Montreal has a secret speakeasy bar that literally looks like the inside of a volcano

Going for a drink in Montreal rarely means just grabbing a drink. That's because the city has a knack for transforming a simple night out into something theatrical, with plenty of hidden speakeasies, swanky lounges, and themed rooms that feel like movie sets.

The newest addition to that roster is Mona Loa, a Polynesian volcano-themed tavern tucked into the heart of downtown. With its lava-lit walls and cave-like design, it might just be the city's most ambitious bar concept yet.

A bar built like a volcanic cave

Tucked in the middle of Crescent Street, Mona Loa is designed to look and feel like the inside of a volcano. And it does a pretty convincing job. Low, red-tinted lighting and handmade concrete textures give the space an otherworldly glow, while smoke effects and dramatic presentation make it easy to forget you're downtown.

The concept for the space came straight from Hawaii. "We were on top of Mauna Loa, the biggest active volcano in the world, and I thought it would be a nice concept to bring to Montreal — to make people travel when they walk in, especially during winter," said co-owner and creator Wylan Chaabani.

The space's cave-like walls were hand-built over seven months by artisan Alexandre Hernandez, who turned Chaabani's ambitious vision into reality this past June. "He's the one who created the cave after I gave my inspiration and my ideas," Chaabani explained.

Cocktails and food with a fiery twist

The menu goes beyond the décor. Drinks lean toward bold, tropical flavours and are built with premium spirits, often served with theatrical touches to match the volcanic setting.

The food draws on a Japanese-Hawaiian fusion that Chaabani says surprised him during his travels. "I was really struck by how much Japanese culture was in the food in Hawaii — even more than Hawaiian sometimes. Nobody thought of that mix, so we brought it to Montreal," he said.

Plates are built for sharing, and the cocktail list features unique creations like the Aloha Habibi, made with pistachio syrup, orange blossom, gin, and lime. "It's pretty unique in the city," Chaabani added.

A unique addition to Montreal's nightlife scene

Mona Loa may call itself a speakeasy, but it isn't hidden in some back alley — you'll find it right in the middle of Crescent Street.

Inside, the vibe shifts as the night goes on. Early evenings lean intimate, with people sharing plates and sipping cocktails under the red glow of the lava walls. Later, the energy ramps up with DJs and a supper-club feel.

Chaabani says the reaction he hears most often is exactly what he hoped for: "As soon as they walk out, people tell me, 'Oh wow, I never imagined this in Montreal — you made us travel.' That was the goal."

With cocktails starting around $15 and food designed for sharing, it's a place built for nights that feel like more than just another bar stop. Step inside and it really does feel like you've left downtown Montreal (or any big city, for that matter) far behind.