The bars and drinks that wowed local Montreal writers and photographers in 2024

Montreal’s bar scene wasn't just pouring drinks throughout 2024—it was setting the tone for so many of the city’s best nights out. From understated wine bars to sleek speakeasies, the places that stood out may not always have been the flashiest, but they all delivered atmosphere, creativity, and memorable menus.

We asked local food writers, photographers, and critics about the spots that defined their year in drinking. Whether it was a perfectly executed gin martini at Double’s, a whisky-and-cocoa butter revelation at Salon Badin, or the cozy familiarity of Taverne Atlantic, these are the bars and cocktails that made the city’s nights unforgettable.

For a scene that might not boast as many newcomers as the restaurant world, the quality—and variety—of these favourites is undeniable.

Where did you love to drink in 2024, new or old?

Clay Sandhu, Food Editor for Cult MTL, @claysandhu: “Plongeoir. It’s just a perfect bar. Excellent wines, a pool table — they even have Murphy’s on tap now (should’ve been Guinness though).”

Alison Slattery, @twofoodphotographers: “Bar Henrietta, I love the cocktails, small bites, the wine list is amazing & the atmosphere is always so fun. Buvette Chez Simone for their wine list, plus the sake & cocktails at Mikado.”

Victor Yu, @randomcuisine: "Unrelated to alcohol, I've been frequenting Charyu, the new tea school owned by the Teas Guru team. They offer 5@7 tea tasting events every Friday and tea ceremony workshops, which are a great way to learn about all things tea."

Natacha Guiragossian of @natachaeats: “Taverne Atlantic and Bar Dominion.” 

Alessandro Rea and Michael Grande of @mangiabeneboys: “Bowie, a new speakeasy in Old Montreal, has quickly become one of our favourite spots. The martinis are some of the best we’ve had. Taverne Atlantic and Kabinet are some of our go-to spots for a more casual night out, and then there’s always Marcus too.”

Daniel Brombeg, co-founder of @themain: “Stuck with some favourites like Cicchetti, Bar à Flot, Poincaré, and Messorem. I'd be at Supernat a lot more if I lived in the area.”

Tommy Dion of @lecuisinomane: “Mon Lapin. Des soirées mémorables, autant dans les assiettes que dans les verres. Il faut laisser carte blanche au duo Alex et Vanya, et opter pour des vins au verre pour goûter à un maximum de magnifiques produits. Je dirais aussi que tout ce que Lindsay du Alma m’a mis dans le verre cette année était assez spectaculaire.” 

Rachel Cheng, @rachelhollycheng: “Polari has only been open for a few months, but I already have a list of great memories here. Stop by this intimate wine bar solo or with a friend, pull up a seat at the bar, and drink whatever Keaton suggests.”

What was your favourite cocktail of 2024?

Clay Sandhu, Food Editor for Cult MTL, @claysandhu: “Gin martini, up, with a twist and olive. Had an excellent one at Double's.”

Alison Slattery, @twofoodphotographers: “Whatever Antoine made me at Bar Henrietta! Ha, no, but seriously, anything with bourbon or tequila. I love a paper plane. I am a simple girl who also just loves a good Guinness.”

Alessandro Rea and Michael Grande of @mangiabeneboys: “The White Negroni at Bowie and the Honeydew at Sora45.”

Daniel Brombeg, co-founder of @themain: “I had one of the best drinks of my life at Bar Bisou Bisou during Montréal Cocktail Fest, made by a visiting bartender from Ruby in Copenhagen.”

Tommy Dion of @lecuisinomane: “Foxy. Sabrina Touzel mérite toute votre attention.”

Rachel Cheng, @rachelhollycheng: “This whisky, Cynar and cocoa butter concoction at Badin, where the cocktails are pure poetry. Or the Salty Dog at Sparrow, with a revitalizing mix of celery juice and gin.”