Ever wondered where the professionals in the hospitality industry go to unwind? Where does the local baker get their croissants, or where does the chef who prepared your Sunday brunch head for a late-night snack? What about where your bartender goes for a cocktail?
Montreal bartenders, with their extensive industry experience, know exactly what to look for in a great bar — efficient service, delicious and unique cocktails, and a fantastic ambiance. With so many exceptional bars across Montreal, it can be tough to decide where to grab a drink.
For those new to the city, those seeking expert recommendations, or those simply curious about new spots, we spoke to bartenders across Montreal to get the inside scoop.
Here are their top picks:
Loyd Von Rose, owner of L’infâme Tittle Tattle Bar
Who: Loyd Von Rose
Where They Work: L'infâme Tittle Tattle (22, rue Saint-Paul E., Montreal, QC)
Tittle Tattle opened its doors to the public last summer and has quickly gained a reputation as a must-try cocktail bar in Old Port. Loyd Von Rose's bar is a fun and creative space, home to a talented team of bartenders. With a decade of experience behind the bar and an artistic touch, Loyd crafts each drink with care and precision. In 2022, he was featured on Netflix’s "Drink Masters," a competition to find North America's best mixologist, where he received praise for his unique flair.
Loyd believes that while proper techniques, speed, and attention to detail are crucial for making sharp cocktails, it’s the energy and excitement of meeting new people that truly define a great bartender. When you walk into his bar, you feel like part of the family—a quality he values and seeks in other bars across the city.
Where They Recommend: Taverne Marion (1151, rue Ontario E., Montreal, QC)
One of Loyd's favorite spots in Montreal is Taverne Marion. He appreciates its down-to-earth and "homey" atmosphere, which is free from pretension and full of good vibes. For those looking for a casual spot to enjoy a drink, Taverne Marion comes highly recommended.
Steve, Cedrick and Nathaniel of Mad Hatter
Who: Steve, Cedrick and Nathanial
Where They Work: Mad Hatter (1240, rue Crescent, Montreal, QC)
Mad Hatter, described by Cedrick as the "jungle of all bars," is known for its high volume, quick service, and engaging atmosphere, all located in the heart of downtown Montreal. If you haven’t been yet, you’re missing a Montreal classic.
Where They Recommend: Stogies Cigar Lounge (2015, rue Crescent, Montreal, QC)
With nearly 25 years of experience behind the bar, Steve's favourite drink to make is the classic rum and coke. Its simplicity and reliability make it a staple. For a relaxed night out, Steve heads to Stogies Cigar Lounge, just down the street from Mad Hatter. As one of the few places in the city with a smoking license, Stogies offers the luxury of enjoying a drink and a cigar in a high-end setting.
Where They Recommend: Cloakroom Bar (2175, rue de la Montagne, #100, Montreal, QC)
Cedrick, who has been bartending for three years, loves visiting Cloakroom Bar. He believes that strong communication is what elevates a bartender from good to great. At Cloakroom, the no-menu approach relies heavily on interaction between the bartender and the patron. By discussing your favourite tastes and flavours, the bartenders craft personalized cocktails tailored to your preferences.
Nathaniel, a newcomer with one year of bartending experience, also favours Cloakroom Bar. He echoes Cedrick's sentiment, stating, "A good bartender can give suggestions based on the palate of the client." Cloakroom's personalized service ensures that you get a cocktail you'll love.
Sami of Pizzeria No. 900
Who: Sami Boudaa
Where They Work: Pizzeria No. 900 (various locations)
After working in the industry for six years at various bars and restaurants around the city, Sami knows how to make and, more importantly, drink cocktails responsibly. At Pizzeria No. 900, he serves your drink of choice alongside deliciously authentic Neapolitan pizza. Having worked at and visited numerous bars across the city, he favours the ones that keep him coming back. While tasty cocktails and fabulous tunes can make you and your friends want to return, more often than not, it’s the staff that make the visit memorable.
Where They Recommend: One Punch Mickey's (521, rue Bélanger E., Montreal, QC)
Sami enjoys hanging out with the "cool staff" at One Punch Mickey’s, where you can grab not only a pint, but a metric litre (1L) of beer, chat with the bartenders, and have a grand ol' time.
Jackson, Adri and Hugo of Le Mal Nécessaire
Who: Jackson, Adri, and Hugo
Where They Work: Le Mal Nécessaire (1106b, boul. Saint-Laurent, Montreal, QC)
When asked what makes their bar special, they all had the same answer: fresh ingredients. With fresh fruit, crisp mint, and even coconut cream that's made in-house, every cocktail at Le Mal Nécessaire is delightfully natural and refreshing.
Where They Recommend: Doubles (5171, av. du Parc, Montreal, QC)
Jackson has been making drinks for three years. His favourite spots to visit are those that make him feel at home. He describes Doubles as a mix between a dive bar and your grandad’s basement—the perfect spot to hang out and grab a drink. According to Jackson, good bartenders drop the ego that inevitably comes with the job and serve you as if you were their longtime friend.
Where They Recommend: Multiple locations
Adri has been behind the bar since 2018 and loves seeing her clients’ reactions to her perfectly made espresso martinis. On a "chill night out," you can find her at Bar Henrietta (115, ave. Laurier O.), Taverne Atlantique (6512, ave. du Parc), or Bar Pamplemousse (1579, boul. St-Laurent). Adri believes the art of bartending lies not only in the skill of the craft but also in the personality of the bartender.
Where They Recommend: Multiple locations
Hugo has been bartending for four years and believes the most underrated bar in the city is Moqueur (1844, rue Atateken). If you visit, you must try their oyster shot. He also thinks the best cocktails can be found at his bar, Atwater Cocktail Club (512, rue Atwater), and Tittle Tattle (22, rue Saint-Paul E.).
Damian of Atwater Cocktail Club
Who: Damian
Where They Work: Atwater Cocktail Club (512, rue Atwater, Montreal, QC)
Damian has been serving cocktails for eight years and believes the secret to being a good bartender is listening to patrons and knowing what you’re doing. Working at one of North America’s top 50 bars, Damian crafts exquisite drinks with care and accuracy to maintain the prestige of the establishment and keep clients coming back.
Where They Recommend: Bon Délire (4855, rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal, QC)
For a celebratory night out, Damian's favourite place is Bon Délire. Although the outside resembles a depanneur, the chic yet laid-back environment invites you to grab a drink, sit back and relax, or head over to the leopard print billiards table.
Bartenders across the island work tirelessly to give you great service and a cold drink, so don’t forget to tip.
Next time you’re sitting at a bar, ask your server where they enjoy going out and why. It’s the perfect way to discover new and exciting spots throughout the city.
Who knows? Maybe you’ll even see them there after their shift ends!
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