17 quiet bars in Montréal where you can listen in
Bars and pubs Bars and nightclubs
Listen up: Montreal's best quiet bars are for those who no longer want to shout to have a good time. They are intimate spaces where conversation flows easily, the drinks are curated, and the atmosphere lets you unwind. Each of the following spots have the meditative atmosphere that’s perfect for date nights, low-key hangouts, or solo evenings when you just want to think.
1. Sarah B.
Set inside the InterContinental Montréal, Sarah B. channels the glamour and mystique of its namesake—Sarah Bernhardt, the legendary French actress once hailed as “the divine.” The bar’s devotion to absinthe runs deep, from classic pours of la fée verte to cocktails that play up aromatic elements. French Provençal snacks and elegant small plates round out the experience, best enjoyed in one of the bar’s velvet-draped alcoves designed for whispered conversation.
360 Rue Saint-Antoine Ouest
2. Blanc bec
A collaboration between the ITHQ and La Famille du lait, Blanc Bec blends culinary training with a deep love of Québec terroir. Inside its space on Saint-Denis, visitors can sample an evolving menu of local cheeses, small plates, and drinks sourced from across the province—think fruit-forward IPAs from Sir John, crisp ciders from Hemmingford, and bottles from Domaine du Nival. The mood is casual but thoughtful, ideal for an aperitif or early evening bite.
3535 Saint Denis Street
3. Bar Minou
Improvised but intentional, Bar Minou is the kind of place Montreal’s restaurant crews go when they’re off the clock. The no-reservations wine bar from industry vets Yailén “Yaya” Díaz and Phil Heroux occupies the old Mimi & Jones diner on Parc Avenue, keeping its bones but reimagining its spirit. The menu shifts constantly, blending Mediterranean technique with Cuban and Nova Scotian memories. Behind the bar, Díaz crafts seasonal cocktails while sommelier Monse Muro curates a wall of natural wines, all tax-and-tip included.
5149 Park Avenue
4. Bar Edicola
From the team behind Caffettiera comes this day-to-night Italian café-bar, housed in what was once a neighbourhood newsstand. Owners Andreas Vecchio, Diego Lovino, and Pablo Rojas kept the name—and a few framed magazines—as a nod to childhood visits spent flipping through Italian weeklies. Nights here offer small plates and classic aperitivo fare like fried artichokes, bruschetta, and pecorino with honey that’s best paired with a classic Italian cocktail.
1111 Rue Cypress
5. Stanley
Stanley offers a contemporary experience in a sleek, modern space. Its bar’s classic and signature cocktails alongside the restaurant’s blend of locally inspired dishes makes it an ideal spot for any occasion, but quiet nights are great here when considering the variety of seating available.
1201, boul. René-Lévesque Ouest
6. Pub Cartier Arms
Cartier Arms transports guests to a bygone era with its decor and ambiance inspired by the golden age of the railroad, offering a unique blend of Québec and British influences. Overlooking the historic Gare Viger, the restaurant’s lively atmosphere is an ideal complement to its contemporary dishes and meticulously crafted cocktails.
621 rue Notre-Dame Est
7. Oskar Terrace
While the lounge bar at Le Saint-Sulpice combines historic charm with contemporary comfort thanks to a serene setting, its terrace during the summers invites guests to relax in a sun-drenched spot framed by lush gardens. The drinks are classic and easy here with a rotating selection of signature creations.
414 rue Saint-Sulpice
8. Bily Kun
Bily Kun’s unique atmosphere is both quirky and inviting, with its iconic ostrich heads adorning the walls and a blend of jazzy 5 à 7 events and DJ nights adding character. Heading here earlier in the evening provides a quiet spot to enjoy an extensive beer selection and a warm, relaxed vibe.
354 Mont-Royal Avenue Est
9. Bar Plan B
Its name implies being a reliable backup for a reason: Plan B offers a relaxed and warmly inviting atmosphere, where the carefully curated decor sets the tone for an unpretentious yet refined experience. The thoughtful selection of wines, whiskies, and house cocktails complements the understated charm of this cozy spot.
327 Mont-Royal Avenue Est
10. Else's
The ambiance at Else's is undeniably inviting, with its dim lighting and eclectic decor creating an enveloping sense of comfort and calm. Surrounded by charming details like vintage art, soft candlelight, and the story of its Finnish founder, it feels like a hidden retreat from the city’s usual bustle.
156 Rue Roy Est
11. Isle de Garde
Isle de Garde offers a selection of beers brewed on-site with a focus on balance, simplicity, and authenticity. Inspired by German, Czech, and English brewing styles, the drinks here cater to those who appreciate classic, thirst-quenching beers with refreshing flavors in a calm spot.
1039 Rue Beaubien Est
12. Commodore
Located in the HONEYROSE Montréal Hotel, this is a great spot for cocktails and a robust wine list, making it ideal for unwinding after a day downtown. The chic ambiance offers a refined setting to enjoy a drink, whether you're stopping by before a show or rounding out an evening on the town.
355 De Maisonneuve Blvd. West
13. N sur Mackay
N sur Mackay charms with its skillfully crafted cocktails and welcoming bartenders. The understated venue is all about coziness, offering a space perfect for enjoying a refined drink with those who appreciate a quiet atmosphere—it can get boisterous here, however, if the night is right.
1244 Mackay Street
14. Bar Kabinet
With its nod to the elegance of a 1970s Parisian brasserie, Kabinet offers an inviting atmosphere, complete with refined French dishes and a thoughtfully curated wine list. The vintage-inspired décor and intimate, sophisticated ambiance make it an ideal spot to enjoy a well-crafted cocktail or glass of wine in a calm setting.
98B Avenue Laurier Ouest
15. Bar Henrietta
Henrietta blends the charm of a traditional Portuguese tavern with Montréal's laid-back vibe, featuring old-world natural wines and hearty snacks. It's great for an early quiet drink or conversation, right before the bar truly comes alive with its lively late-night scene.
115 Avenue Laurier Ouest
16. Rouge Gorge
The inviting Rouge Gorge promises sensational wines, thanks to the careful thought the owners have put into their vintages. If you get peckish, you can choose from a delicious menu of tapas and small plates.
1234 Mont-Royal Avenue Est
17. Maison Boulud
The bar at Maison Boulud offers an elegant, intimate atmosphere within the Ritz-Carlton, a place that exudes sophistication with a vibrant character. Patrons can enjoy finely crafted cocktails at its bar while experiencing the refined essence of French and Mediterranean cuisine if they so choose.
1228 Sherbrooke Street West
JP Karwacki
JP Karwacki is a Montréal-based writer and journalist whose work has appeared in Time Magazine, the Montreal Gazette, National Post, Time Out, NUVO Magazine, and more. Having called the city home for over a decade and a half, he regularly focuses on spreading the good word about the amazing things to eat, drink and do in Montréal. One half raconteur and the other flâneur (with just a dash of boulevardier), when he wasn’t working on the frontlines of the city's restaurants and bars, he spent his time thinking about, reading about and writing about restaurants and bars.