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A bar lined with bottles with magenta chairs.
Atwater Cocktail Club.
Atwater Cocktail Club/Facebook

15 Essential Montreal Cocktail Bars

Trusted spots for drinking in the city

by Daniel Bromberg and Valerie Silva Updated
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Atwater Cocktail Club.
| Atwater Cocktail Club/Facebook
by Daniel Bromberg and Valerie Silva Updated

Simply put, Montreal’s cocktail scene impresses – from basement speakeasies to a breezy, Italian-style spot in Mile-Ex, the bars on this map demonstrate the creativity and passion that make Montreal such a great place to drink. New additions include spots like Bar Wills and Poincaré appear alongside mainstays on the scenelike Cold Room and Atwater Cocktail Club, where meticulously made drinks are the priority.

Looking for something else? The bar heatmap keeps track of watering holes that have opened in the last year. There are maps for Montreal’s best breweries, wine bars, and dive bars, too.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Bar Le Record

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Visitors can travel back in time to this vinyl record bar brimming with Mad Man-era vibes. With a half-moon-shaped bar at the back, a cocktail list that focuses heavily on gin and bourbon, a small snack menu, and a collection of more than 2,500 records, it’ll satisfy most of the senses.

7622 Rue St-Hubert, Montréal, QC H2R 2N6, Canada
(438) 386-9433
(438) 386-9433
A table and couch with records on a purple wall.
Inside Bar Le Record.
Bar Le Record

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Bar St-Denis

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Housed in a former dive bar of the same name, this is perhaps the best spot to grab a strong drink in La Petite-Patrie. Expect stunning cocktails such as a peach mezcal sour and a choco-chip mint espresso martini alongside a long list of natural wines by the glass and a food menu far superior to most bars.

6966 R. Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2S 2S4, Canada
(514) 276-9717
(514) 276-9717
A pink cocktail with citrus slice.
A cocktail from Bar St-Denis.
Bar St-Denis/Facebook

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Snowbird Tiki Bar

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Found on the recently renovated Plaza Saint-Hubert, this neon-lit tiki bar adds an extra bit of sunshine into the lives of Montrealers, particularly in winter months. Cocktails are served in everything from repurposed salt shakers and coconut milk containers to fish bowls and various garden ornaments. A small snack menu of dumplings and sandwiches ensures a healthy salt intake alongside the sugary drinks.

6388 Rue St-Hubert, Montréal, QC H2S 2M2, Canada

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Wills

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In the renovated industrial Mile-Ex space that used to house Alexandraplatz, Wills is the brainchild of cousins Ethan and Alex Wills, and was listed among one of the best new terrasses (translation: patios) across Canada. While limited to just a few options, the cocktail menu includes some heavy hitters — mezcal, Campari, tequila, gin, and bourbon all make appearances — and will not disappoint, even if they cost a pretty penny.

6731 Av. de l'Esplanade, Montréal, QC H2V 4P9, Canada
(514) 708-1070
(514) 708-1070

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Bar Cicchetti

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Named after the small bites served in traditional Venetian bars, terracotta-hued Cicchetti is an expert at the deviled eggs, charcuterie platters, polenta fries, and crustless sandwiches that’ll efficiently pad an evening of drinking. Spritzes, bellinis, and other Italian aperitivo cocktails are the standard play here — and in the summer, available from a sunny terrasse.

6703 Av du Parc, Montréal, QC H2V 4J3, Canada
(514) 379-4879
(514) 379-4879

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Taverne Atlantic

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Whether for indoor dining or rooftop lounging, Taverne Atlantic has a comprehensive beverage list and a solid food offering. For cocktails, expect Quebec booze like Menaud vodka, Cirka gin, and Kayak vermouth on a short but exciting list. Make sure to add hot dogs, poutine, or pizza to the order.

6512 Av du Parc, Montréal, QC H2V 4H9, Canada
(514) 544-6512
(514) 544-6512

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Pamplemousse Cafe

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Steps away from the Saint-Laurent metro station lies Pamplemousse, a cocktail bar that offers an assortment of specials like the Ciao Pescao (vermouth, Prosecco, and soda), Jungle Bird (spiced Bacardi, amaro, pineapple juice, and lime), a hibiscus-flavoured Paloma, and even a coffee-infused Negroni. These twists on some classic crowd favourites are complemented by a list of Quebec-based microbrews and wines. There’s a solid food menu available, too — look out for the jerk chicken, available as its own dish, as a sandwich, or even as a pizza topping.

1251 Rue Ontario E, Montréal, QC H2L 1R7, Canada
(514) 227-3206
(514) 227-3206

Bar Henrietta

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This Portuguese-influenced tavern replaced once-upon-a-time cocktail heavyweight Baldwin Barmacie in 2015, and it takes its drinks just as seriously. Consider ordering the Rosa, made with gin, honey vermouth, hibiscus, and lemon, or the Robert, with bourbon, grapefruit, Aperol, apple brandy, lemon, and bitters.

115 Avenue Laurier O, Montréal, QC H2T 2N6, Canada
(514) 276-4282
(514) 276-4282
A bar with subway tile and brown wallpaper with a cocktail table.
Inside Bar Henrietta.
Bar Henrietta

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Poincaré Chinatown

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This gem inside the gates of Chinatown is a hipster hangout in a historic building, inspired by the neighbourhood. With ten cocktails on the menu – names like Baijiu Caîpirinha dans Chinatown, the Ville-Marie Ice Tea and Purple Haze might catch your attention – this second-storey spot featuring a rooftop patio is the perfect place to start (or end) the night.

1071 Boul. Saint-Laurent 2e étage, Montréal, QC H2Z 1J6, Canada

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Cold Room

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Cold Room might be in Old Montreal, but minimal signage and an inconspicuous doorbell mean it’s often hidden from tourists. The drinks are exceptionally creative —the current menu contains a list of cocktails named after famous landmarks, neighbourhoods and parks around Montreal, all chosen by the staff. In case there’s a line, check out adjacent 9-seater establishment El Pequeño for Cuban cocktails in an itty bitty space.

Corner Saint-Paul E and St-Amable, Montreal, QC H2Y 1G8, Canada
(514) 451-6911
(514) 451-6911

Gokudo

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Centrally located in the heart of downtown, this sultry, smooth Japanese speakeasy is as enticing as they come. The cocktail menu highlights Japanese ingredients like shiso, sake, and miso, while favouring gin, whisky, scotch and mezcal as the liquors of choice. Small dishes like duck tataki and salmon onigiri provide balance to the heavy-hitting cocktail list.

630 Rue Cathcart, Montréal, QC H3B 3C4, Canada
(514) 375-3715
(514) 375-3715

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Bar Cloakroom

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Cloakroom serves speakeasy vibes and stone-cold stunning cocktails from an ultra-chic space hidden behind a menswear shop. Drinks are uniquely tailored to each customer’s liquor and taste preferences, meaning there’s no menu to pore over — instead, let the bartender be your guide.

2175 de la Montagne, Montreal, QC, Canada
(514) 284-9393
(514) 284-9393
A dimly-lit cocktail drink on a table.
A drink at Bar Cloakroom.
Bar Cloakroom

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Milky Way Cocktail Bar

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Neon lighting and striking velours converge at this fashionable Pointe-Saint-Charles destination — a near-instant hit when it landed on the scene in 2019. Cocktails lean tropical and refreshing, setting the tone with its flagship El Original,  made with Hornitos Plata Tequila, Convite Esencial Mezcal, Pierre Ferrand dry curaçao, lime, blood orange, strawberry, vanilla, and chili. Bonus: patrons can bring a pizza up from sibling establishment Fugazzi, located downstairs.

1886 Rue Centre, Montréal, QC H3K 1H9, Canada
(438) 522-7499
(438) 522-7499

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Atwater Cocktail Club

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Tucked in a back alley on the edge of Saint-Henri, Atwater Cocktail Club was a game-changing addition to the city’s cocktail scene when it first opened and has remained popular ever since, with a swank, dimly lit design. Cocktails look to the south with flavours like hibiscus, jalapeño, and agave, and have elaborate presentations.

514 Atwater Avenue, Montreal, QC H4C 2G5, Canada
(438) 387-4252
(438) 387-4252
A dimly lit bar lined with bottles.
Inside Atwater Cocktail Club.
Atwater Cocktail Club

Bar Palco

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This petite bar landed on the scene shortly after Verdun lifted its decades-long embargo on booze back in 2015. Palco covers all the bases with classic and creative cocktails by the glass —and, oh yes, also in 1L pitchers. Several non-alcoholic cocktails are also available. 

4019 Rue Wellington, Verdun, QC H4G 1V6, Canada
(514) 303-1345
(514) 303-1345
A white cocktail with a frothy top and dill on top.
A cocktail from Bar Palco.
Bar Palco/Facebook

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Bar Le Record

7622 Rue St-Hubert, Montréal, QC H2R 2N6, Canada

Visitors can travel back in time to this vinyl record bar brimming with Mad Man-era vibes. With a half-moon-shaped bar at the back, a cocktail list that focuses heavily on gin and bourbon, a small snack menu, and a collection of more than 2,500 records, it’ll satisfy most of the senses.

7622 Rue St-Hubert, Montréal, QC H2R 2N6, Canada
(438) 386-9433
(438) 386-9433
A table and couch with records on a purple wall.
Inside Bar Le Record.
Bar Le Record

Bar St-Denis

6966 R. Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2S 2S4, Canada

Housed in a former dive bar of the same name, this is perhaps the best spot to grab a strong drink in La Petite-Patrie. Expect stunning cocktails such as a peach mezcal sour and a choco-chip mint espresso martini alongside a long list of natural wines by the glass and a food menu far superior to most bars.

6966 R. Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2S 2S4, Canada
(514) 276-9717
(514) 276-9717
A pink cocktail with citrus slice.
A cocktail from Bar St-Denis.
Bar St-Denis/Facebook

Snowbird Tiki Bar

6388 Rue St-Hubert, Montréal, QC H2S 2M2, Canada

Found on the recently renovated Plaza Saint-Hubert, this neon-lit tiki bar adds an extra bit of sunshine into the lives of Montrealers, particularly in winter months. Cocktails are served in everything from repurposed salt shakers and coconut milk containers to fish bowls and various garden ornaments. A small snack menu of dumplings and sandwiches ensures a healthy salt intake alongside the sugary drinks.

6388 Rue St-Hubert, Montréal, QC H2S 2M2, Canada

Wills

6731 Av. de l'Esplanade, Montréal, QC H2V 4P9, Canada

In the renovated industrial Mile-Ex space that used to house Alexandraplatz, Wills is the brainchild of cousins Ethan and Alex Wills, and was listed among one of the best new terrasses (translation: patios) across Canada. While limited to just a few options, the cocktail menu includes some heavy hitters — mezcal, Campari, tequila, gin, and bourbon all make appearances — and will not disappoint, even if they cost a pretty penny.

6731 Av. de l'Esplanade, Montréal, QC H2V 4P9, Canada
(514) 708-1070
(514) 708-1070

Bar Cicchetti

6703 Av du Parc, Montréal, QC H2V 4J3, Canada

Named after the small bites served in traditional Venetian bars, terracotta-hued Cicchetti is an expert at the deviled eggs, charcuterie platters, polenta fries, and crustless sandwiches that’ll efficiently pad an evening of drinking. Spritzes, bellinis, and other Italian aperitivo cocktails are the standard play here — and in the summer, available from a sunny terrasse.

6703 Av du Parc, Montréal, QC H2V 4J3, Canada
(514) 379-4879
(514) 379-4879

Taverne Atlantic

6512 Av du Parc, Montréal, QC H2V 4H9, Canada

Whether for indoor dining or rooftop lounging, Taverne Atlantic has a comprehensive beverage list and a solid food offering. For cocktails, expect Quebec booze like Menaud vodka, Cirka gin, and Kayak vermouth on a short but exciting list. Make sure to add hot dogs, poutine, or pizza to the order.

6512 Av du Parc, Montréal, QC H2V 4H9, Canada
(514) 544-6512
(514) 544-6512

Pamplemousse Cafe

1251 Rue Ontario E, Montréal, QC H2L 1R7, Canada

Steps away from the Saint-Laurent metro station lies Pamplemousse, a cocktail bar that offers an assortment of specials like the Ciao Pescao (vermouth, Prosecco, and soda), Jungle Bird (spiced Bacardi, amaro, pineapple juice, and lime), a hibiscus-flavoured Paloma, and even a coffee-infused Negroni. These twists on some classic crowd favourites are complemented by a list of Quebec-based microbrews and wines. There’s a solid food menu available, too — look out for the jerk chicken, available as its own dish, as a sandwich, or even as a pizza topping.

1251 Rue Ontario E, Montréal, QC H2L 1R7, Canada
(514) 227-3206
(514) 227-3206

Bar Henrietta

115 Avenue Laurier O, Montréal, QC H2T 2N6, Canada

This Portuguese-influenced tavern replaced once-upon-a-time cocktail heavyweight Baldwin Barmacie in 2015, and it takes its drinks just as seriously. Consider ordering the Rosa, made with gin, honey vermouth, hibiscus, and lemon, or the Robert, with bourbon, grapefruit, Aperol, apple brandy, lemon, and bitters.

115 Avenue Laurier O, Montréal, QC H2T 2N6, Canada
(514) 276-4282
(514) 276-4282
A bar with subway tile and brown wallpaper with a cocktail table.
Inside Bar Henrietta.
Bar Henrietta

Poincaré Chinatown

1071 Boul. Saint-Laurent 2e étage, Montréal, QC H2Z 1J6, Canada

This gem inside the gates of Chinatown is a hipster hangout in a historic building, inspired by the neighbourhood. With ten cocktails on the menu – names like Baijiu Caîpirinha dans Chinatown, the Ville-Marie Ice Tea and Purple Haze might catch your attention – this second-storey spot featuring a rooftop patio is the perfect place to start (or end) the night.

1071 Boul. Saint-Laurent 2e étage, Montréal, QC H2Z 1J6, Canada

Cold Room

Corner Saint-Paul E and St-Amable, Montreal, QC H2Y 1G8, Canada

Cold Room might be in Old Montreal, but minimal signage and an inconspicuous doorbell mean it’s often hidden from tourists. The drinks are exceptionally creative —the current menu contains a list of cocktails named after famous landmarks, neighbourhoods and parks around Montreal, all chosen by the staff. In case there’s a line, check out adjacent 9-seater establishment El Pequeño for Cuban cocktails in an itty bitty space.

Corner Saint-Paul E and St-Amable, Montreal, QC H2Y 1G8, Canada
(514) 451-6911
(514) 451-6911

Gokudo

630 Rue Cathcart, Montréal, QC H3B 3C4, Canada

Centrally located in the heart of downtown, this sultry, smooth Japanese speakeasy is as enticing as they come. The cocktail menu highlights Japanese ingredients like shiso, sake, and miso, while favouring gin, whisky, scotch and mezcal as the liquors of choice. Small dishes like duck tataki and salmon onigiri provide balance to the heavy-hitting cocktail list.

630 Rue Cathcart, Montréal, QC H3B 3C4, Canada
(514) 375-3715
(514) 375-3715

Bar Cloakroom

2175 de la Montagne, Montreal, QC, Canada

Cloakroom serves speakeasy vibes and stone-cold stunning cocktails from an ultra-chic space hidden behind a menswear shop. Drinks are uniquely tailored to each customer’s liquor and taste preferences, meaning there’s no menu to pore over — instead, let the bartender be your guide.

2175 de la Montagne, Montreal, QC, Canada
(514) 284-9393
(514) 284-9393
A dimly-lit cocktail drink on a table.
A drink at Bar Cloakroom.
Bar Cloakroom

Milky Way Cocktail Bar

1886 Rue Centre, Montréal, QC H3K 1H9, Canada

Neon lighting and striking velours converge at this fashionable Pointe-Saint-Charles destination — a near-instant hit when it landed on the scene in 2019. Cocktails lean tropical and refreshing, setting the tone with its flagship El Original,  made with Hornitos Plata Tequila, Convite Esencial Mezcal, Pierre Ferrand dry curaçao, lime, blood orange, strawberry, vanilla, and chili. Bonus: patrons can bring a pizza up from sibling establishment Fugazzi, located downstairs.

1886 Rue Centre, Montréal, QC H3K 1H9, Canada
(438) 522-7499
(438) 522-7499

Atwater Cocktail Club

514 Atwater Avenue, Montreal, QC H4C 2G5, Canada

Tucked in a back alley on the edge of Saint-Henri, Atwater Cocktail Club was a game-changing addition to the city’s cocktail scene when it first opened and has remained popular ever since, with a swank, dimly lit design. Cocktails look to the south with flavours like hibiscus, jalapeño, and agave, and have elaborate presentations.

514 Atwater Avenue, Montreal, QC H4C 2G5, Canada
(438) 387-4252
(438) 387-4252
A dimly lit bar lined with bottles.
Inside Atwater Cocktail Club.
Atwater Cocktail Club

Bar Palco

4019 Rue Wellington, Verdun, QC H4G 1V6, Canada

This petite bar landed on the scene shortly after Verdun lifted its decades-long embargo on booze back in 2015. Palco covers all the bases with classic and creative cocktails by the glass —and, oh yes, also in 1L pitchers. Several non-alcoholic cocktails are also available. 

4019 Rue Wellington, Verdun, QC H4G 1V6, Canada
(514) 303-1345
(514) 303-1345
A white cocktail with a frothy top and dill on top.
A cocktail from Bar Palco.
Bar Palco/Facebook