15 Speakeasies To Explore This Weekend In Montreal And Impress Your Friends
Stop by one of these places off the beaten path to relax with a great drink.
There's something about speakeasies that really intrigues people. I'm not sure if it's the allure of a secret spot, the satisfaction of knowing something that other people don't, or just the fact that speakeasies tend to make the best cocktails in the city, but people are always on the lookout for new, hidden gems.
Whether you want to impress a date, show your friends a piece of the city they didn't know existed, or just try something new, we here at MTLBlog have your weekend covered. Let us know how you if you go, and whether or not you liked it!
READ ALSO: 7 Secret Speakeasy Bars Hidden In Montreal
TL;DR Montreal has a wealth of hidden gems in the city. Below are a list of speakeasies you can use for your next date idea, or for impressing your friends on your next night out.
Big In Japan
Where: 4175 St Laurent Blvd, Montréal
What: Nestled in the heart of Saint Laurent, the unassuming door is easy to miss next to all of the other, more showy, bars and clubs. Inside is a cozy, hushed, candlelit bar, with an attentive staff. They make great classic cocktails, but also have some original twists: they're all great. You can buy bottles of spirits and, if you don't finish it that day, they'll hang it up for you above the bar until next time.
Clandestino
Where: 436 St François-Xavier, Montréal.
What: This bar is very well hidden: open the door to a closed ice cream shop, walk through it, and then go down some stairs. Once you've lifted the velvet curtain, you'll find yourself transported to another world. The dimly-lit bar plays a mix of salsa, trance, and rap music. The bar only serves tequila and mezcal, and the staff is very knowledgeable on their large inventory.
Milky Way Cocktail Bar
Where: 1886 Rue Centre, Montréal.
What: This cocktail bar JUST opened in Pointe-Saint-Charles. Created by the owners of the Atwater Cocktail Club and Foiegwa, this speakeasy elevated the tikki bar. They have tropical-inspired cocktails and an exotic decor that will almost make you forget the snow outside.
Pub Le Sainte Elisabeth
Where: 1412 Rue Sainte Élisabeth, Montréal.
What: Ok, so this place isn't TECHNICALLY a speakeasy, but it's worth a mention anyway. The decor is reminiscent of a classic English pub, and they have a great selection of beers. What really makes this place special is their garden courtyard. This is one of the greatest secrets in Montreal: four tall walls covered in lush greenery.
Atwater Cocktail Bar
Where: 512 Atwater Ave, Montreal
What: This ritzy speakeasy is incredibily popular with Montrealers. It is located behind Foiegwa, in Saint-Henri. The cocktails are original and on-trend, and the decoration is majestic. Not to mention that it's even been frequented by a few celebrities!
Bootlegger l'Authentique
Where: 3481 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, 2eme Etage, Montreal.
What: Bootlegger is another of Saint-Laurent's hidden treasures. If you're looking for a real, old-fashioned speakeasy, this is it. Their decor is spectacular and their drinks are to die for. They specialise in classic, old-school cocktails, especially whiskey cocktails.
Le 4eme Mur
Where: that's a secret we'll never tell...
What: This uber-secretive bar doesn't reveal its location to just anyone: you first have to become a member. Once you've done that, you then have to figure out what makes their door open. Once inside, discover a sumptuous atmosphere with cocktails to match.
Le Royal
Where: 1232 Mont-Royal Ave E, Montreal,
What: This plateau favourite is unassuming from the outside, but the inside is a beautiful prohibition-era bar. They serve not only cocktails, but also sparkling wine and champagne. Perfect for a decadent night.
Gokudo
Where: 630 Rue Cathcart, Montréal.
What: "Gokudo" is Japanese for "One Path." The bar is located in the heart of downtown, hidden behind a small fish shack. Once you enter behind, you are transported far, far away from the icy streets of Montreal. They serve Japanese-inspired cocktails and food in an intimate atmosphere.
Le Mal Nécessaire
Where: 106B St Laurent Blvd, Montreal.
What: You've most likely seen the neon green pineapple that adorns the front of this speakeasy on Instagram. The bar is tiny and cozy, with a fantastic, friendly staff. Their claim to fame are their fruit cocktails, which they serve in giant coconuts or pineapples. Definitely one way to warm up this weekend!
The Coldroom
Where: Rue Saint Vincent, Montréal.
What: This speakeasy, located in the Old Port, has some on-season drinks you're really going to want to try. Take the Apple of My Pie, for example, which is a super-comforting, spicy-with-just-the-right-amount-of-kick you need this weekend. Their bartenders are knowledgeable and super friendly, so don't hesitate to ask them questions.
Le Speakeasy
Where: 120 McGill St, Montreal.
What: This is truly THE classic speakeasy of Montreal. Its secret entrance is well hidden, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled. Their prohibition-style decor and coktails lend well to the hushed atmosphere. This is truly a great place to bring your friends if you want to impress them with your knowledge of the city.
Soubois
Where: 1106 Maisonneuve Blvd W, Montreal.
What: Enter Sousbois, the secret forest in downtown Montreal. The round, wooden tables are set around intricate, wrought tree trunks. Come for dinner, and stay for the party, which kicks off a little later. The music is a mix of current hits and hypnotic dance, and the drinks are always excellent.
Cloakroom
Where: 2175 Rue de la Montagne, Montréal.
What: Another easy-to-miss bar right downtown, this one has a truly special twist. The small bar has no menu, so you've got to trust the whims of the experienced bartenders. Tell them what you like, and they'll make you a cocktail you'll love.
Club Pelicano
Where: 1076 Rue de Bleury, Montreal.
What: Club Pelicano has cocktails, wine, and champagne on their diverse menu. The cocktails are delicious, and they have a small but refined food menu, as well. The decor is inspired by the Piscine Molitor in Paris, and their decor is both retro and modern. Everything in this club is inspired by pools, from the bar itself to the tiles on the floor. It's one of the most original locations in Montreal.
@clubpelicano