18 diverse places to grab a drink (or five) in Montreal

Sep 12 2022, 7:00 pm

It’s impossible to choose just one good place to go for a drink in Montreal.

If you’re thirsty and are on the hunt for a good bar, club, pub, speakeasy, dive bar, or tavern, there’s no shortage of options in Montreal.

From classy to dingey, expensive to cheap, Old Port to trendy boroughs, there’s a little a lot for everybody.

Here are a few of our favourite spots — aka some of the best places — to drink in Montreal.

Whisky, whisky, whisky: Burgundy Lion

 

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The ever-popular Burgundy Lion is a traditional English pub. Besides making tasty English grub, The Lion has what they boast as the most extensive whisky list in all of Quebec, and it’d be tough to top them.

Ask to skim through their whisky list and you get an encyclopedia, some of which are extremely rare and overall, well-priced.

Address: 2496 Rue Notre Dame Ouest
Neighbourhood: Litte Burgundy
Phone: 514-934-0888
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Izakaya: Flyjin

 

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Flyjin is a basement supper club in the Old Port that is fused with a Japanese izakaya theme. After their two dinner sittings, the trendy spot turns into a nighttime club with DJs, authentic cocktails and bottle service.

It’s the ideal spot for some casual after-work drinks or for a classy night out with the squad.

Address: 417 Rue Saint-Pierre
Neighbourhood: Old Port
Phone: 514-564-8881
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Elegance: Bar George

 

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Bar George is found inside the magnificent Le Mount Stephen hotel (you don’t need to stay at the hotel to visit) and the modern-English bar is elegantly decorated.

Classic cocktails include Dark & Stormy, Rob Roy, Pimm’s Cup, Negroni, Side Car, Old Fashioned and White Lady.

Their signature cocktails are scrumptious and, combined with the bar’s decor, make it almost as Instagram-worthy as it is tasty.

Address: Le Mount Stephen — 1440 Drummond Street
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Phone: 514-669-9243
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Keep it classy: Bord’Elle

 

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Bord’Elle is an upscale club that has a massive bar in the middle of its main floor. For a spot that has chandeliers, burlesque dancers, leather chairs, and spotlights, drinks are reasonably priced.

The venue is known for hosting spectacular burlesque shows and their DJ spins fun music that isn’t too house/clubby.

Address: 390 Rue Saint Jacques
Neighbourhood: Old Port
Phone
: 514-379-3553
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Secret: The Coldroom

 

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The Coldroom is reminiscent of the speakeasies of the ’20s. There’s no giant sign advertising where the bar is so if you know, you know. Lucky for locals, you probably won’t find this place packed with tourists. But, thanks to us, you now know where to find it.

Look for a black door on the corner of St-Vincent and St-Amabale and ring the doorbell. Once someone lets you in, head down to the basement where you’ll find a candle-lit room full of exposed bricks and wood beams.

You’ll feel like how you felt sitting in a secret fort as a kid. Except you know, booze.

Address: Corner of St-Vincent and St-Amable
Neighbourhood: Old Montreal
Phone
: 514-294-6911
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Cozy spot: Honey Martin Pub

Honey Martin is your traditional Irish Pub. There are no TVs, no Wi-Fi, no computer — it’s just a narrow pub full of good people and good times.

The charming pub hosts arguably the best bar-band lineup in the city and a phenomenal trivia night on Tuesdays. It’s the go-to hot spot for the NDG crowd and is absolutely packed on Fridays and Saturdays.

Address: 5916 Sherbrooke Ouest
Neighbourhood: NDG
Phone: 514-484-2999
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Über-cool wine bar: Bar Loïc

 

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As if being located in an old bank isn’t cool enough, Loïc is one of the trendiest bars in the city. Located in the heart of Saint-Henri’s constant buzz, this spot’s knowledge and inventory of wines and cocktails are impressive.

The open-space bar has resident DJs on Fridays and Saturdays and along with their themed nights and constantly changing menu. There’s always something happening at Loïc.

And the cheeseburgers, oh the cheeseburgers…

Address: 5001 Notre Dame
Neighbourhood: Saint-Henri
Phone: 514-439-6806
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Something for everyone: Sir Winston Churchill Pub

Sir Winston Churchill Pub has three floors offering different options in one historic building. Karina’s, Winnie’s and Sir Winston Churchill’s offer a variety of pubs, clubs, sports, and food.

They have a massive terrace (heated in the winter) that overhangs Crescent Street so you can enjoy the downtown foot traffic.

Winnie’s has a $7 admission deal on Tuesdays where speed rail drinks, shots, and beers are $2.50 a pop.

Address: 1455 Crescent Street
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Phone: 514-288-3814
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Hidden gem: Atwater Cocktail Club

The Atwater Cocktail Club makes you feel like you’re part of an exclusive secret club. You knock on the door at the entrance of a narrow alleyway and a slot opens in the door before letting you in (you’ll get in, it’s all part of the charm). Once inside, you’ll be treated to a small, dark, fully decorated speakeasy.

They have a smoke-infused cocktail that’s actually smoking as it’s served to you. Careful with that phone though, you’re not supposed to snap pictures inside.

Address: 512 Atwater Avenue
Neighbourhood: Saint- Henri
Phone: 438-387-4252
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Champagne & fried chicken: Le Bird Bar

 

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Anytime you pair fried chicken with champagne, you’ll have a winner. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Le Bird Bar. This trendy spot also boasts a stellar cocktail menu. Plus there’s a hidden bar in the basement called the Henden. You just have to know the right people and what to say to get in. Start with, “hi, can we go to the Henden?”

Address: 1800 Notre Dame Ouest
Neighbourhood: Litte Burgundy
Phone: 514-938-4343
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Wine spot: Pullman

This ritzy multi-level hotspot offers between 300 and 400 wines, most of them from private imports. Their wine selections by the glass change every week and you can choose a two-ounce wine tasting platter consisting of their latest arrivals.

Address: 3424 Park Avenue
Neighbourhood: Miton Park
Phone: 514-288-7779
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Dark and jazzy: Big in Japan Bar

 

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This Japanese take on the speakeasy has an impressive cocktail menu. As you walk in, the dark lighting and classic blues and jazz music take you back in time. They have divided banquettes to give you some privacy. Or patrons can opt to sit by the central square bar where everyone sees everything.

Whisky fans can buy their own bottle and leave it at the bar. Literally. They safely attach the bottle to the ceiling until your next visit.

Address: 4175 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Neighbourhood: Le Plateau
Phone
: 438-380-5658
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Gin it to win it: Pub Bishop & Bagg

 

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If you’re in the mood for gin, Bishop & Bagg is your spot as they boast the largest gin collection in Quebec. The British-style pub offers a wide selection of imported beer and whisky and cocktails in a comfy old-fashion interior. 

Address: 52 Rue Saint Viateur Ouest
Neighbourhood: Mile End
Phone: 514-277-4400
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Old Montreal magic: Philémon Bar

 

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As soon as you walk into Philémon, their massive square bar drags you in and their impressive wine and cocktail lists keep you there. The chic Old Port bar has 15 wine options by the glass, four of which are of sparkling variety if you want to celebrate. Or, if you really want to splurge, nab the 1.5-litre magnum.

Address: 111 Saint-Paul
Neighbourhood: Old Port
Phone: 514-289-3777
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Hideaway: Pub Le Sainte-Élisabeth

 

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Pub Le Sainte-Élisabeth has arguably the nicest hideaway courtyard terrace in the city. The multi-level bar has tasty cocktails and an in-house microbrewery.

The terrace makes for a very popular spot during the summer and the pub’s undying love for the Canadiens makes it a hot spot during the NHL season.

Address: 1412 Rue Sainte Élisabeth,
Neighbourhood: Chinatown
Phone:
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Date night: Furco

 

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Located in a former fur warehouse, Furco’s decor is mixed with glass and stone. Their elongated bar is often full with the local business crowd but you can’t go wrong on a date night, either.

Their menu changes with the seasons and is constantly buzzing with tasty cocktails and great wines.

Address: 425 Rue Mayor
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Phone:+514-764-3588
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Comfy and local: Le Vin Papillon

 

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The entire atmosphere inside Vin Papillon is very comforting and laid back. The decor is simple: wooden tables and white brick walls with gorgeous artwork.

One of the most renowned spots in town, Vin Papillon’s selections are natural and organic, with many of them sourced from local producers from Montreal.

What’s best, all their bottles are beautiful and affordable. They want everyone to be able to enjoy drinking their stock.

Address: 2519 Notre-Dame Ouest
Neighbourhood: Little Burgundy
Phone: Instagram | Facebook

Renowned dive bar: Grumpy’s

 

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Grumpy’s is a local dive with no frills. Don’t worry, that’s all part of its charm. The basement bar doesn’t make elaborate cocktails or Jägerbombs. Just sit down and order a drink. It’s a simple spot that does simple well.

Grumpy’s entertainment consists of live music and a TV smaller than your phone. Because you should be chatting with your bar neighbour instead of scrolling on your phone.

The spacious tavern has been around for decades and it will be for plenty more, it’s a Montreal staple.

Address: 1242 Rue Bishop
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Phone: Instagram | Facebook

Since we’re looking out for you tomorrow too, you might want to hold on to our post on the best hangover spots to eat in Montreal, too. We’ve got you covered.

DH Montreal StaffDH Montreal Staff

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