Sip in secret at the absolute-best hidden bars in Montreal
We’ve all had those nights where we end up at the same overcrowded bar, surrounded by the same faces, sipping the same drinks. Yawn. But what if I told you there’s a whole other side to Montreal’s nightlife that you can’t see unless someone shows it to you?
A side that’s concealed by misleading facades, where creativity reigns behind dull doors, and where turning a seemingly blah corner leads you into an almost baroque setting out of a film set.
Yeah, I thought that might pique your interest. If you’re willing to walk these hidden trails, come on then and I’ll take you for a romp through my favorite “secret” bars in Montreal.
The Coldroom
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Location: R. Saint-Vincent, Montréal, QC H2Y 1G8, Canada
Contact: +1 514-294-6911
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Pricing: $$$
Ever heard of the saying “chilled to the bone”? Well, The Coldroom in Montreal takes it to the next level. This is a speakeasy-style hideaway that’s disguised behind an unassuming black door.
Their menu is as enigmatic as its entrance, so don’t be afraid to ask the knowledgeable staff for recommendations. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the Tia DD – it’s a smoky mezcal concoction that will warm you up from the inside out.
And if you’re lucky enough to snag a seat (yep, it’s kinda small), be ready to rub elbows with local celebrities who frequent this cool spot. It’s the place to be seen not being seen, if you get my drift.
Cloakroom Bar
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Location: 2175 Rue de la Montagne #100, Montréal, QC H3G 1Z8, Canada
Contact: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday – 4:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $$$
Tucked away in a men’s tailor shop in Montreal’s Golden Square Mile, Cloakroom Bar is a speakeasy that oozes sophistication and mystery. But don’t worry, getting in is as simple as locating a hidden door (no password required, thank goodness!).
There’s no menu here. Instead, you tell the expert mixologists your preferences, and they whip up bespoke cocktails that will have you ordering more.
This bar has only 25 seats and they don’t take reservations, so we recommend calling them to make sure you have a spot. But if you’re rolling with a crew of more than five, you’ll have to split up as per their reservation rules.
Le 4ᶱ Mur
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Location: 2021 Saint-Denis St, Montreal, Quebec H2X 3K8, Canada
Contact: +1 438-396-8947
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $$$
Le 4ᶱ Mur (The 4th Wall) takes the concept of “hidden gem” quite seriously, with no publicly listed address. The one you’ll find is a decoy and just near the place. You’ll need to do some sleuthing online by signing up on their website, or ask a savvy local for the secret.
But trust me, the hunt is worth it. Once you’ve cracked the code and entered through the unassuming doorway, you’ll be transported to a cosy and candlelit bar that feels like a secret society.
Here’s how it works here: as you enjoy your cocktail, you’ll receive a piece of a puzzle. With every additional drink, you gather more clues, gradually piecing together a larger mystery. How’s that for atmosphere and experience?
Rouge Gorge
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Location: 1234 Mont-Royal Ave E, Montreal, Quebec H2J 1Y1, Canada
Contact: +1 514-303-3822
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday – 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Wednesday to Thursday – 3:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Pricing: $$$
Designed by the brilliant Zébulon Perron, Rouge Gorge is a double whammy. Upstairs, you’ll find a chic wine haven where you can sip on over 500 exquisite wines curated by co-owner Alain Rochard himself.
It’s like having a personal sommelier guide you through the best vineyards of France, Europe, North America, and even our own local Quebec gems. But once you descend the stairs to the basement, you’ll discover a speakeasy where the cocktails flow like a hidden spring.
They even highlight a special concoction each month, like June’s showstopper: the caïpiroska strawberry rhubarb – a blend of Ketel One vodka, lime, strawberry, rhubarb, and chilli tincture.
Bar Kabinet
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Location: 8 B Av. Laurier O, Montréal, QC H2T 2N4, Canada
Contact: +1 514-279-3555
Operating hours:
- Sunday & Thursday – 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Pricing: $$$
Bar Kabinet is where Imperial Russia meets the Mile End. Located at the corner of Laurier and Saint-Urbain streets, it may take a bit of eagle-eye spotting, but trust me, this nook connected to Datcha Bar is worth the search.
This place is honestly like your own private tsarist den, perfect for clandestine conversations and delicious libations.
Once you’re here, make sure to try their espresso martini, a mix of iceberg vodka or grey goose for a caffeine kick with a touch of elegance. But if you’re in the mood for something a little stronger, go for the sazerac, a timeless classic made with CC Rye, St-Rémy, and a hint of absinthe.
Flyjin
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Location: 417 Rue Saint-Pierre, Montréal, QC H2Y 2M4, Canada
Contact: +1 514-564-8881
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday- 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $$$
Craving a taste of Tokyo without the jet lag? Flyjin is your golden ticket to a Japanese adventure. By day, this gem offers a fusion of Asian flavours, from organic salmon sashimi to delicate dumplings – bites that will take you to the streets of Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, and Hanoi.
But hold on tight, because when the clock strikes 11 PM, Flyjin undergoes a metamorphosis worthy of a magical girl anime. The lights dim, the music swells, and the space transforms into a pulsating dance floor where inhibitions are left at the door.
But if you’re looking for a truly magical experience, we recommend ordering the Stairway to Buddha. This drink is a mix of passion fruit purée and a whole cinnamon stick (which is dramatically lit on fire before serving).
Milky Way Cocktail Bar
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Location: 1886 Centre St, Montreal, Quebec H3K 1H9, Canada
Contact: +1 438-522-7499
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $$
If you want to blast off to a different kind of galaxy, then the Milky Way Cocktail Bar is the place. Perched atop Fugazzi Pizza in Pointe-Saint-Charles, this is like a hidden star cluster in the urban cosmos.
But let’s be real, the cocktails are the real reason you’re here… and these ain’t your grandma’s cosmos (we’re talking cocktails now). Once you visit, don’t miss their Bon Pour Le Moral, a tropical elixir that tastes like a vacation in a glass.
Just keep in mind that seating is first-come, first-served, and they don’t take reservations. So gather your most adventurous friends (up to five, because six is a crowd, even in space), and prepare for a night of intergalactic indulgence.
Bar Le Mal Nécessaire
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Location: 1015 St Alexander St, Montreal, Quebec H2Z 1N9, Canada
Contact: +1 514-397-1118
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 4:30 PM to 2:00 AM
Pricing: $$
This tiki-chic hideaway may be “the Necessary evil”, but trust me, it’s the kind of trouble you’ll want to get into. Once you descend into this subterranean oasis, you’ll be transported to a world of bamboo, rum, and good vibes.
Don’t be fooled by the laid-back island atmosphere, though. The bartenders here mean serious business when it comes to cocktails.
A must-try here is their piña colada – a creamy concoction that perfectly balances the sweetness of coconut and pineapple with a rum kick. But for something a bit spicier, try their Big Fun in Little China – a ginger-forward drink that comes with a fortune cookie for an extra dash of whimsy
Big in Japan
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Location: 4175 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1Y7, Canada
Contact: +1 438-380-5658
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Tucked away on Montreal’s Rue Cathcart, behind a discreet red lantern and an unmarked door, this is a haven for those seeking a taste of the Orient and a cocktail with a touch of mystery.
Just don’t let the intimate setting fool you: the cocktails here pack a meaner punch than you might think. The menu is a creative mix of classic and contemporary concoctions, all with a Japanese twist.
But what sets this bar apart is that you can actually purchase a bottle of your own and have it saved for your next visit. It’s like having a secret stash in your own personal Tokyo hideaway!
Clandestino
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Location: 436 Saint Francois Xavier St, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2T3, Canada
Contact: +1 514-285-4037
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Thursday to Saturday – 8:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Clandestino is not your average watering hole. This underground speakeasy, hidden beneath its more extroverted sibling Boho, is a tequila and mezcal lover’s paradise.
But getting in is like entering a secret society – you’ll need to whisper the password to the Boho bartender (just kidding, just ask nicely) and they’ll escort you through a padlocked door and down a spiralled staircase.
Once inside, you’ll be enveloped in a vintage-inspired space that feels like a secret hideaway from the bustling city above. With over 100 varieties of tequila and mezcal, many of which are private imports, this bar is a treasure trove of agave goodness.
Henden
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Location: 1800 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H3J 1M5, Canada
Contact: +1 514-938-4343
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Saturday – 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Tired of the same old watering holes? Maybe it’s time to flap your wings and fly on down to Henden, the hidden gem nestled beneath Griffintown’s beloved Bird Bar.
But don’t get too cocky, finding this speakeasy is like a scavenger hunt for grown-ups. You’ll need to navigate a secret mirrored wall disguised in lush greenery – it’s like setting foot into a scene from Alice in Wonderland (but with fewer mad tea parties and more top-shelf liquor).
But let’s get down to brass tacks – the cocktails. One standout here is the Oaxacan Old-fashioned. It’s a smoky, bold twist on the classic, made with mezcal and guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out.
132 Bar Vintage
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Location: 132 Rue Fleury O, Montréal, QC H3L 1T4, Canada
Contact: +1 514-419-1404
Operating hours:
- Tuesday – 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Wednesday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Tagged as Montreal’s best-kept secret, 132 Bar Vintage is a retro-chic oasis where the cocktails are as smooth as the vinyl tunes spinning on the turntable.
Built from scratch by local artisans with a passion for all things vintage, this bar is for you if you appreciate a touch of nostalgia. With its dim lighting and collection of vintage knick-knacks, you’ll feel like you’re right in a scene from Mad Men.
If you’re feeling festive, we recommend checking out their Christmas Miracle pop-up. It’s where the bar transforms into a winter wonderland with themed cocktails and merry vibes.
STILLIFE
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Location: RSVP [email protected], 640 Saint-Paul St W (Suite 10 THROUGH THE ALLEY, Montreal, Quebec H3C 1L9, Canada
Contact: +1 514-463-5433
Operating hours:
- Tuesday – 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Wednesday – 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Thursday to Friday – 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $$
STILLIFE is tucked away in a secluded alley that’s marked only by a locked door that whispers promises of exclusivity and intrigue.
With two distinct sections, including a private area for those extra-special occasions, this bar caters to both intimate gatherings and larger groups, all while maintaining a clandestine vibe.
But let’s be honest, the real reason you’re here is for the cocktails. A must here is their signature 4 O’clock in Peru, which is a blend of pisco, elderflower, and aguaymanto. It’s like a tropical vacation in a glass, minus the sunburn.
Sans Soleil Bar
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Location: 1002 Rue Saint-Urbain, Montréal, QC H2Z 1K6, Canada
Contact: +1 514-463-5433
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 6:30 PM to 1:00 AM
- Thursday to Saturday – 6:30 PM to 2:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Hidden beneath the charming Japanese restaurant Fleurs & Cadeaux in Chinatown, Sans Soleil is a dimly lit haven where vinyl spins and the drinks flow freely. It’s a place where you can actually have a conversation without shouting over the latest Top 10 hits.
Their cocktail menu is a well-curated selection of classics and originals, each crafted with care and precision. But if you’re feeling adventurous, ask the bartender for the Sans Soleil Surprise – a bespoke creation tailored to your taste buds.
Club Pelicano
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Location: 1076 Rue de Bleury #001, Montreal, Quebec H2Z 1N2, Canada
Contact: +1 514-861-1515
Operating hours:
- Wednesday – 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Thursday to Friday – 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM
- Saturday – 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $
Club Pelicano is the only aquatic escape you need. Tucked beneath the oh-so-trendy Tiradito on Rue de Bleury, this underground oasis is a time warp to a retro pool party you won’t want to miss. Think tiled walls, underwater vibes, and a whole lot of chic.
Renowned mixologists Alexandre Beaudin and Dimitry Saint Louis offer an innovative cocktail menu here. Dive headfirst into the Nuñua Sour, we say! It’s a Chilean-inspired twist on the classic pisco sour that’ll have your tastebuds doing the backstroke.
Le A Bar
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Location: 213 Rue Rachel E, Montréal, QC H2W 1E4, Canada
Contact: +1 514-439-2669
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: $
Le A Bar is Montreal’s “secret handshake” speakeasy tucked away in the Plateau. Shhh… don’t tell everyone, but this unmarked gem is where the city’s in-the-know crowd gathers for natural wines, craft beers, and unpretentious vibes.
Inside, it’s all mismatched furniture, eclectic decor, and that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you stumble upon a hidden treasure. No velvet ropes or VIP lists here, just good people and great drinks.
Speaking of their drinks, make sure to try their signature drink, Le Old-fashioned. This twist on the classic old-fashioned incorporates house-made bitters and a hint of maple syrup, reflecting Montreal’s unique flavour.