12 Best Bars In Montreal

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

Within the Montreal boundaries lies an eclectic mixture of drinking establishments that cater to every taste imaginable. From laid-back lounges serving up craft beers, elegant wine bars tucked away behind unassuming facades, to trendsetting mixology hotspots where each cocktail is not just a drink but an art form - these are spots that truly define Montreal’s bar scene. So buckle up as we embark on this personal journey together exploring what I believe are unequivocally the best bars in Montreal.

1. Cloakroom Bar

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Cloakroom Bar, located in Montreal's Golden Square Mile. This speakeasy-style cocktail bar has been delighting patrons since it opened its doors in 2015. Founded by beverage director Andrew Whibley, the Cloakroom offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy exceptional drinks.

The menu at Bar Cloakroom features a wide variety of cocktails, including rum, whisky, gin, and wine-based drinks. They also offer a selection of bar snacks that complement the flavour profiles of the drinks. If you're in the mood for something more substantial, there are plenty of great restaurants nearby, including some that serve poutine, the quintessential Montreal dish.

The bartenders at the Cloakroom Bar are true mixology experts, and they take pride in their craft. They use only the highest quality ingredients and techniques to create drinks that are both delicious and visually stunning. If you're not sure what to order, don't be afraid to ask for recommendations. The bartenders are very friendly, and they'll be more than happy to help you find the perfect drink.

One thing that sets this cocktail bar apart from other bars in Montreal is its speakeasy vibe. The entrance is hidden, and you have to ring a doorbell to gain entry. Once inside, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time to the days of prohibition.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out Cloakroom Bar if you're in Montreal. Whether you're a fan of classic cocktails or more modern creations, you're sure to find something you love here. It's the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring Old Montreal or Chinatown, or to start your night off right before hitting up one of the city's many other bars or clubs.

Contact:

Address: 2175 Rue de la Montagne #100, Montréal, QC H3G 1Z8, Canada

2. Milky Way Cocktail Bar

I ones had the pleasure of visiting the Milky Way Cocktail Bar in Montreal, and it's safe to say that it lived up to its reputation as one of the coolest bars in the world. The bar is part of the Barroco Hospitality Group, which is known for its creative and innovative cocktail creations.

The atmosphere at Milky Way is intimate and cozy, with dim lighting and a speakeasy vibe. This Montreal bar is small, but it's packed with character and charm.

Milky Way's cocktail menu is extensive, with a wide variety of options to suit every taste. The bar specializes in natural wines and craft brews, and they have an impressive wine list that features both old-world and new-world wines.

At the same time, their cocktail menu features classic drinks like gin and tonics and old fashioneds, as well as more innovative creations like the Pineapple Express, which combines pineapple-infused gin with lime and bitters.

In addition to their impressive drink menu, Milky Way also offers a selection of bar snacks and small plates. The menu features a mix of classic and modern dishes, like charcuterie boards and Japanese-style skewers.

Contact:

Address: 1886 Centre St, Montreal, Quebec H3K 1H9, Canada

3. The Coldroom

I recently visited The Coldroom, one of the best Montreal cocktail bars located in the heart of Old Montreal. This speakeasy-style establishment is known for its extensive selection of cocktails, including classic favorites and unique creations.

The atmosphere of The Coldroom is cozy and intimate, with dim lighting and comfortable seating. The bartenders are  skilled in mixology, and they take pride in crafting each drink with precision and care. The menu features a variety of spirits, including whisky, gin, and wines, as well as a selection of bitters and stouts.

One of the standout features of The Coldroom is its attention to detail in creating unique flavor profiles. The bartenders use fresh ingredients and house-made syrups and infusions to create drinks in Montreal that are both delicious and visually stunning.

Contact:

Address: R. Saint-Vincent, Montréal, QC H2Y 1G8, Canada

Phone: +1 514-294-6911

4. El Pequeño Bar

A few months ago I had the pleasure of visiting the El Pequeño Bar, a Cuban-inspired cocktail bar located in the center of Old Montreal. This cozy and intimate bar is designed around the golden age of tourism in Havana, Cuba, circa 1920's, and brings an old world charm to a magnificent experience in the smallest bar in Canada.

This great bar serves a range of cocktails, including classic daiquiris and mojitos, as well as more unique creations like the VinVinVin, a mix of tequila, lime, and mineral water. The bar also has a small selection of wines and whiskies available.

In addition to the great cocktails, Bar El Pequeño also offers a small selection of snacks, including a knockout Cubano sandwich.

Contact:

Address: 401a R. Saint-Vincent, Montréal, QC H2Y 3A4, Canada

Phone: +1 514-294-6911

5. Rouge Gorge

If you're looking for one of the best wine bars in town with a great selection of natural wines, Rouge Gorge is one of the best places in Montreal. Located on Mont-Royal Avenue, this wine bar offers a relaxed atmosphere with a focus on quality wines and small plates.

The wine list at Rouge Gorge is carefully curated by their knowledgeable sommelier, and features a range of natural wines from around the world. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just looking to try something new, you're sure to find a wine that suits your taste.

In addition to their impressive wine selection, Rouge Gorge also offers a variety of tasty bar snacks, including popcorn shrimp and duck confit poutine.

Contact:

Address: 1234 Mont-Royal Ave E, Montreal, Quebec H2J 1Y1, Canada

Phone: +1 514-303-3822

6. Atwater Cocktail Club

After visiting the Atwater Cocktail Club in Saint-Henri Montréal, it is safe to say that it lived up to its reputation for serving the best cocktails in Montreal. Tucked away in a graffiti-lined alleyway, the entrance is marked by an industrial red light, giving it a speakeasy vibe.

The interior of the Atwater Club is dimly lit, with a cozy and intimate atmosphere that makes it perfect for a date or a night out with friends. The bar is well-stocked with a wide selection of spirits, and the bartenders are skilled at crafting unique and fantastic cocktails.

One of the standout drinks at the Atwater is the Smoke Show, a smoky mezcal cocktail with hints of grapefruit and lime. The Glitter Green is another popular choice, featuring gin, chartreuse, and absinthe, with a touch of lemon and cucumber for freshness.

In addition to the bespoke cocktail menu, the Atwater Cocktail Club also offers a small but tasty food menu. The charcuterie board is a great option, with a selection of cured meats, cheeses, and house-made pickles.

Contact:

Address: 512 Atwater Ave, Montreal, Quebec H4C 2G5, Canada

Phone: +1 438-816-8938

7. Le Royal

Le Royal is a trendy and upscale bar located in the Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood of Montreal. As soon as I walked in, I was impressed by the chic and modern decor.

One thing that sets this neighborhood bar apart from other bars in the area is their extensive cocktail menu. They offer a wide variety of classic and signature cocktails, all expertly crafted by their skilled bartenders. I highly recommend trying the "Le Royal" cocktail, which is made with gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and sparkling wine.

In addition to their impressive cocktail menu, Le Royal also has a great selection of wine and beer. Their wine list includes both local and international options, and they have several beers on tap as well as bottled options.

The service at Le Royal is top-notch, with friendly waiters who are happy to make recommendations and answer any questions you may have. The prices are on the higher side, but the quality of the drinks and the overall experience make it worth the spend.

Contact:

Address: 1232 Mont-Royal Ave E, Montreal, Quebec H2J 1Y1, Canada

8. Bar George

Bar George is a downtown Montreal restaurant and hotel bar that serves Scottish and British cuisine with a Quebecois twist, alongside classic English drinks. The restaurant is situated in the elegant Le Mount Stephen hotel, which was once the home of Scottish-Canadian businessman Sir George Stephen.

The restaurant's interior is luxurious, with plush velvet seating, ornate chandeliers, and wood paneling. The menu features classic dishes such as fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and bangers and mash, as well as more unique items like haggis and black pudding.

One of the standout dishes at Bar George is the Butler Steak, a 16-ounce bone-in ribeye that is dry-aged for 40 days and served with roasted bone marrow and bordelaise sauce. The steak is cooked to perfection and has a rich, buttery flavor.

The bar at Bar George is equally impressive, with a wide selection of spirits, wines, and beers. The cocktail menu features classic drinks like the Old Fashioned and the Negroni, as well as signature creations like the George Sour, which is made with bourbon, lemon juice, honey syrup, and egg white.

Contact:

Address: Le Mount Stephen, 1440 Drummond St, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1V9, Canada

Phone: +1 514-669-9243

9. Buvette Chez Simone

Buvette Chez Simone is a cozy and trendy wine bar located in the Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood of Montreal. It is a favorite spot in Mile End among locals and tourists and is known for its extensive wine list and delicious small plates.

The bar offers an extensive selection of natural wines, many of which are sourced from local Quebec vineyards. In addition to wine, Buvette Chez Simone also offers a variety of small plates and snacks. The menu features classic French dishes like escargots and charcuterie, as well as more modern offerings like smoked salmon and fish fritters. The portions are small but flavorful, and the prices are reasonable.

Contact:

Address: 4869 Park Ave, Montreal, Quebec H2V 4E7, Canada

Phone: +1 514-750-6577

10. Bar de Courcelle

As one of Montreal's best bars around, Bar de Courcelle is a cozy and inviting bar located in the Sud-Ouest neighborhood of Montreal.

One of the highlights of the Courcelle bar is their extensive drink menu. They offer a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, as well as a rotating selection of local and international craft beers.

In addition to their impressive drink menu, Bar de Courcelle also serves up some delicious food. Some of the standout dishes include the charcuterie board, the smoked salmon tartine, and the truffle fries.

The decor at de Courcelle is simple and understated, with exposed brick walls and wooden accents. The bar is small and intimate, with seating at the bar and a few tables scattered throughout the space. While the vibe is laid-back and unpretentious, making it a great spot to grab a drink and relax.

Contact:

Address: 4685 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H4C 1S7, Canada

Phone: +1 438-382-4685

11. Bar Pamplemousse

The Bar Pamplemousse is located in the Quartier des Spectacles, right next to the Saint-Laurent metro station. The atmosphere of the bar is cozy and intimate, with dim lighting and comfortable seating. The outdoor terrace is a great spot to enjoy the summer weather, and the indoor seating is perfect for a cozy night out.

Bar Pamplemousse offers a great selection of food and drinks. Their beer selection includes microbrews, and their wine selection includes natural wines. They also have a wood-fired oven for pizza and other delicious menu items.

One of the highlights of my visit was the bread starter, which was absolutely amazing. The sauces that came with it were flavorful and complemented the bread perfectly.

Contact:

Address: 1579 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2X 2S9, Canada

Phone: +1 514-543-1579

12. Big in Japan Bar

During my last trip to Montreal I had the pleasure of visiting the Big in Japan Bar, and it's safe to say that it's one of the most unique bars I've ever been to. Located on St-Laurent St, near Rachel, the bar is an extension of the restaurant by the same name, and it's definitely one of the most beautiful bars Montreal has to offer.

The first thing that struck me about bar Big in Japan is that it doesn't have a sign hanging outside, and it has no visible address. Instead, you have to look for a red door on St. Laurent Boulevard that leads you to a staircase. Once you climb the stairs, you'll be greeted by a host who will lead you to your table.

The decor of the bar is very nouveau trendy, with dim lighting and a cozy atmosphere. The bar is known for its extensive collection of Japanese whiskeys, as well as its creative cocktails. I highly recommend trying the "Sake Sour" or the "Tokyo Mule".

One thing to keep in mind is that the bar can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, so it's best to make a reservation ahead of time.

Contact:

Address: 4175 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1Y7, Canada

Phone: +1 438-380-5658