Montréal’s award-winning bars
Bars and pubs Bars and nightclubs
It is well agreed upon that Montréal is a great eating city with a vast variety of award-winning establishments making their way to the top of several prestigious lists. But Montréal is also a great drinking city, with many of its bars distinguishing themselves on several international lists such as Canada’s 50 Best Bars or North America’s 50 Best Bars.
Atwater Cocktail Club
To get to the Atwater Cocktail Club entrance, you have to walk through a back alley that may make you hesitate, but we promise it’s well worth it. This little hidden bar is a trendy, yet cozy gem decorated in warm wood tones and elegant velvets. The cocktail menu is inventive and uses fresh ingredients, some of which are unusual, like truffles and cigar smoke. The hand-shaved clear ice cubes and meticulous garnishes are also a plus, as is the outstanding food menu with items such as foie gras with spiced and red wine onion jam and truffle parmesan beef tartare shining bright.
512 Atwater Avenue
Coldroom
Coldroom hides behind an anonymous black metal door in Old Montréal. Follow the house rules listed on its website, and you’re guaranteed a good time. The space is classy and counts some classic Old Montréal elements such as grey stone walls and low wood ceiling beams. The cocktail menu is inventive and holds a selection of seasonal drinks as well as the Coldroom crew’s riff on the classics. This bar is shrouded in mystery, including an absence of an exact address anywhere online, but #followtheduck on its social media channels and you may just find it.
Saint-Amable Street x Saint-Vincent Street
Cloakroom Bar
Montréal’s Golden Square Mile’s Cloakroom Bar is an intimate space decorated in dark tones that infer an elegance and sophistication to this 25-seat speakeasy. The Cloakroom Bar has no menu and all drinks are tailor-made by the talented bartenders, guided by the customer’s tastes and cravings, essentially crafting a bespoke cocktail for every customer. Ice blocks are made in-house, then carved to fit individual drinks. Sophisticated and unique.
2175 Rue de la Montagne #100
El Pequeño Bar
Old Montréal’s El Pequeño Bar invokes sultry summer nights strolling around Havana and lingering in one of its street bars for a mojito or two. As its name indicates, the tiny bar can only accommodate a dozen guests, but what it lacks in square footage, it more than makes up for in charm. The marble-topped bar, dark wood paneling and ornate light fixtures, molding and tchotchkes are an invitation to disconnect, and the wide collection of rums will help transport you to Cuba.
401A Saint-Vincent Street
Nacarat
Bar Nacarat is the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel’s bar. Its name alludes to electrifying shades of oranges and reds, which are reflected in the décor, a mix of glam rock and trendy contemporary aesthetics. Nacarat’s signature cocktail menu is inventive and surprising and includes some non-alcoholic options. Enjoy your drinks in the plush bar or on the trendy third floor Nacarat Terrace.
900 René-Lévesque Boulevard West
Milky Way Cocktail Bar
Located in Pointe Saint-Charles, Milky Way is a spectacular space shaped like a hallway between a lounge and a bar from the same people that are behind award-winning Atwater Cocktail Club. The huge, vaulted skylight surrounded by lush, cascading greenery is the main focal point and turns the visitors gaze towards the sky above. The cocktails are just as spectacular with a focus on everything made in house. The food is provided by Fugazzi Pizza located below the bar.
1886 Centre Street
Le Majestique
Funky and quirky Le Majestique has been a staple on the Main for the past few years. The festive ambiance, the astounding number of peculiar tchotchkes all around the dining room, the exceptional food and wines and the flawless service make this spot an absolute must and a favourite among restaurant industry people. And it’s open until 3am seven days a week!
4105 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Bisou Bisou
Inspired by Mediterranean-style aperitivo culture, Bisou Bisou’s drinks menu is a testament to their passion for sherry, vermouth, Amari, and all matters of fortified wines. The signature cocktails are low alcohol (ABV) or even “spirit-free” and accompanied by small bites of cheese, charcuterie, conservas and bread from neighbour La Cave à Manger.
416 Saint-Vincent Street
Bar Henrietta
Inspired by traditional Portuguese taverns, neighbourhood bar Henrietta is a cozy spot with a vintage vibe offering a curated selection of wines, cocktails, and delicious small plates. Don’t skip the Portuguese bifana sandwich, sweet and sour octopus or the molasses cookie based on Montréal Plaza’s chef Cheryl Johnson’s recipe.
115 Laurier Avenue West
Bar Bello
Little Italy’s Bar Bello is where locals gather to experience a slice of la dolce vita in a vintage and elegant décor. Specializing in the “art of the aperitivo”, Bar Bello’s menu offers a large selection of Italian vermouth and Amari, a bittersweet herbal liqueur. They make one of the best negronis in town but a fun alternative, try the negronis in chilled glass bottles dished out by the repurposed, old-school vending machine.
6740 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Mayssam Samaha
Mayssam Samaha is a food and travel writer and blogger and the founder behind the blog Will Travel for Food. She travels the world in search of the next culinary discovery. From Iceland to South Africa, she’s already visited over 36 countries and there’s nothing she enjoys more than wandering around a farmers’ market in a foreign city. She is also the founder of the SAISONS intimate dinner series highlighting Québec products and chefs.