Are you on the lookout for the most poppin’ Cool Bars in Montreal?
Then we have you covered!
On this page, you’ll find the official shortlist of the best Cool Bars in Montreal. (More in-depth further below)
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Let’s raise a glass to this: We did our research (and have the hangovers to prove it), exploring Montreal’s bar scene to find the best drinking establishments. With a single glance, you’ll find a distilled collection of the city’s speakeasy bars, nightlife hotspots, supper clubs, and whatever else you might be thirsty for. Consider this your go-to guide for everything from local hangouts to high-end lounges, whether they serve brews, bubbles, double as one of the city’s best restaurants, or are located on the world’s coolest street. You can’t go wrong with any of these poisons.
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.
Nacarat
Nacarat is a polished hotel bar offering craft cocktails & choice nibbles in a contemporary interior. It is a sophisticated cocktail haven in the heart of downtown Montreal. The stunning Nacarat Bar and Terrace is a lively cocktail lounge on the third floor of the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth hotel in downtown Montreal. Bar Nacarat, which was renovated in 2018, offers a darker and more traditional indoor lounge and a brighter and more comfortable open-air terrace from which to watch the action on the central streets below. Nacarat is a cocktail lover’s paradise, with a wide selection of one-of-a-kind and expertly crafted creations. The experienced mixologists will likely shake up something suitable for everyone, divided into Unami, Bitter, Sour, Spicy, and Sweet. Aside from high-end cocktails, the rooftop bar also serves a fine selection of beers, ciders, champagnes, wines, and aperitifs and a tasty selection of elevated bar bites.
The Nacarat rooftop bar, with its upscale and trendy atmosphere, is ideal for a stylish after-work drink or a fun night out. Enjoy first-rate service, fantastic cocktails, and local DJs who keep the party going. Bar Nacarat is located within the wealthy Queen Elizabeth and features a seriously chic cocktail lounge and an elegant roof terrace. In non-COVID-times, the drinks menu is experimental in presentation and technique – think hand-carved ice and spherical garnishes – but because the world is still infected, only the outdoor space is open, and the menu has been adjusted accordingly. The cocktails include crowd-pleasing spritzes and sangrias and a frozen Bourbon & Coconut, combining bourbon, coconut, pineapple, banana, and lime.
There’s also barbecued food and regular DJ sets – it sounds like a party. You can enter a modern and sensual cocktail haven, where you might run into 21st-century Ziggy Stardust. Instagramming the scenery as you are served a desirable potion mixed by expert mixologists to leave you electrified. The atmosphere is inspired by the fusion of Ziggy Stardust’s glam rock era and the modernity of the twenty-first century. The sensual and sophisticated bar exudes electrifying energy. Its name refers to vibrant orange-red hues. Artists master liquids as chefs do food behind the counter. So, Nacarat is one of the best bars in Montreal for you. If you are in the city, we recommend visiting this venue at least once! Go with your family, friends, and loved ones for a fun and memorable time.
Terrasse Carla
Terrasse Carla is a charming terrace located on the 6th floor of the brand new Hampton Inn by Hilton hotel. Terrasse Carla is located in the heart of Montreal’s Chinatown and specializes in French bistro cuisine, enhanced with contemporary Vietnamese flavors. The menu will constantly evolve according to the inspirations of the incredibly talented chef Chanthy Yen and the offer of seasonal products. In a festive and elegant atmosphere, Terrasse Carla celebrates the diversity of cuisines found in Montreal, offering an exciting selection of world wines, sangrias, champagnes, and incredible cocktails that will enhance the breathtaking view of Old Montreal! Modern rooftop bistro and bar with views of Old Montreal. Terrasse Carla, located on the 6th floor of the newly constructed Hampton Inn Montreal Downtown, is an equally new addition to the Montreal rooftop scene.
The rooftop, located on the southern edge of Chinatown, is a mix of sleek marble surfaces, lush vegetation, and covered and open-air seating. All with breathtaking views of the Old Montreal skyline and Chinatown rooftops. Vietnam’s French colonial architecture inspires Terrasse Carla’s setting, and Chef Chanthy Yen has created a menu filled with French and Vietnamese flavors. Try the ‘Pho-Tine’ or a Saigon Burger, which are accompanied by highly creative cocktails and other refreshing drinks. Terrasse Carla, open seven days a week and packed with trendy and cool lounge vibes, is bound to make elevated evenings in Montreal a little bit better. The terrace is designed in the shape of a long L, with a DJ in the back and two bars, because the creators know it will be a fan favorite.
There are a variety of colorful cocktails on the menu, including the Ba Lua Spritz, Fanxipang, and Spiced Cà Phê, created by the masterminds behind The Coldroom, Kevin Demers and Sam Kirk. They will, without a doubt, quench your thirst during any upcoming Montreal heat waves. The menu was designed by Chef Chanthy Yen, also known as Justin Trudeau’s chef. Carla’s menu combines French bistro flavors with modern Vietnamese flavors. The Bánh M Tôm was my personal favorite. So, Terrasse Carla is one of the best rooftop bars in Montreal for you. If you are in the city, we highly recommend that you visit this bar at least once. Go with your friends, family, and loved ones for a memorable and fun time.
Terrasse William Gray
Terrasse William Gray is a seasonal rooftop bistro at the Hôtel William Gray, offering elevated comfort food & panoramic views. The venue is situated on the 8th floor of the Hôtel William Gray. The Terrasse William Gray is the ideal place to savor the summer season. Enjoy a breathtaking view of Place Jacques-Cartier, the St. Lawrence River, and the Montreal Ferris wheel to taste their refreshing cocktails, summer wines, and beers. Their relaxed and soothing lunches, ideal for taking a bite, turn into lively evenings as soon as the sun goes down—an elegant rooftop terrace with stunning views of Old Montreal. Terrasse William Gray, perched on top of the excellent William Gray Hotel in the heart of Old Montreal, is a stylish rooftop bar and a genuine summertime hotspot.
The terrace, located eight floors up, provides stunning panoramic views of the city, including the St. Lawrence River, Place Jacques-Cartier, and Montreal’s Ferris wheel. The rooftop is modern and sleek in design, with retractable awnings to safeguard them from the sun and heaters to keep the patrons warm and cozy on cooler evenings. Terrasse William Gray is open daily during the summer season (beginning in April) for dinner and drinks and rooftop brunch on weekends. The rooftop bar provides a wide range of beverages, including bubbles, wines, pints, bottomless mimosas, and creative and crafted signature cocktails. They make a combo with the drinks, fresh and innovative bites, and dishes inspired by the Maggie Oakes restaurant on the hotel’s ground floor are served.
Shareables, appetizers, and salads are available, as well as signature burgers, tartar, tuna, and more. Terrasse William Gray is a great Montreal rooftop destination for many occasions, thanks to its friendly service and urban-chic vibe. Bring a date for the impressive sunset views and drinks, or come with a group of friends to enjoy the nightly lounge vibes. So, Terrasse William Gray is one of the best bars in Montreal for you. If you are in the city, we recommend that you visit this rooftop bar at least once. Go with your family, friends, and loved ones for a memorable and fun time.
Taverne Atlantic
Taverne Atlantic is an airy bar with a patio & a trendy ambiance offering unpretentious meals plus cocktails. It is a great tavern, one of the best bars in Montreal, offering creative cocktails, microbrewery beers, natural wines, and a large selection of spirits. A large and airy space with a magnificent design. Large roof terrace. A popular spot in Mile-ex and Mile-end. One of Montreal’s best bars serves signature cocktails, microbrew or craft beer, natural wines, and a great selection of spirits. A wide room, beautifully designed, and a grand rooftop terrasse. A popular spot of the Mile-ex and Mile-end. Stylish and retro tavern with a lovely rooftop terrace. Taverne Atlantic, which opened in 2019, brings a mix of trendy and cozy vibes to Montreal’s Mile Ex.
Part of the interior features an Art Deco and retro-inspired design, while the other features a lush and charming rooftop terrace. The terrace is chic and quirky, combining plants, bistro-style seating, and lawn games with stunning views of the surrounding area. Perfect for having a drink and bites in the sun, but also warm and cozy under the string lighting. The Taverne Atlantic menu features some inventive signature cocktails and an impressive selection of draft and bottled beers and sustainable wines. There is also a snack bar menu with pizzas and gourmet hot dogs. The Taverne Atlantic rooftop is open most afternoons and nights of the week and is ideal for some relaxing and chilled drinks, a date night, or a vibrant and fun late night with friends. Taverne Atlantic has opened in Montreal’s Mile Ex, heralding the end of summer 2019.
This lovely new tavern on the corner of Avenue du Parc and Rue Beaubien is the venue to be if you want to party until the wee hours of the morning or indulge in delicious snacks and inventive cocktails. There is a long list of excellent cocktails for refreshments and a fine selection of wines, beers, ciders, and bubbly – there is something for everyone! Frédérique Fortin (Manitoba’s sommelier) is responsible for the well-balanced wine list, which comprises 75% private imports and natural labels. Alexandre Taillon is in charge of the cocktails. Consider the Royal Daiquiri (violet liqueur, white rum, simple syrup, lime) and an updated Indian Summer (elderberry liqueur, tequila, grapefruit and pepper syrup, soda). The bar has curated an impressive selection of beers for beer fans at an even more impressive price ($2 per Lager)!
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.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, Montreal has a plethora of fantastic bars to visit. However, there are only a few bars on the island that have been named the best in Canada. The annual list ranks Canada’s best wine, beer, and cocktail lounges. Civil Liberties in Toronto took the top spot in the country, followed by two British Columbian spots: Botanist at number two and The Keefer Bar at number three. But don’t worry, Montreal drinkers: above are the The Best Cool Bars in Montreal for you. If our highball ranking of watering holes is any indication, every bar in Montreal is a gem.
