Wondering why there’s a red carpet in an alley? Fashioned as a speakeasy, Atwater Cocktail Club (ACC) offers a unique bar experience without requiring a password. Inside, dark walls, shiny silver banquettes, and glass ceilings inspired by French discotheques create a dramatic, intimate atmosphere. The cocktail program, led by award-winning mixologist Kate Boushel, features elegant drinks with high-quality ingredients and innovative techniques. Signature cocktails like the 40 Thieves impress, while the menu offers French brasserie staples from sister restaurant Foiegwa. No reservations are taken, so be prepared to wait on busy nights. With its striking design, intimate ambiance, and exceptional drinks, ACC is a hidden gem in Montreal.

Open since August 2023, Bar Bello blends tradition and the Italian charm of Montreal’s Little Italy. Perfect for aperitifs or digestifs, this spot created by Kevin Demers and Benny Bello is a 65-seat bar (with space for 60 more outside) where European elegance is exuded through black-and-white checkerboard floors, navy-blue velvet banquettes, and a bar stocked with Italian liqueurs. Designed by La Chambre Design Co., the space invites you to enjoy classic and innovative Italian cocktails crafted by mixologist Matt Baker. Complemented by high-quality antipasti and nibbles—plus a negroni vending machine that shouldn’t be skipped—Bar Bello offers an exceptional setting to unwind and indulge in true Italian drinking culture.

Barrelmans steps up—literally—above Pub Saint-Pierre, carving out a quieter, more refined drinking and dining option in Old Montreal. This cocktail and tapas bar trades the usual high-energy atmosphere of the area for something more composed, offering a menu that leans into well-crafted classics and signature drinks. The food keeps pace, balancing light bites with thoughtful execution: Examples include oysters, tartares, a ricotta baba ganoush mezze with roasted chickpeas, and a meticulously layered potato tart.

It’s a space designed for lingering—whether that means working through the cocktail list or settling into an unhurried evening of small plates and conversation. While its address is shared with the pub below, Barrelmans stands on its own, offering a more relaxed alternative to the area’s late-night haunts.

Established in 2014, Bishop and Bagg offers a laid-back pub ambiance and a menu of classic eats like bangers and mash and burgers in the Mile End. An unpretentious spot from the Burgundy Lion team featuring wood accents and dark colors, you’ll find an impressive collection of gins and skilled bartenders crafting cocktails from them. Expect to eat well and drink well while you’re here—just don’t be surprised if it’s busy during brunch hours, or during lunch when swathes of video game designers from the nearby Ubisoft office come in. Those times aside, you can easily get a good bite late at night here.

Bisou Bisou is a charming cocktail bar located in the heart of Old Montreal, ideal for an apéritif or a night out. Opened in 2023, this stylish Mediterranean-inspired spot is brought to you by Kevin Demers (Coldroom and El Pequeño), Gregory Buda (Dead Rabbit and Beagle in New York), and Robert Weeks (Hawksmoor in London and Coldroom). The bar features a cozy, intimate setting with grey tones and burnt orange accents, comfortably seating around 60 people. The cocktail menu emphasizes apéritif-style drinks, with a mix of alcoholic, low-alcohol, and non-alcoholic options. Check out the range of fortified wines, Mediterranean-inspired preserves, and a charcuterie and cheese platter to complement your drinks.

Found beneath Dorsia and crafted by WITH Hospitality, Bowie's a subterranean enclave channelling the spirit of the world’s elite private clubs. Its dim lighting, plush surroundings, and unwavering dress code set the stage for a late-night menu that pairs upscaled bites with classic and signature cocktails, all for a refined way to cap off a night.

Local restaurateur extraordinaire Richard Holder and his collaborators has done it again with Miracolo, an Italian-forward restaurant next to Schwartz's on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Designed in collaboration with Thomas Csano, it's yet another astounding space to dine in, dressed to the nines in every single nook, cranny, and angle you care to look in with vague moments of religiosity—think Madonna statuettes, a cow's head with a halo, or communion wafers at the entrance.

In the kitchen, it's chefs Alejandro Vega and Pierre Morneau. Their menu's a versatile one, offering a little of every size of dish and snack to meet their aims of being open every day of the week: Stop in for a few cocktails and some ricotta or anchovies on toast, or settle in for a more substantial meal of dishes like broccolini or endive salad, skewers of grilled mortadella, crudos, carpaccios, and a lot of fresh pasta that you see being made if you grab one of the table in the back dining room.

It's a bustling spot: At 100-ish seats, this has been a runaway hit since it opened. A great spot if you want that quintessential experience of rubbing shoulders with a neighbour as you chow down and feel the energy of an active address.

Chez Miller is what happens when seasoned bar owners apply their party-savvy instincts to a sports bar format—and let it breathe a little. Set on Atateken in the Village, this 70-seat spot combines the bones of a classic dive with some deliberate design choices: a long wooden bar, moody lighting, and a mirror-paneled ceiling that catches the glow from TVs and trophy cases alike. Sports memorabilia—Habs jerseys, CF Montréal gear, vintage Expos finds—fills the room without overdoing it. It’s festive, familiar, and built for groups.

The menu keeps things simple: nachos, dogs, baked spaghetti, and other reliably greasy comforts. Cocktails lean into nostalgia and affordability—think Blue Lagoons, Mojitos, and pitchers of Spritzes—alongside beer staples and a solid well of spirits. There’s zero pretension, and the staff know how to keep things moving without killing the vibe. Whether it’s for a big game or just a casual night out, Chez Miller is built to deliver.

The Coldroom, an intimate speakeasy-style bar in Old Montreal, offers a refined yet clandestine experience. Enter through an unmarked black door at the corner of Saint-Amable and Saint-Vincent streets, ringing the bell for admission. Inside, staff present a seasonal cocktail menu with inventive twists on classics and wholly new creations with emphasis on experience and flavour. The stylish bar features cozy nooks and a minimalist décor with exposed brick and steel beams. Known for attracting celebrities and cocktail enthusiasts alike, The Coldroom ensures an exclusive night out with expertly crafted drinks and top-notch service.

Old Montreal’s El Pequeño Bar offers an escape to Old Havana’s glamour. This intimate 150 square-foot bar, transformed from a tiny spot for libations by the Coldroom team, accommodates just 11 guests (plus more via a terrasse in the summer). Step inside to find Cuban-inspired décor, featuring a chandelier, big windows, and exposed brick walls. The expertly curated drink menu includes classics like Mojitos, Daiquiris, and Cuba Libres, alongside the refreshing Runs in the Family cocktail among others. Complementing the drinks is the delicious Cubano sandwich. Despite its size, El Pequeño draws a diverse crowd, making it a must-visit for an intimate yet exclusive experience.

The Four Seasons Hotel Montreal’s in-house restaurant MARCUS fuses luxury with local flair on an expansive third floor designed by Atelier Zébulon Perron. This communal space welcomes both locals and guests, where the lounge, bar, restaurant, and terrasse offer distinct atmospheres, from an oceanic lounge to a forest-like bar. Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Marcus Samuelsson with executive chef Jason Morris, the venue reflects Montreal's vibrant social scene. Morris, known for his precision and creativity, ensures each dish from the globally inspired menu complements the sophisticated, timeless setting, making MARCUS a culinary landmark in the city.

Le 4e Mur offers a gamified bar experience that begins with signing up for their newsletter to discover its secret location. Accessible by pushing against its 'fourth' wall entrance, this Prohibition-era speakeasy is steeped in mystery and ambiance. Inside, you'll find burlesque shows and live jazz, with dapper bartenders and drawn curtains enhancing the allure. The founders, all national championship cocktail titlists and one the founder of L’Ecole du Bar de Montréal, ensure top-tier mixology. Ideal for a romantic date or a night out with friends, Le 4e Mur promises innovative cocktails in a uniquely immersive setting.

Le Mal Nécessaire, now located on Saint-Alexandre Street following opening in 2014 in a basement location in Montreal's Chinatown, has redefined the city’s bar scene. This tropical, tiki-inspired bar, founded by David Schmidt, Alex San Gergorio, and Evan Cowie, blends chic minimalism with vibrant charm. Designed by Juliane Camirand, it boasts plush velvet banquettes, warm hues, and subdued lighting, accommodating up to 160 guests. The bar excels in eco-friendly practices, offering meticulously crafted cocktails using fresh, homemade ingredients. Signature drinks, served in fruits, and DJ-curated music in a welcoming atmosphere promises a memorable night of high-quality libations and good vibes.

A true neighbourhood diner, NDG Luncheonette brings a classic American touch to Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, serving breakfast and lunch with heart and history. Owned by Sophia Khalil-Griffin and her cousin Dillon Griffin, the small 24-seat spot is as much about community as it is about comfort food.

Expect diner staples done right—a perfectly smashed burger, a hot dog with just the right snap, thick-cut BLTs, smoked meat sandwiches, and fluffy pancakes. What sets it apart? Quality ingredients sourced from local businesses like Mange-Tout’s smoked salmon and Snowdon Bakery’s fresh bread, giving these familiar dishes a Montreal twist.

Inside, the vibe is warm, unpretentious, and personal. Boxing memorabilia lines the walls, a nod to the owners’ family ties to the sport. Regulars settle into red booths, order from a menu where dishes are named after loved ones, and chat with the staff like old friends.

Projet Pilote’s a multifaceted establishment that blends a distillery, microbrewery, restaurant, and bar into one cohesive space. The vision for this place has been in the works for over half a decade, resulting in a groundbreaking venue where experimentation thrives. Initially conceived as a distillery and bar, the project evolved to incorporate a microbrewery, making it the city's first venue to integrate both into one space. While located next to La Banquise, that diner doesn’t have Pjoet Pilote’s small batches of gin and eaux de vie, or its house-crafted beers. The collaborative spirit extends to the kitchen, which utilizes produce from the rooftop garden to create a menu of flavorful dishes.

Pub Saint Pierre may be small, but it delivers big on charm, community, and an experience that sets it apart from your run-of-the-mill watering hole. Tucked away on Rue Saint-Pierre—one of the oldest streets in Old Montreal—this spot blends historic roots with a modern, international flair. The staff isn’t just friendly; they bring their own cultural backgrounds to the menu, resulting in a lineup of inventive, globally inspired dishes that go beyond standard pub fare. The philosophy here is simple: it’s not your ordinary pub. Whether you’re in for a pint, a bite, or just good conversation, Pub Saint Pierre offers an atmosphere that feels welcoming, warm, and unmistakably local while embracing influences from around the world.

Rouge Gorge’s been a cherished wine bar in the Plateau since 2015 because it offers a cozy haven for drinks and bites. Named after a Parisian tavern from the film Children of Paradise, its decor by Zébulon Perron blends industrialism with intimacy, while its wine selection of French bottles alongside global varieties complements seasonal bites including fresh oysters, pasta, and grilled seafood. Whether dining on its terrasse in the summer or drinking in their intimate bar downstairs, Rouge Gorge is where patrons savor good booze and food, making it an essential destination for bar enthusiasts.

Dimly humming below Little Burgundy’s HENI restaurant, Badin is a 24-seat cocktail-forward listening lounge that opened in April 2024. Accessed through HENI's front doors, this intimate space designed by Juliane Camirand combines low lighting, velour banquettes, and a central DJ stage. It creates a cozy, cocooned setting reminiscent of an audiophile’s living room. Led by Soufian Mamlouk and cocktail program director Émile Archambault, Badin offers innovative, seasonally changing cocktails alongside curated multi-genre vinyl music. Emphasizing intimacy and high-quality sound, Badin’s blend of ambiance, artisanal drinks, and meticulous service promises a unique, memorable experience in the city’s nightlife scene.

Tropikàl doesn’t shy away from bold flavour—or history. Chef Jae-Anthony’s kitchen pulls from across the Caribbean and the wider Afro-diaspora, tracing spice routes from Haiti to Ghana to Panama. The menu is high-impact: griot fried to a crisp, lobster soaked in garlic pepper sauce, oxtail braised until it slides off the bone. But there’s just as much attention on the small details—cassava callaloo cheese dip, ackee and saltfish fritters, coconut shrimp crusted and grilled. Even the poutine comes with jerk gravy. The cocktail list, anchored by rums and tequilas, leans sweet and punchy, with nods to sorrel, ginger, mezcal and Hennessy. Whether you hit the Montreal or Ottawa outpost, Tropikàl’s vibe is part dinner party, part island getaway, part speakeasy—and all unapologetically rooted in Black culinary identity.

Perched on Place Ville-Marie's 45th floor, Sora 45 is a project from the team behind Hiatus that takes over its more informal bar space below their supremely high-class restaurant. With stunning skyline vistas and delectable sushi in a chic setting, what was originally intended as a café and lounge for Hiatus has been reimagined with the help of chef Gary Durand and Hiatus chef Yoann Therer. Together, they've curated a menu of sushi and hot dishes complemented by selections by mixologists Carl Charette-Kelada and Tim Robertson.

Open for lunch and dinner, it's far easier to drop in for a bite here than at Hiatus: Stop in and grab platters of maki, nigiri, hosomaki, and bowls of chirashi by day, or a longer list of more elaborate sushi and dishes by night that'll range from eight-hour braised pork-belly and beef sirloin marinated in koji to seasoned chicken tsukune meatballs.

By day it shifts gears to Sora Café, a specialty coffee bar that trades late-night drinks for expertly crafted espresso and tea, offering a refined caffeine fix with a panoramic city backdrop. Enjoy a quick espresso or a slow sip while taking in the skyline, whatever the weather.

Revived by a crew of local hospitality pros, this fourth-floor Forum time capsule blends a Y2K aesthetic with a modern bar menu and just enough grit to keep it interesting. The original neon, woodwork, and Brunswick lanes are still intact, but now there’s smash burgers, pan pizzas, glizzys, nachos named after Peter Weber, and a QR-coded wheel of chance at the bar. You can even order 100 beers for $500 and have them delivered in a bucket. It’s not precious and that’s the point—this is a hangout for people who want to do something while they drink, not just drink. Whether you’re a Concordia student killing time or a former NDG league bowler reliving your glory days, Montreal Bowling makes a strong case for the comeback of good old-fashioned fun.

Bootlegger isn’t just a bar—it’s a time capsule with better drinks and louder music. Since 2016, this Saint-Laurent speakeasy has built a reputation on two things: whiskey and performance.

There are over 500 bottles behind the bar—Scotch, rye, bourbon, Canadian, Irish, Japanese—and a team that actually knows what to do with them. Absinthe’s not just on the shelf, either; it’s part of the ritual. The space feels lived-in, with candlelight, velvet booths, and a crowd that gets livelier as the night goes on. Jazz, hip hop, blues, comedy—it’s all part of the Bootlegger programming, with a kitchen that stays open late and events that stretch into the early hours. It’s the kind of place where a Tuesday might end with a $10 cocktail and a live trumpet solo. Call it old-school, but there’s nothing stale about it.

Some restaurants try to make a splash. Molenne just feels like it’s always been here. Housed in a former hay depot from Montreal’s first racetrack, this brasserie is built on layers of history. Banquettes salvaged from Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, chimney plaques repurposed as decor, a 32-year-old fridge given a second life—everything about Molenne leans into the past while pushing forward.

But don’t mistake it for a nostalgia act. Chef Louis-Joseph Rochefort (Attica, Australia) is at the helm, turning brasserie staples into something sharper: black cod in shiitake broth, braised cabbage with escargots, white charcutière sauce. The bar, run by Gia Bach Nguyen (Gia), pours cocktails on tap, while a 5,000-bottle wine cellar stocks everything from rare vintages to solid $50 picks.

Barroco opened in 2008, but the spirit behind it feels older—drawn from Mediterranean kitchens, Spanish taverns, and the worn stone walls of its Old Montreal address. The idea came from Jérémie Falissard, Louis Koorevaar, and Roberto Porres, who built a space where French, Italian, and Spanish traditions could live side by side in a setting equal parts elegance and comfort. Think braised beef, house paella, and an evolving menu grounded in seasonal ingredients. The bar’s seven seats offer a front-row view of Louis’s cocktail program, while sommelier Ayoub Lamnini oversees the room with ease. Everything here—decor, music, plating—has a personal touch, a legacy of three friends who wanted full creative control. Over the years, Barroco has hosted everything from intimate meals to private parties for U2. But its real staying power comes from consistency: good food, a warm welcome, and a sense that even after years gone by, it still feels like home.

Taverne Marion is the Village’s lighter, livelier answer to Taverne Midway—same crew, different vibe. Set in the space that once housed the dive Fun Spot, the bar traded video poker for whitewashed brick, garage-style windows, and a food menu that leans bar snack without phoning it in. Think hummus with caramelized onion, Cajun wings with blue cheese dip, and butter chicken flatbread from Ferme des Voltigeurs. On the drinks front, Marion covers a lot of ground without losing the plot: Québec craft beers and natural wines, thoughtful cocktails that swing from classics to house originals like the Falcon Punch and Italian Cholo, and a spirits list that reads like a liquid library—mezcal, bourbon, pisco, you name it. The playlist’s loose, the lighting’s good, and the terrace windows crack open in summer to let the street spill in. Marion might be the “little sister,” but she holds her own.

Taverne Midway has seen some things. Open since 1927, this bar on the corner of Saint-Laurent and Sainte-Catherine has survived the Great Depression, twenty-plus Stanley Cup parades, and more than one version of the city around it. Once a scruffy dive, Midway’s been revived—but not erased. The exposed brick, pipe lighting, and jars of pickled eggs are pure throwback, while the cocktail list is all grown up. You’ll find a Sazerac, sure, but also mezcal Negronis, house barrel-aged creations, and a Caipirinha done right. The drink menu is organized by spirit like a proper bar manual, and the bartenders know what they’re doing. It’s not reinventing the wheel—it’s reminding you why it was a good one to begin with. Whether you’re here for a classic or something more ambitious, Midway delivers with quiet confidence and a lot of history in its bones.

Negroni Room doesn’t waste time on subtlety. Down a set of stairs from Mignon Steakhouse, it swaps white tablecloths for red lighting, thumping bass, and a cocktail list that doubles as a manifesto. The name’s no gimmick—it's said to be Canada’s largest Negroni selection (unverfied, but we'll believe it!), running from textbook bitter to smoked, spiced, and syruped in ways you didn’t think the classic could bend. DJs hold court nightly, and the bartenders play with flavours the same way they play with tempo—deliberate, but never stiff. The upstairs might be for your in-laws; the basement is where things get interesting. Steak frites at 9, cherry negronis at 11, and dancing by midnight.

PHI stands as a nexus for innovation and accessibility in the arts. Uniting diverse practices under one umbrella, PHI encompasses the PHI Centre, the PHI Foundation for Contemporary Art, PHI Studio, and PHI Muse, all geared towards redefining what cultural engagement means today. Guided by values like freedom, rigor, and a deep commitment to community, PHI doesn’t just showcase art—it champions dialogue, experimentation, and a forward-thinking approach that blurs the line between art and technology.

Through immersive installations, residencies, and educational programs, PHI fosters an inclusive space that prioritizes empathy, equity, and respect. This is art with purpose, rooted in collaboration and a commitment to sustainability, integrity, and care. Spearheading initiatives in cultural sustainability, PHI is more than a gallery or foundation; it’s a living laboratory pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and community engagement in Montreal.