Montréal’s award-winning bars
Bars and pubs Bars and nightclubs
Montréal's bar scene has earned its place among the world's best, consistently drawing recognition from international guides and culinary publications. From the storied taverns of Plateau-Mont-Royal to the sleek cocktail dens of Mile End and the Old Port, many of the city’s establishments have earned a spot on international lists such as Canada’s 50 Best Bars or North America’s 50 Best Bars. Montréal’s best cocktail bars have deep ties to local terroir (think ice ciders, maple spirits, and locally distilled whisky) that give it a character no other city can replicate.
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, such as vine leaves and butter cookies. 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 onion and red wine jam and truffle parmesan beef tartare shining bright.
512 Atwater Avenue
Coldroom
The Coldroom is located in a 1877 cold room storage nestled behind an anonymous black metal door in Old Montréal. This speakeasy’s decor 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 award-winning bar is shrouded in mystery, including the 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 hushed tones and wood accents 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. They offer an extensive selection of rare and vintage spirits, with a particular focus on aged Amari and bourbons. Ice blocks are made in-house, then carved to fit individual drinks. Sophisticated and unique.
2175 Rue de la Montagne #100
Le Majestique
Funky and quirky Le Majestique has been a staple on the Main for enthusiast of great cocktails and over-the-top food. The festive ambiance, the astounding number of peculiar tchotchkes all around the dining room, the exceptional menu 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 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 and for a fun alternative, try the negronis in chilled glass bottles dispensed by the repurposed, old-school vending machine.
6740 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Numéro
Little Italy’s Bar Numéro is a sleek, grown-up cocktail bar with a cool ’70s-inspired design, featuring deep brown hues, vintage furniture, dim lighting, and seating that encourages conversation. The bottles and tools are also hidden from view for precisely that reason. Try the tableside martinis served in chilled glasses or any of the creative yet balanced drinks and Spanish-inspired bites.
6382 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Bar Dominion
With almost 100 years of history, Bar Dominion’s grand space is reminiscent of a momentous and elegant hotel bar. Revamped in 2023 by mixologist Andrew Whibley (Cloakroom Bar) and chef Pablo Rojas (Provisions), this buzzing downtown Art Deco masterpiece boasts a full raw bar, excellent pub food, and a cocktail lover’s dream drink menu. The wine menu is just as excellent, and the seasonal outdoor patio makes Bar Dominion one of the best spots to gather downtown Montréal.
1243 Metcalfe Street
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.