the smallest space we’ve seen with such a large chandelier.
Drinks include Cuban classics like the Daiquiri and the El Presidente and a few original cocktails like The Mystic, which combines dark rum with maraschino, orange, lime, and a good selection of international rums to sip or mix as you please. This tiny Cuban bar in Old Montreal serves four drinks and only has one menu item: a delicious Cubano sandwich. This bar is relatively small. This is a tiny Old Montreal bar.
It is Canada’s smallest, with only 150 square feet of floor space. The bright space, previously a gift shop, has two bar stools, one standing table, and a small bar squeezed between the large windows on one side and exposed brick on the other. Despite the 11-person total capacity (including two bartenders), there is still room for plants.
El Pequeno attracts people waiting for a table at Cold Room, its sister bar next door, and scenesters looking for the rum drinks and Cubano sandwiches, which have become popular in their own right. A daiquiri, a mojito, rum and Coke, and an El Presidente are among the four drinks on the menu (Havana Club three-year aged rum, Plantation Original dark rum, vermouth, citrus liqueur, and grenadine). The rums are drinkable on their own.
There’s only one item, but it’s a doozy: the team traveled to Miami to perfect the Cubano sandwich. And it appears they were successful: the version here is crunchy, nicely flattened, and filled with tender, juicy pork marinated for 24 hours before roasting. There is no better way to complement the house drinks.
You’ll have the undivided attention of two staff members if you arrive right when the bar opens or at odd hours. Even if it is full, you will only be competing for attention with a dozen other customers. This place fills up quickly, so go during the off-season to get a seat at the bar. Come alone or with one friend (maximum) to try the Cubano sandwich and a rum drink before venturing somewhere more spacious.
Cloakroom Bar
Cloakroom Bar is a stylish speakeasy-style bar featuring specialty cocktails in a cozy, dimly lit space. Speakeasy is a word that’s bandied around relatively too lightly these days, but in the case of Cloakroom, the classification is earned. Hidden inside the men’s tailoring store and barber Maison Cloakroom, this 25-seater comes without a menu but with tremendous bartending skill.
So, chat with one of the bar experts, and a cocktail will be made to suit your tastes. Logically, hand-carved ice features heavily, alongside many drinks inspired by pre-Prohibition classics like the Martinez or the Old Fashioned. It’s an impressive venue all-round, and sister bar Stillife over in Cité du Multimédia is also very much worth a visit. This is a neo-speakeasy hidden in the faded grandeur of Montreal’s Golden Square Mile.
It is a veritable choose-your-own-adventure. So you wait in a wood-paneled lobby for the hostess to emerge from a hidden door. You make your way down a dimly lit corridor with photographs of Steve McQueen and other tough-guy fashion icons. Then you could take a seat in a candlelit 25-person room. You tell the bartender your preferred base alcohol and whether you want something bitter or sweet, spirit-forward or refreshing.
A few minutes later, you’re sipping on a custom cocktail that’s sure to become your new favorite drink. Until whatever you come up with next. A negroni made with 1950s vintage Campari. It’s a 30-minute walk to drink from the Basilique de Notre Dame. Does it seem far? Maybe, and if you get thirsty along the way, you’ll pass by many of Montréal’s weekend watering holes (Brutopia and Taverne Dominion Square).
Get a beer, but save some juice for Cloakroom Bar, Montréal’s crown jewel for cocktails. A tiny speakeasy is hidden behind The Cloakroom, a tailored menswear shop, and The Cloakroom Barber in Montréal’s Golden Square Mile, behind a 19th-century facade. Stand outside until a server arrives. Follow them down a dark corridor with small twinkling lights. Enter a cozy, intimate room with about 25 seats. There will be a welcome shot (on the house).
Then the fun begins. There is no menu at Cloakroom; each drink is bespoke, made to order, and highlights their selection of fine spirits, liqueurs, house-made tinctures, fresh produce, hand-shaved ice, and champagnes. Refreshing? Dry? Fruity? Gin-based? Your bartender will lead you through a series of questions, similar to a choose-your-own-adventure book but much more mature.
Bar Pamplemousse
Bar Pamplemousse is a charming tavern featuring artisanal tap beers, wine, cocktails & nibbles from a wood-fired oven. Gastropub situé dans le Quartier des Spectacles de Montréal. Bières en fût, vins nature et cocktails. Bonne ambiance, atmosphère fantastique. Salle privée disponible sur demande. Pamplemousse is considered a breath of fresh air in the present Latin Quarter, with a great beer list and food by Joe Beef alum chef Pelo Brisson-Tsavoussis.
Bar Pamplemousse is a welcoming bar in the Quartier des Spectacles that opened in May 2018. It offers an exciting variety of craft beers on tap. Pamplemousse is the brainchild of chef Pelo Brisson-Tsavoussis (ex Joe Beef, Blackstrap BBQ, and Bishop and Bagg), Jean Philippe Gagné, and Grégoire Merlot, as well as David Schmidt (Tiradito, Pelicano, Kabinet), Graham Warner, Alex San Gregorio, Gregoire Merlot, and Tino Rizk behind Le Mal Nécessaire.
The idea behind the bar is to be a place to savor an exciting selection of homegrown craft beers in a friendly atmosphere. They serve fun and contemporary beers, including several sours and light beers. Pamplemousse designer Sarah Pelletier (along with Tiradito co-owner David Schmidt) chose pale-wood flooring, exposed brick, cream-colored paint, and pops of peach to avoid the typical dark atmosphere of a brewpub.
The result? A light, airy, sorbet-like vibe is a breath of fresh air in the Latin Quarter. Before or after the shows hosted in the surrounding Entertainment District, a stylish, casual crowd of 30-somethings congregates. Many people come just for the beer. The Pamplemousse team drove across Quebec to compile the beer list, which includes 20 local tap brews covering a range from wacky sours and seasonal fruit beers to reliable stouts and ales.
The Pretty Bastard, a creamy stout with coffee, chocolate, and vanilla notes, or the Buenos Dias, orange rind, and an ale with Mexican lime and sea salt, are recommended for first-time visitors. Kombuchas, Ciders, and a small selection of wines and cocktails are also available.
Pelo Brisson-Tsavoussis, a Joe Beef alum, oversees the menu, which includes fire-roasted French-Caribbean fare like roasted asparagus, jerk cauliflower, deep-dish butter-chicken pizza, Nordic shrimp with green curry mayo, and Haitian griot ribs with fried plantains. Pamplemousse is ideal for both group gatherings (with high seating that can be reconfigured as needed and a raised banquette section that provides some privacy) and solo beer-lovers looking to try something new at the sexy peach-pink bar.
Henrietta
Henrietta is a hip lounge for drinks & nibbles, with amber-hued chandeliers that warm up an all-white decor. This bright, airy bar in a neighborhood that’s half Outremont, half Mile End, and half Plateau prioritizes natural wines from the Old World, cocktails with Caribbean flavors, and Portuguese snacks. Set the stage. Henrietta has breathed new life into the old Baldwin Barmacie space with gleaming white tile behind the bar and wood chairs backed with cream leather (from the same owners).
The new look is chic, polished, and retro, reminiscent of a Portuguese tavern from the 1960s. And who are your bar companions? Because the neighborhood is half Outremont, half Mile End, and half Plateau, you’ll find friends from all three areas congregating here. That means 20- to 40-year-old hipsters with a taste for fine wine.
What’s the latest on the beverage front? Henrietta specializes in natural wines from the Old World, particularly Portugal (try the reasonably priced Tejo 2015). The cocktail menu is also impressive, deviating from the Portuguese theme with Caribbean flavors such as the Goldeneye, which combines brown rum with lime, orgeat, jerk spices, and bitters, and the Betty Flanagan, which combines mandarin juice with brandy, lemon juice, bitters, and ginger beer.
Is it worth ordering something to eat as well? Depending on how many shared plates you order, you can have a small or full meal here. We guarantee that the manchego popcorn is an addictive snack you’ll want to replicate at home. The Bafana pork-and-cheese sandwich is filling and messy, and the tuna-and-swordfish ceviche (served with yams) is light and refreshing.
How is their customer service? The staff is professional, friendly, and knowledgeable about wines. Feel free to set your price and leave the final decision to them. So, when and how should you visit Henrietta? This adaptable space, which is lovely in the daylight and amber in the evening, is ideal for meetings and social gatherings with friends.
There are tables for every size party, and the bar is a relaxing spot for a solo drink and snack. The music becomes louder, and the crowd becomes younger as the evening progresses. So, Henrietta is one of the best bars in Montreal. If you are in the city, we highly recommend you visit this bar at least once. Go with your friends, family, and loved ones for a memorable and fun time.
Milky Way Cocktail Bar
Milky Way Cocktail Bars innovative cocktails are the draw at this trendy haunt with colorful lighting & stylish furnishings. Head up the twinkling staircase to Milky Way, a kooky cocktail bar from the Baroque group (Barroco, Foiegwa, Atwater Cocktail Club, Super Loco) within its pizzeria Fugazzi. A vaulted glass ceiling is surrounded by hanging plants, a polished marble bar, and glass brick walls glow neon by night.
Drinks are complex but deliciously drinkable, and the menu thoughtfully notes each cocktail’s ABV. The tropical Bon Pour le Moral (Good for the Spirit) mixes coconut vodka with blue curaçao, elderflower liqueur, dark rum, orange, pineapple, lemon, and vanilla. At the same time, the boozier Island in the Sun blends gin, Rhum Agricole, absinthe, lemon, grapefruit, hibiscus, and pine.
The Milky Way already turned heads for Canada’s Best Bars in 2020, and they kept them turning all summer long when all we wanted was refreshing drinks in a refreshing setting. The décor is fun and funky, and the mixology is fun and funky, keeping things equal parts familiar and funky. They keep changing their menu constantly, so there’s always something new to keep you coming back for more, but even glancing at their menu reveals a fountain of creativity at work. Nicely cooked pizza and tasty pasta are the tastiest dishes. At this bar, visitors may have good parfait. It is nice to enjoy delicious whiskey. The homely atmosphere of Milky Way Cocktail Bar allows guests to relax after a hard-working day. Most patrons share that the staff is energetic.
The excellent service portrays a high level of quality at this place. Many people share that prices are average for what you receive. Go to this spot for the unique decor. You might not expect much to pass by the brick building with Fugazzi Pizza in Pointe Saint-Charles. However, if you make your way up the Milky Way Cocktail Bars fluorescent blacklight-splattered stairwell, you’ll feel as if you are sent to a different galaxy — the ideal spot to have a date if you wish to escape the winter blues. Its delicious pizza menu, neon lights, intergalactic jungle vibes, and unique drink options are no surprise. The drinks are visually appealing and tasty, with cups shaped like birds, swans, Easter Island Moai statues, and more. Milky Way offers a full menu of Fugazzis pizza, homemade pasta, and other modern Italian sides.
Big in Japan Bar
Big in Japan is one of Montreal’s most beautiful bars, if not the most beautiful. It is an extension of the same-named restaurant. A magnificent cocktail bar is popular in Japan. It was once a traditional Portuguese bar with poker machines. André Nguyen, Julie Bisson, and designer Bruno Bran designed a new space that is both modern and intimate with the surroundings.
It has a ‘speakeasy’ vibe, and you enter a perfect intimate ambiance once you pass through the heavy curtains. So, just looking at all those whiskey bottles hanging in their proper places confirms you’ve arrived. The velvet curtains, a U-shaped bar, fabulous house cocktails, and Japanese whiskeys and shakes make the atmosphere distinctly speakeasy on the corner of Boulevard Saint-Laurent and Rue Rachel.
Set the scene—where are we now? This Big In Japan, on the corner of Boulevard Saint-Laurent and Rue Rachel, is a high-class drinking den with a near-missable sign and door. Do not confuse it with the popular izakaya of the same name (and same owners) down the street. The atmosphere here is decidedly speakeasy, thanks to velvet curtains, a long, shiny, U-shaped bar, tea lights, and hanging fixtures made from old Japanese whiskey bottles.
So, how is the crowd? Without trying too hard, she is stylish and well-dressed. Do the drinks live up to the name of the establishment? Suntory Toki, a Japanese whiskey worth trying, is among the sakes and Sojus on offer. The house cocktails are also fantastic. The Tokyo Mule is a snappy, Mojito-esque concoction of sake, ginger syrup, soda, lime, and mint, and the Rum Sour is a delectably sweet blend of rum, lime, and tonka bean syrup.
Classics like Champagne cocktails, Negronis, and Manhattans are expert-level, and the punch (a pitcher of cider, cognac, and local honey) is an instant party starter. And what if we get hungry? Snacks are limited to chips, kimchi salsa, soya-roasted pecans, pickled vegetables, and tuna tataki. How is their customer service?
Even when the crowd grows, the bartenders remain calm and collected and know how to work the U-bar like a boss. To summarize: why are we coming here? This is an excellent location for a romantic date, an intimate conversation, or a fun night out with a few friends (in that case, order the punch). So, Big in Japan Bar is one of the best bars in Montreal for you and your loved ones.
Terrasse h3
The h3 terrace is the trendiest place in downtown Montreal! In the heart of downtown Montreal, a stylish and elevated summer oasis. The modern eatery h3 is located in the excellent Humaniti Hotel Montreal and is divided into three sections: restaurant, lounge, and terrace. While the ground-floor restaurant and second-floor lounge are open all year, the 9th-floor terrace is only open during the summer.
The lush and stylish Terrasse h3 is an urban escape above the heart of Montreal, described as a “seaside destination.” Enjoy stunning views of the downtown skyscrapers from the comfortable lounge furniture or the sparkling rooftop pool. Up here, you can savor seasonal and delectable h3 dishes like oysters and arancini, as well as fish tartar and beef flank steak.
The food is complemented by refreshing and expertly crafted signature cocktails and an extensive wine list. Terrasse h3, open daily and only has chill vibes, has a vibrant and fun-filled summer schedule. From Jazz-live Mondays to h3ART events on Wednesdays and the best DJs in town, there’s something for everyone.
Every Thursday to Sunday is an excellent day to visit the rooftop. Located on the roof of the Humaniti complex, the view is incredible! Whether it’s for a happy hour with cocktails, between work colleagues, or for dinner in the sun, come and discover their menus with summer flavors! Please take the opportunity to discover their program of Jazz, DJ, and Visual Arts events.
The h3 terrace is the trendiest place in downtown Montreal! Located on the rooftop of the Humaniti complex, the view is incredible! Whether it’s for a happy hour with cocktails, colleagues or to dine in the sun, come and discover their menus! Take the opportunity to discover their Jazz, DJ, and Visual Arts events.” Whether for a relaxing moment or a quick pause, with a group or alone, for a glass or a cocktail, their lounge space will meet all your requirements instantly.
Allow yourself to be captivated by all of the elements of their lounge while admiring Marc Séguin’s “Hannum” sculpture, which creates an urban dining space with a one-of-a-kind ambiance. So, Terrasse H3 is one of the best bars in Montreal. If you are in the city, we highly recommend that you visit this venue at least once. Go with your family, friends, and loved ones for a memorable and fun time.
Les Enfants Terribles
Les Enfants Terribles is an outpost of a small chain of neighborhood brasseries serving comfort food & cocktails. Sky-high rooftop bar and restaurant with stunning 360-degree views of Montreal. The local bistro chain Les Enfants Terribles has locations throughout Quebec. The one branch on top of the Place Ville Marie office and the shopping complex is the one to visit for a genuinely sky-high experience.
The city’s highest dining and drinking establishment is located 44 floors above downtown Montreal. There are 300 seats divided between indoor and lush outdoor seating, with panoramic windows providing 360-degree views of the city and river. Their rooftop menu includes a large selection of comfort food, from burgers and tartar to ribs and shepherd’s pie. It is sleek and stylish while maintaining a familiar, comfy, and festive atmosphere.
A full bar is also available, with everything from crafted cocktails to wines. Les Enfants Terribles, located at Place Ville Marie, is a sure bet for elevated and memorable summer nights in Montreal. Friendly and always very lively, this neighborhood gem offers two addresses with a tasty and comforting menu, carefully concocted by its owners, Francine Brûlé and Serge Bruneau, who welcome each customer at home.
In a decor where nostalgia and innovation intermingle with finesse, one inevitably finds a warm, vibrant and unpretentious atmosphere. Experience the highest point of dining in Montreal: located on the 44th floor of Place Ville Marie; this restaurant invites you to savor its bold and original Montreal cuisine while admiring the panoramic view! You will love the restaurant aspect.
A romantic dinner before the Jay du Temple show at the Bell Center is excellent. You can sit at the bar, and the waiters are super friendly. We decided to taste several cocktails, and they were all delicious! We fell in love with the pudding chômeur dessert. We also loved their reinvented shepherd’s pie.
Recommend that without hesitation. So, Les Enfants Terribles is one of the best bars in Montreal for you. If you are in the city, we highly recommend you visit this rooftop bar at least once. Go with your friends, family, and loved ones for a memorable and fun time.
Club Unity
Club Unity has different music styles played nightly in 2 rooms at this festive bar/nightclub with a rooftop terrace. It is a lively bar and nightclub with a rooftop terrace in the summer. The tri-level Club Unity is best known for being a lively venue where everyone is welcome to enjoy late-night entertainment on two dance floors and in the VIP lounge. However, we believe the top-floor rooftop terrace is the best location.
The wooden decked rooftop is open and airy, with its bar and fantastic 360° views of the Montreal skyline. The rooftop invites guests to enjoy refreshing cocktails and bites in a vibrant and festive setting during the summer, as a warm-up for a whole night of dancing below, or simply for a relaxing evening with views.
The Club Unity nightclub keeps the late-night party going year-round during weekends, while the rooftop terrace is usually open daily for drinks at 5 pm when the weather allows. Club Unity is Montreal’s most prominent gay bar in the heart of the gay village. There are three bars and a rooftop. Their drinks are reasonably priced, and there are multiple floors with different music playing. This is a place to have a good time and dance like crazy. The people here are relaxed and friendly. If you’re in Montreal, this is a must-see gay club.
If you arrive late on a busy night, you may have to wait in line. You can always degust nicely cooked parfait at this bar. According to visitor feedback, servers serve good beer. Consume is not well-liked by Club Unity’s customers. You can select between indoor and outdoor seating. The employees are said to be well-trained. This establishment’s prompt service is a significant plus. Several guests have shared that the prices are reasonable for what you get. Reviewers are impressed by the cozy atmosphere.
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Conclusion
The bars on this page showcase the creativity and passion that make Montreal such a great place to drink, from a basement bar serving speakeasy vibes beneath a Vietnamese restaurant to a breezy, Italian-style spot out in Mile-Ex.
New additions include Taverne Atlantic and Milky Way, which are part of a group of newer bars that have received local praise for their mixing abilities. They appear alongside scene mainstays such as Cold Room and Atwater Cocktail Club, both of which opened in 2016 and prioritize meticulously crafted cocktails.
