coziest cocktail bars in montréal

Leah Fishman

Drop the shitty beer. Shovel down the rest of your poutine. When it comes to late-night eats and drinks, Montréal is one of the grooviest places in the world. While the city's club scene is world-famous, let's be real, I'm 30 and that just ain't my speed anymore. Why not cozy up at one of these dimly-lit, aesthetic AF, speakeasy-style cocktail bars instead? Sounds like a plan. Here are some of my faves (+ drink and vegan food recs)

Milky Way Cocktail Bar, Nhậu bar, Le Blossom Bar, Hotel Place d'Armes, Perché Bar Terrasse, Labo culinaire - Foodlab, Nacarat Bar, Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Montreal, Hotel Nelligan, Bar Le Record, Bar Le Royal, Gokudo, Atwater Cocktail Club, Bar Palco, Cloakroom Bar

  • Milky Way Cocktail Bar in Montreal, Canada

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    • leah

      Neon stripes, black lights and 80's jams. The vibes are immaculate and the cocktails are on point. Steps out the door is Pointe Saint-Charles if you want to continue your night. Can get super busy and crowded, so plan to wait or go on a weekday.

  • Nhậu bar in Montreal, Canada

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    • leah

      Racy basement bar between Old Montréal, Griffintown and Downtown with hanging paper lanterns, low seating, and pan-Asian-inspired cocktails.

  • Le Blossom Bar in Montreal, Canada

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    • leah

      Endless sake under a giant faux cherry blossom tree? Yeah, please. Diverse Japanese-inspired menu, conceptually perfect decor. Order the Ginger Snap (Ginger, Suntory, Plum Wine). Ask the bartender for recs if you go for Sake (the menu is huge — too many options for me to choose for you!)

  • Hotel Place d'Armes in Montreal, Canada

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    • leah

      One of the best spots to watch the sunset near downtown. Terrasse Place d'Armes is a lounge-y rooftop bar covered in warm pendant lights, greenery and plants. Offers high-level views of downtown and an unreal mojito bar (we're talkin options: Lychee Ananas, Pineaple Framboise, Mango, and their house Raspberry Mangue — recommend!)

  • Perché Bar Terrasse in Montreal, Canada

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    • leah

      Nestled in the 4th floor of the Hotel William Gray in Ville-Marie, Perched serves up amazing views of the Jacques-Cartier. The classic Montréal terrasse is covered in plants, neon lights, and tropical prints—inspired by healthy and vibey Cali. Pricy, but perfect for Friday night drinks with the gals or tourists looking for a bomb Insta pic.

  • Labo culinaire - Foodlab in Montreal, Canada

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    • leah

      Located on the same floor as the Satosphère in the Society for Arts and Technology (SAT) arts space, Labo Culinaire offers a farm-to-table menu, organic wine list, lab cocktails, and local beers. The rooftop garden allows staff to harvest indigenous fruits, veggies and herbs throughout the summer season, so everything is local and fresh. This spot is where artisan food and drink meets science and sustainability. 10/10 recommend.

  • Nacarat Bar, Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Montreal in Montreal, Canada

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    • leah

      Dark and cozy cocktail bar located inside the Queen Elizabeth Hotel. Staff is extremely knowledgable, asks a lot of questions, and will whip up a perfect, nearly-bespoke drink. The adjacent Terasse is rad in the summer. Recommend checking this one out on a weekday evening bc weekends are a bit tight!

  • Hotel Nelligan, Canada

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    • leah

      Hôtel Nelligan's rooftop terrace bar (Terrasee Nelligan) offers one of the best views of the city and is the perfect spot for brunch, dinner and drinks. Because of the crazy views, this is one of my top recommends for first-time visitors. Heaters and awnings will keep you cozy regardless of season. Try a pitcher of their famous clear sangria (how? i dont know!) if you and your pals are feelin' fancy.

  • Bar Le Record in Montreal, Canada

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    • leah

      Vinyl & drinks? Yes please. The tunes are slammin, the vinyl selection is on point, and the music-themed eats and cocktails are deelish. Try: The Supremes (gin, orgeat, grapefruit juice, basil, Agostura) or the Donna Summer (Pimm's, rosemary orange syrup, mint, lime juice, soda) to drink, and the vegetarian chile to eat.

  • Bar Le Royal in Montreal, Canada

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    • leah

      Aptly-named Bar Le Royal is one of my fave speakeasy watering holes in the Plateau. Their small bites menu isn't super vegan-friendly (lots of oysters, charcuterie), but it doesn't even matter because the cocktails and ambiance are that good. Local Quebec products are used in the kitchen and behind the bar, and they even grow their own herbs on the roof terrace garden in the summer!

  • Gokudo in Montreal, Canada

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    • leah

      Japanese eats & drinks in the heart of downtown. On top of craft cocktails, their menu features traditional snacks & rice bowls. Dimly lit, tiny and relaxed — one of the best speakeasy bars in the city!

  • Atwater Cocktail Club in Montreal, Canada

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    • leah

      A chill neighborhood bar that happens to have artisan cocktails made from local, fresh ingredients. Even on crazy nights (Fri-Sun), the vibe is easy-going and cozy — you feel more like you're in a coffee shop than a slammin' club. Cocktails are fairly priced ($10-13CAD) and hella creative.

  • Bar Palco in Montreal, Canada

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    • leah

      Hip hangout on Wellington Street with easy parking (in the back) and a kick-ass patio. A bit pricy, but the cocktails are bomb. They offer a full menu (cocktails, beer and wine) + a signature mixed drink that swaps out monthly. Food is mostly small bites. My vegan rec: the Vegan Burger.

  • Cloakroom Bar in Montreal, Canada

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    • leah added this place