Montréal mixology: 6 bars to sample the city’s cocktail scene

Un Po’ Di Più

Un Po’ Di Più is the place to visit for a glimpse of Italy’s Dolce Vita. As soon as you enter, it’ll feel like home. This warm and cozy bar not only makes the best negronis in town, but also honours the aperitivo tradition with a tasty antipasti menu. You’ll say “Saluti!” more times that you can count. You can’t go without exploring the Italian wine selection. (As they say, when in Rome!) Try the macerated Porta del Vento by Luna Calante, a delight from Sicily with notes of chamomile, apricot, orange peel and herbs.

Insider Tip: Make a pit stop before or after dinner in Old Montréal. Even better, pair your visit with an afternoon at Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau, a spa located six blocks away.

Milky Way

Want to impress your crew? You can’t get any fresher than this spot. The owners have quite a reputation in the city: they’re part of the reason why Montréal’s bar scene is so playful and creative. Don’t leave without trying the Little Victories (if available): it’s a caliente mix of tequila, mezcal, thyme, lemon and Fernet-Branca. Enjoyed your visit? Don’t miss out on Foiegwa and Atwater Cocktail Club, two of their gems located in the Saint-Henri area.     

Insider Tip: Before you head to Milky Way Cocktail Bar, make sure to share a pizza at Fugazzi, its sister restaurant located in the same building. Expect a Williamsburg vibe and decadent comfort food.

 

Bar-St-Denis

Bars that serve legit food is the “new thing” in Montréal. Behind Bar- St-Denis’ doors you’ll find locals mixing and mingling while snacking on Egyptian-inspired plates. The owners know exactly how to set the table for a crowd that enjoys going with the flow. Have a few drinks (like the aptly named Super Bon, made with scotch, Fernet and honeyed ginger syrup), grab a bite and witness a vibe crescendo to a party as the clock strikes midnight. Design geeks, you’ll appreciate the timeless décor incorporating brass, stone, exposed bricks and marble.

Insider Tip: Tag along with your wine lover friends. Bar-St-Denis has an affordable and most importantly original wine by the glass offer.

 

Hanzo

An Old Montréal izakaya, Hanzo dishes up revisited classics with an edgy flair and stirring cocktails that feature sakes and Japanese whiskeys prominently. The shiso martini has an incredible herbaceous hit that keeps people coming back. On the lookout for a mature crowd of 30 and up? You’ll find it there. While you’re there, play a game with your friends and offer a sake bomb to the one who discovers the most décor details inspired by the Kill Bill movies.

Insider Tip: Discover Hanzo sister properties La Habanera (Cuban), Gokudo (Japanese), Escondite (Mexican), Biiru (izakaya) and Koa Lua (Hawaiian). 

Nhậu Bar

Located in the basement of the popular nouveau Viet restaurant Hà, this Old Montréal cocktail bar is a lantern-filled chill zone with fresh and fruity cocktails with an Asian twist thanks to ingredients like pandan, lemongrass and sake. Get romantic and share the Nhâu Shell, with mixes strawberry wine with Olorosso, tequila and a luscious mix of fruit, all served in a conch shell. Nhậu Bar is a wonderful place to hole up for a close conversation at the bar, where you’ll be served with suave charm and mixing skills on display.

Insider Tip: Order some bites to go with your Pandan Sour: the crispy broccoli with spiced nuts is the perfect pairing.

YAMA Bar

With chef Antonio Park taking care of the nibbles, it makes sense that YAMA Bar within the Vogue Hotel be top notch! Its seductive design featuring a travertine bar is only part of the appeal: it’s mostly about the private import sakes and the cocktails you’ll want to pair with sashimi, sushi tacos or double smash burger. The cocktails are all classic in name, but they put a twist on it: try the Trinidad Sour, a rye based sweet’n’sour party in a glass.

Insider Tip: Make your night an occasion and follow your drinks up with a seafood platter for two at Yama Restaurant — it’s pricey, but no one does seafood like Park.