Liam TrudeauThese 14 best bars in Montreal will make you regret not coming sooner!
Doesn’t everybody love a good drink? Well, I do – responsibly! I tend to indulge whenever I can score a scotch or a nice imported wine. And, of course, years of bar hopping have also led me to have a few favourites.
From unassuming bars that sell cheap pours to more refined bars with some of the most exotic drinks, I have every recommendation.
And because my friends are already sick from my insistent rambling (they love me, I swear!), I’ll share my faves with you instead.
Come to these bars so you can finally experience the city’s best!
1. Cloakroom Bar
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Website: https://www.cloakroombarmtl.com
Address: 2175 Rue de la Montagne #100
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday, Sunday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Friday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Price: $$$
Hidden behind an unassuming clothing shop in Montreal’s Golden Square Mile, The Cloakroom Bar is the ultimate bar experience. With just 25 seats, this cosy bar offers an exclusive and intimate setting for evening drinks.
What’s cool about The Cloakroom is its no-menu concept. Share your flavour preferences, and the bartenders will craft a cocktail. The prices typically hover around $20, but the quality justifies every penny.
The vibe starts calm but gets lively by evening. By 5:30 PM, the place is buzzing, so plan your visit accordingly. And once you’re there, go for their vintage amari and bourbons for a taste of expertly aged spirits.
2. Nhâu
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Address: 600 William St
Contact Details: +1 514-600-5870
Operating Hours: Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM, Wednesday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM.
Price: $$
Want to enjoy a unique bar experience? Nhâu Bar combines Vietnamese-inspired cuisine with tiki cocktails. The place features glowing lanterns that give off this really intimate atmosphere that’s true to a mini club scene.
The cocktails are the true stars here, especially the Nhậu Shell – a creative and shareable drink. While the tiki aesthetic might suggest fruity flavours, the drinks lean savoury with a strong Southeast Asian influence.
As for food, their small plates are just enough to keep you going. The spicy tofu and fried broccolini are definitely favourites here – be sure to order early before they run out!
Prices range from $15 to $30, but be mindful – the smaller portions can quickly add up if you keep ordering.
3. Rouge Gorge
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Website: https://www.rougegorge.ca
Address: 1234 Mont-Royal Ave E, Montreal
Contact Details: +1 514-303-3822
Operating Hours: Monday – Tuesday, Sunday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Wednesday – Thursday: 3:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Friday – Saturday: 3:00 PM – 3:00 AM.
Price: $$$
If you’re a cocktail enthusiast, Rouge Gorge is your place. Their menu has creative options like the mezcal negroni blanc and the indulgent baklava martini.
The selection is endless, so there’s something for every taste. Personally, I liked the “What’s Golden.” It’s a milk punch with bourbon, saffron, and goat milk – sounds wild, but it’s delicious.
Food lovers will appreciate their small yet well-curated menu. The oysters are fresh, but the tuna tataki pairs perfectly with their extensive wine selection.
If you have a sweet tooth, the chocolate fondue with passion fruit is a must-try. It’s generously portioned for two, so you can definitely share one with your date.
4. N Sur Mackay
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Website: https://linktr.ee/nsurmackay
Address: 1244 Mackay St
Contact Details:
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday, Sunday: 2:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Thursday – Saturday: 2:00 PM – 3:00 AM.
Price: $
N Sur Mackay is your best bet for that classic low-lit ambience bar with gorgeous vintage-style decor. It’s spacious enough to accommodate big groups. However, it’s quiet enough for intimate conversations.
Apart from the atmosphere, the whiskey menu here won’t disappoint you too! They have Scotch, rye options, and more. They even have rare finds, which you can access if you ask.
But if you’re not a whiskey fan, their rotating cocktail specials are worth exploring. For something unique, ask about their “Flight of the Month” to sample a curated lineup of premium options.
On busier nights, you might experience a bit of a wait for service, as the bartenders often double as the servers. But overall, I’m sure you’ll have a fine time!
5. Bar de Courcelle
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Website: https://www.bardecourcelle.com
Address: 4685 Notre-Dame St W
Contact Details: +1 438-382-4685
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 3:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Price: $
Bar de Courcelle is an excellent choice if you’re in Saint-Henri and looking for a spot to drink. This neighbourhood favourite combines an old-school brasserie vibe with a lively, younger crowd.
One of my personal picks here is the Dark ‘N Stormy. It’s a zesty blend of Saint-James rum, lime, and ginger beer. You also won’t go wrong with their classic lager, which has quite reasonable prices for Montreal.
Visit early in the evening, and you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere before the music picks up. Come later, and you’ll find a lively crowd enjoying everything from live bands to DJs.
They also host weekly events. This includes open mic nights and Habs game screenings, which keep things exciting for patrons.
You can stay in the loop with announcements via their website, so you don’t miss anything!
6. Perles et Paddock
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Website: https://www.perlesetpaddock.com/fr/
Address: 403 Rue des Seigneurs
Contact Details: +1 514-931-0004
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Thursday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Price: $$
Have you ever visited a bar that feels like one with nature? That’s exactly what Perles et Paddock is like.
When you step into it, you’ll immediately be greeted by a stunning forest-like decor. Think trees, vines, and a massive skylight that floods the space with natural light!
The cocktails here are exceptional. For a real treat, try sampling a few of their creations. They’re generous with the pours, so you’re definitely getting your money’s worth.
If wine is more your style, their curated selection of natural and artisanal options is equally impressive.
The food doesn’t disappoint either. Favourites include sweet potato waffles and spicy honey-fried chicken. The pork dish is legendary for dinner, though it comes with a slightly higher price tag.
7. Burgundy Lion
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Website: https://www.burgundylion.com
Address: 2496 Notre-Dame St W
Contact Details: +1 514-934-0888
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 AM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM | Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Price: $$
The Burgundy Lion is a classic British pub that never fails to deliver. It’s the perfect spot for anyone looking to dive into the world of whiskey, with a collection of nearly 300 varieties!
Sports fans will appreciate the lively sports bar vibe with multiple TVs. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, their outdoor terrace is an excellent option during the warmer months. Be prepared for a wait during peak hours since it’s a popular spot.
As for food, I recommend their English Poutine or the salad with blue cheese. If you’re coming in as a big group, you may want to have their Sunday roast for a family-style feast. This is great for groups of four or more.
8. Alkademie Alambika
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Website: https://alambika.ca
Address: Entrance on Beaubien, 6484 Boul St-Laurent Entrée, Rue Beaubien O W
Contact Details: +1 514-400-9212
Operating Hours: Thursday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Price: $$
Tucked away near Beaubien Metro, Alkademie Alambika is the place to go for a quick night out. Here, you can sample all sorts of bitters, syrups, and garnishes – ideal for discovering new favourites.
What’s nice is that they’re far from your typical party affair. While there is LED lighting that gives off an energetic vibe, it’s actually really calming. On top of the atmosphere, parking is a breeze with plenty of nearby spaces.
You’ll also be pleased to know that the place practices sustainability and supports local artisans. In particular, they use biodegradable packaging and offer handmade products that support Canadian craftsmen.
9. Poincaré Chinatown
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Website: https://poincarechinatown.com
Address: 1071 St Laurent Blvd 2e étage
Contact Details:
Operating Hours: Monday -Wednesday, Sunday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Thursday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Price: $
Looking for a drink with a view? Poincaré is a must-visit rooftop bar to enjoy locally brewed draft beers while soaking in the fresh air. The relaxed ambience makes it perfect for intimate conversations without noise.
The cocktail features unique creations like the Operador Suave – a slightly smoky mix of tequila, mezcal, and orange juice. If you’re in the mood for something fruity, try the Tangerine Soleil Couchant. It’s a refreshing blend of rum, tangerine, and a touch of Cointreau.
If you’re craving something to munch on, the tapas-style dishes are a great choice. From flavourful curries to their signature fermented fries, the portions are satisfying.
10. Broue Pub Brouhaha
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Website: https://www.brouepubbrouhaha.com
Address: 10295 Av. Papineau
Contact Details: +1 438-380-5563
Operating Hours: Monday- Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Thursday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM.
Price: $
This spot has been a staple in Montreal for over a decade, and it’s easy to see why it remains a favourite. Their beer selection offers a solid mix of classics and local brews that locals love.
The food is just as dependable as the drinks, making it a great choice for a casual lunch or dinner. The classic pub dishes are enjoyable, but the flavours may not be exceptional. At least the portions are well-sized.
The space is roomy but can get crowded as the evening progresses. Thankfully, the terrace provides a quieter option to enjoy a pint of craft beer on a warm night.
11. Bar St-Denis
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Website: https://www.barstdenis.com/
Address: 6966 Saint Denis St
Contact Details: +1 514-276-9717
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price: $$$
For a more upscale bar experience, Bar St-Denis is a great choice if you’re ready to splurge. The service is excellent, which isn’t something you can count on at every bar.
The food takes centre stage here, featuring a seasonal menu that changes regularly. The tasting menu is ideal for groups, featuring standout dishes like scallops and crudo seafood.
On the flip side, the beer selection is a little underwhelming compared to the other offerings. Though I don’t mind, I think it’s a nice consideration if you just want something straightforward.
12. Le Majestique
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Website: http://www.restobarmajestique.com
Address: 4105 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal
Contact Details: +1 514-439-1850
Operating Hours: Monday -Sunday: 4:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Price: $$
Le Majestique is a spot that lingers in your mind long after the night ends. Open every day until 3:00 AM (with a kitchen that serves until 2:00 AM), it’s ideal for night owls who want a light meal and great drinks.
The food is simple but thoughtfully curated. Must-tries include the oysters and their unique chicken liver dish with a crème brûlée-style finish. For something lighter, start with their focaccia bread.
The cocktails are another standout. With a martini-like twist, the Brutus is a top pick for gin lovers. If you’re unsure, the bartenders will gladly help you find your perfect drink.
13. Buvette Chez Simone
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Website: https://www.labuvettechezsimone.com
Address: 4869 Park Ave, Montreal, Quebec H2V 4E7, Canada
Contact Details: +1 514-750-6577
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday, Friday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Tuesday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Price: $
If you’re searching for a cosy bar in Montreal, Buvette Chez Simone is an excellent choice. The dining room wraps around a central T-shaped bar. The soft lighting enhances the charm, making it ideal for an intimate dinner.
The best part here is their pricing. A half-litre of house wine is $39, while small plates like marinated olives or smoked salmon are around $10. For lighter drinkers, they even offer half-glasses for a more economical option.
The food combines creative takes on bar classics with shareable tapas. Highlights include chicken liver mousse with pistachios and roasted broccolini with miso-gochujang glaze. Don’t miss the burrata with roasted almonds, too—a light yet flavourful choice.
14. vinvinvin
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Website: https://vinvinvin.ca
Address: 1290 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal, QC H2S 1P9, Canada
Contact Details: +1 514-379-6969
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 3:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Friday – Saturday: 3:00 PM – 3:00
Price: $
If you’re a wine enthusiast, Vinvinvin is a must-visit. This wine bar is renowned for its carefully curated selection of unique wines you won’t easily find elsewhere—and certainly not at their reasonable prices.
While it’s not a full-service dining spot, it shines with its small bites. Because portions are smaller, eating before or after is a good idea if you plan a full meal.
The lively ambience makes it a great choice for those who enjoy an energetic setting. However, it can get noisy, especially on weekends. This is something to keep in mind if you prefer a quieter atmosphere.
