Lea GagnonRaise your glass at these 12 best cocktail bars in Montreal
You know that feeling when you say “just one drink” and suddenly it’s midnight, you’ve made friends with the bartender, and you’re talking about cocktails like you invented them? Yes, we’ve been there. More than once, actually.
As hard as it might be to believe, my team and I are not alcoholics. We promise. The visits to these bars were actually spread out over time. It just looks like we’ve been drinking non-stop because, well… research.
Montreal is full of amazing cocktail spots, and we’ve been sipping our way through the city to find the best of the best. So, if you’re looking for your next go-to drink, here’s our list of our favourite places to grab a cocktail to enjoy a good night out.
1. Cloakroom Bar
Media credits: thecloakroombar
Address: 2175 Rue de la Montagne #100
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 4 PM – 1 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 4 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday: 4 PM – 1 AM
Price: $$$
The Cloakroom Bar is tucked away beside a tailor shop, and the place is quite hard to find. It’s a small space with only about 25 seats, but it never felt cramped. The mirrored walls, low lighting, and vintage touches made it feel kind of luxurious in some way.
What makes it special is that there’s no menu. Instead, the bartenders chat with you for a minute or two. They’ll ask what kind of spirits you like, what flavours you’re in the mood for, and maybe even how you’re feeling that day.
After the small chat, they’ll whip up something unique. I visited here with my friends, and each one of us got a drink that matched our tastes perfectly.
| Pro tip: Pay attention to what you ask for. The price of your drink depends on the alcohol they use. It won’t be crazy expensive, but if you’re trying to keep things affordable, just let the bartender know you’d prefer something lighter or not made with premium liquor. |
2. Atwater Cocktail Club
Media credits: atwatercocktailclub
Address: 512 Atwater Ave
Contact details: +1 438-816-8938
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 5 PM – 3 AM
Price: $$
You can find the Atwater Cocktail Club at the end of a graffiti-covered alley, and you’ll see a glowing red light to know you’re in the right spot. The place had a cool, cinematic vibe. We think the dark walls and fuchsia benches were the reason behind it.
The music was great, mostly upbeat and lively, but it did get a bit loud as the night went on. We were still able to chat, but had to lean in more than usual.
Right off the bat, we were given a complimentary mini cocktail. It’s a small gesture, but it really sets the mood.
The standout for me was the “Smoke Show.” It’s a fruity drink that gets served under a glass cloche filled with smoke. It looked dramatic and tasted amazing.
| Pro tip: Go early, especially on weekends. Since they don’t take reservations and it’s walk-in only, arriving before 8 PM gives you a better shot at snagging a good spot without waiting. |
3. The Coldroom
Media credits: thecoldroommtl
Address: R. Saint-Vincent
Contact details: +1 514-294-6911
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 5 PM – 1 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 5 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday: 5 PM – 1 AM
Price: $$$
Finding The Coldroom was half the fun. One of us almost bailed when we saw the plain black door with nothing but a tiny emergency exit sign and a rubber duck. We rang the bell and waited, which felt both mysterious and awkward.
Once we were let in, it was like entering a cosy den with moody lighting and exposed brick. It’s small, with probably around 60 seats, but it didn’t feel cramped.
The menu is quirky and themed around a fictional 1970s squad. We loved how each drink comes with a little description and flavour profile.
If you’re not sure what to get, we suggest getting their “Cold Fashioned.” It’s their take on an old-fashioned, and honestly, one of the best drinks I’ve had. It’s super smooth, well-balanced, and a great example of how they play with classic recipes in a fresh way.
| Pro tip: If you’re not drinking alcohol, try their mocktails. You won’t feel left out at all since the bartenders take just as much care with the non-alcoholic drinks as they do with the cocktails. |
4. Milky Way Cocktail Bar
Media credits: milkywaycocktails
Address: 1886 Centre St
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 5:30 PM – 3 AM
Price: $$
The Milky Way Cocktail Bar is stunning. There’s a glass ceiling, tropical plants everywhere, and glowing walls that feel a bit like outer space met a jungle. It’s not a huge place, though, so it’s definitely better for smaller groups.
We tried a few of their signature cocktails, and “Island in the Sun” was the standout for most of us. It’s got gin, rhum agricole, citrus, and a bit of floral and spice going on. We also appreciated that the menu lists the ABV next to each drink, which is helpful.
It’s also nice that you can order food from Fugazzi downstairs. We grabbed a couple of pizzas and a pasta dish to share, and they were really delicious. After 10 PM, they do $5 pizzas, so it’s a nice deal if you’re planning to hang around late.
| Pro tip: Be ready for the volume shift since the music turns up around 9:30 PM to 10 PM. It’s fun if you’re in the mood to party a little, but if you’re looking for a quiet drink, plan to go earlier or aim for a weekday visit. |
5. Bar Leonor
Media credits: leonormtl
Address: 1106B St Laurent Blvd
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 5 PM – 2 AM
- Friday to Sunday: 5 PM – 3 AM
Price: $$$
We visited Bar Leonor on a Friday night, arriving around 9. It wasn’t packed that time yet, so we had time to chat with the bartenders and really enjoy the space before the DJ started around 11.
For cocktails, one of us went for the “B Movie,” which had tequila and some botanical twist that tasted fresh and just a little smoky. I tried the “Wooden Ships,” which was a rum drink with Bénédictine and Aperol that was way more complex than expected.
We also appreciated how accommodating the bartenders were. One of my friends has a fructose allergy, which usually means she has to skip cocktails, but not here. The bartender made something unique for her to accommodate her needs and still have fun.
| Pro tip: Check out the restroom mirror wall. It’s funky and very on-theme with the bar’s artsy design. It could be a fun little photo moment if you’re into that. |
6. Bar Le Mal Nécessaire
Media credits: lemalnecessaire
Address: 1015 Rue St-Alexandre
Contact details: +1 514-397-1118
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 4:30 PM – 2 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 4:30 AM – 3 AM
- Sunday: 4:30 PM – 2 AM
Price: $$$
The cocktails in Bar Le Mal Nécessaire really impressed us. Everything was clearly made with fresh ingredients. Some drinks even came in actual fruit.
Their “Miso Juicy” tasted exactly like a watermelon Jolly Rancher in the best way. It was playful, refreshing, and easy to sip. The “Santiago Sling,” on the other hand, is a sweeter take on the classic “Singapore Sling” that leans more fruity than boozy.
Prices range from $16 to $26 per cocktail, which we expected given the quality and presentation. The drinks do take a bit to come out, though—not painfully slow, but not quick either. Luckily, the staff makes the wait feel worth it.
| Pro tip: Even though they have no kitchen, you can order Cantonese food from Fung Shing next door. If you’re staying for more than one round, having something savoury like General Tao chicken or Singapore noodles really helps balance the booze. |
7. Bar Bisou Bisou
Media credits: barbisoubisou
Address: 416 R. Saint-Vincent
Contact details: +1 438-946-9516
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Sunday: 4 PM – 12 AM
Price: $$
Bar Bisou Bisou is located in a basement, but it doesn’t feel dark. Their soft lighting, exposed stone walls, and tiled details gave it a Mediterranean vibe. The vibe here is intimate but not overly romantic, so it works for a perfect date spot.
Their menu leans into low-alcohol drinks, which might sound limiting, but it wasn’t at all. In fact, it was refreshing.
I personally liked the “Le Petit Éléphant.” It was light, floral, and slightly citrusy with a gentle bitterness that made it linger in a pleasant way. Every drink came with a short description on the menu, including ingredients, glass type, and alcohol percentage.
We paid around $15 to $17 CAD per cocktail, which felt totally justified given the quality and presentation. Even the glassware felt curated.
| Pro tip: Don’t skip the snacks here, especially if you get hungry. We especially liked the conservas and pickled vegetables. They’re perfect for nibbling while you sip. |
8. Bootlegger Cocktail Bar & Cuisine
Media credits: bootleggercocktailbar
Address: 3481 St Laurent Blvd, 2ème Étage
Contact details: +1 438-383-2226
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 5 PM – 1 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 5 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday: 5 PM – 1 AM
Price: $$
Bootlegger Cocktail Bar & Cuisine’s vibe is intimate and welcoming. It’s not loud or flashy, but it has a buzz. It felt like time-travelling to the 1920s because of the vintage furniture and low lighting.
Their cocktails were thoughtful and balanced. They weren’t overly sweet or overly strong, just really well done. We also appreciated how our server walked us through a few of the cocktails based on what we usually like.
Aside from the cocktail, their East Coast oysters were also a highlight. They were fresh, briny, and even came with a whiskey-infused mignonette sauce that worked well with their flavours.
| Pro tip: If you’re looking for a more lively and engaging experience, check Bootlegger’s website or Instagram before you go. They usually host live jazz, blues, and even comedy nights. The energy of live music adds a whole new layer to the vibe. |
9. Le 4ᶱ Mur
Media credits: 4emur
Address: 2021 Saint Denis St
Contact details: +1 438-396-8947
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Sunday: 5 PM – 3 AM
Price: $$$
Le 4ᶱ Mur is not your average bar visit since it’s a secret speakeasy hidden behind a bookshelf. Entering felt like stepping into a 1920s noir movie. It only seats about 60 people, which makes our visit feel personal and special.
We all tried different cocktails so we could compare notes. The standout for me was the “Bloody Laqué,” which looks like cranberry juice and tastes like a Bloody Caesar. The little coriander jelly on the side was surprising, but it works well with the drink.
There’s also a murder mystery game woven into the menu, which made our experience more fun. If you’re in a group, ordering different drinks helps unlock clues. One of us focused on solving it, and he actually got a free shot for cracking the case.
| Pro tip: For live entertainment, visit on Sunday or Wednesday to catch two short but tasteful burlesque performances (at 9:30 PM and 10:50 PM), or go on Tuesday for live piano or Thursday for a full jazz band. Each option offers a unique vibe. |
10. El Pequeño Bar
Media credits: elpequenobarmtl
Address: 401a R. Saint-Vincent
Contact details: +1 514-294-6911
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Friday: 5 PM – 1 AM
- Saturday: 4 PM – 1 AM
- Sunday: 5 PM – 1 AM
Price: $$
When we heard El Pequeño Bar was the smallest bar in Canada, we got curious. Walking into a 141-square-foot room with only nine seats made us raise an eyebrow at first. But within minutes, we totally got the hype.
The space feels less like a bar and more like being invited into someone’s cool, Havana-inspired living room. It’s charming, intimate, and instantly disarming. We even found ourselves chatting with total strangers like we were all old friends.
We found it unique that their cocktails are all rum-focused. A personal favourite would be “The Mystic,” which is citrusy and smooth. The Diplomatico rum in it gives it a warm depth too.
| Pro tip: When you visit, keep your group small. If you’re more than 3 or 4 people, it’ll be tough to get in together and even harder to squeeze around the bar. |
11. Snowbird Tiki Bar
Media credits: snowbirdtikibar
Address: 6388 Rue St-Hubert
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 5 PM – 3 AM
Price: $$
Snowbird Tiki Bar is inside a bigger venue called Idole, so at first, we weren’t sure we were in the right place. But once you step through the right door, it’s like walking into a tropical dream. There are bamboos, neon signs, and lots of tiki mugs.
One of the best parts was seeing how the vibe changed throughout the night. Early on, it felt chill and cosy, which is great for chatting. Later, the music picked up, and it felt more like a lively night out.
Each cocktail is marked with a strength level from 1 to 4, which we appreciated. It helps if you’re pacing yourself or just want something lighter.
If you want something level-4-strong, the “Cobra’s Fang” cocktail is a perfect drink that kicks. It’s citrusy and spicy at the same time.
| Pro tip: Try their “Garden Party” or “Volcano Bowl” if you’re with friends. It’s theatrical, delicious, and actually good value when split. One bowl easily serves 3 to 4 people, or maybe even more if you’re sipping slowly. |
12. Clandestino
Media credits: clandestino_mtl
Address: 436 Saint Francois Xavier St
Contact details: +1 514-285-4037
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 8 PM – 1 AM
- Thursday to Saturday: 8 PM – 2 AM
- Sunday: Closed
Price: $$$
Clandestino’s atmosphere was a hit for most of us. It’s intimate, cool, and perfect for a date or a small group. A couple of us loved the dark, moody lighting, while a friend found it a bit too dim, especially when reading the menu.
We each ordered different cocktails, and not one was a dud. A favourite was a smoky mezcal drink with a chilli-salt rim. It had heat, depth, and a little sour pop.
Another standout came with a foam top and smelled like grilled pineapple before we even took a sip. We could tell they put a lot of effort into every detail, including the salt pairings. The bartender told us they have 15 different kinds, which is wild.
| Pro tip: If you’re new to mezcal or tequila, the trip tasting trays are a great way to get a feel for different styles without committing to a full pour. It’s also fun to share among friends and compare notes. |
