Looking for the best speakeasies in Montreal where a simple drink turns into a full experience? These hidden bars offer more than cocktails. With secret entrances, intimate spaces, immersive décor, and creative menus, each visit feels like stepping into a different world. From candlelit corners to interactive surprises, Montreal's speakeasy scene transforms a night out into something unforgettable.
Bar Le Mal Nécessaire
1106B Boulevard St-Laurent, Montreal, H2Z 1J5
While some might still reminisce about the iconic original basement location in Chinatown, Bar Le Mal Nécessaire's new space keeps all the same charm and the beloved menu, featuring classics like the famous Champagne Papi. Open for just over a year now, the new location is more spacious, meaning shorter wait times, though reservations are still a good idea. With live music every Monday and Tuesday, it's the perfect spot for a laid-back downtown night out.
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Nhau bar
600 Rue William, Montreal, H3C 1N6
It may be small, but Nhau Bar knows how to make a big impression. With its soft lighting, hanging lanterns, exotic decor, and live DJ, this hidden gem truly comes alive at night. The menu features stunning Asian fusion creations, from playful "quickies" to more elaborate "fancy" cocktails. And if you're in the mood to share, their signature Pearl drinks are made for two, or even four.
Milky Way Cocktail Bar
1886 Rue centre, Montreal, H3K 1H9
Featured in The World's 50 Best Discovery list back in 2021, Milky Way Cocktail Bar continues to shine as one of Montreal's most enchanting spots. From the moment you step inside, you're transported to another world. The cosmic stairwell sets the tone, and once inside the bar, the bursts of color and twinkling ceiling lights make you feel like you've left Earth behind. With its vibrant, eclectic decor, this is easily one of the city's prettiest bars. The cocktail menu, created by renowned Atwater Cocktail Club mixologist Christophe Beaudoin Vallières, is as sophisticated as it is approachable. And when hunger strikes, Fugazzi's delicious Italian dishes are right there to complete the experience.
Photo: @chandni_in_mtl
Atwater Cocktail Club
512 Avenue Atwater, Montreal, H4C 2G5
Who would've thought that behind an unassuming alley lies one of Montreal's most elegant speakeasies? With its metallic-toned couches, mirrored ceiling, marble bar, and shelves lined with bottles, Atwater Cocktail Club exudes understated luxury. The cocktail list is full of inventive creations, like the Smoke Show, a refreshing mix of smoky and fruity notes that's easily a crowd favourite. And if you're feeling hungry, the food comes courtesy of Foiegwa, adding a refined French touch to your evening. Whether it's for date night or a late-night hangout, this hidden gem never disappoints.
Cloakroom Bar
2175 Rue de la Montagne #100, Montreal, H3G 1Z8
Tiny and intimate, Cloakroom is the ultimate spot for cocktail lovers. There is no menu here. Bartenders will ask about your preferences and craft a drink tailored just for you, full of bold and surprising flavours. Its small size creates a cozy, personal atmosphere, making it perfect for a date night or a quiet evening with friends who appreciate expertly made cocktails.
The Grotto Speakeasy
54 Rue St-Jacques, Montreal, H2Y 1L5
Opened just over a year ago, Le Grotto is a seductive spot in the Old Port. The dim red lighting, plush couches, live DJ, and expertly crafted cocktails set the scene for a memorable night out. Whether it's a date night or a girls' night, this intimate bar delivers both atmosphere and excitement. Don't forget to check their Instagram page for the secret word of the week to gain entry.
Gokudo
630 Rue Cathcart, Montreal, H3B 0C3
Tucked behind a small fish shack called Ryoshi, Gokudo instantly transports you to Japan. The intimate space is filled with striking details, from samurai swords on the walls to a dramatic tiger mural, creating a stylish and immersive atmosphere. The bar focuses on sake and creative cocktails, perfectly paired with a small Japanese menu from Ryoshi. It's a one-of-a-kind spot for a memorable night out.
Clandestino
436 Rue St-Francois Xavier, Montreal, H2Y 2T3
If tequila and mezcal are your go-to spirits, Clandestino will quickly become a favourite. This intimate and seductive Old Port speakeasy focuses exclusively on tequila- and mezcal-based drinks, yet the menu is full of inventive creations. Try the Ducking Good, a duck fat-washed cocktail, or the Esperanza, a Negroni with a Latin twist. The bar itself is tiny, so be sure to arrive early for a seat.
Le 4e Mur
2021 Rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, H2X 3K8
Looking for a night full of mystery? Le 4e Mur keeps you guessing from the very beginning. The entrance looks ordinary at first, but find the right brick and you'll discover the hidden doorway. Inside, the space is intimate and cozy, with cocktails as intricate as the setting. For a truly unique experience, take on the murder case of Jim Neutron. You'll receive a list of suspects, each linked to a clue, and you must order your cocktails in the same order the suspects appear. Piece together the hints as you sip, and see if you can solve the mystery before the night ends.
SECRETS Speakeasy et Bar à Cocktail
311 Rue St-Paul E, Montreal, H2Y 1J3
Opened just last year, Secrets is a bar that loves to reinvent itself with every season. This year, they're back with a Christmas-themed setup, perfectly timed for the holidays. Nestled in the basement of Kwizinn in the Old Port, every corner is decked out with festive decorations. The menu features creative holiday cocktails alongside a small Caribbean fusion selection. It's the ideal spot for cozy dates, festive outings, and snapping cute photos.
Barrelmans
410 Rue Saint Pierre, Montreal, H2Y 1Y3
Located on the second floor of Pub Saint Pierre, Barrelmans is a tribute to the Barrelman, a hero often overlooked in tales of sailing. The bar captures a spirit of adventure and discovery, offering cocktails with inventive, exotic flavours. The food is surprisingly impressive, especially for a spot best known for drinks. With its warm décor, cozy yet elegant ambiance, and attention to detail, Barrelmans is the perfect place to explore new flavors and enjoy a night of tasting in style.
Bar Big In Japan
4175 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montreal, H2W 1Y7
Step inside Big In Japan and you'll feel like you've entered a hidden world. The winding layout, soft candlelight, and draped walls give the space an intimate, almost secretive vibe. Whether you're sipping whisky, bourbon, cognac, scotch, or exploring their cocktail menu, every drink feels thoughtfully crafted to match the cozy atmosphere. Perfect for a date night, this bar turns a simple evening out into a memorable experience.
Photo: @juiciereats
The Coldroom
R. Saint-Vincent, Montreal, H2Y 1G8
Hidden in Old Montréal, Coldroom takes you back in time with its historic 1877 building and cozy mix of brick, wood, and concrete. The unmarked entrance adds a touch of mystery, and once inside, you'll find expertly crafted cocktails that balance classic favourites with bold, inventive twists. It's a spot that feels both intimate and adventurous, perfect for an evening of discovery.
Sans Soleil Bar
1002 Rue St-Urbain, Montreal, H2Z 1K6
Hidden beneath Fleurs & Cadeaux, Sans Soleil is a cozy, candlelit speakeasy where music and drinks take center stage. The intimate space holds about 60 guests and is designed for amazing sound, thanks to custom Montreal-made speakers and cork panels that keep the vibrations perfect. Every night, DJs spin vinyl sets, and on weekends the energy picks up after 10:30, turning the bar into a lively dance spot. Pair the beats with Japanese-inspired cocktails and snacks from the restaurant above for a night that's equal parts fun and flavourful.
Le Bird Bar
1800 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montreal, H3J 1M5
Step into Henden and it feels like a private dance party in a stylish basement. Tucked beneath Le Bird Bar, this intimate speakeasy is all about energy, with candlelit corners, a strikingly funky ceiling, and a crowd ready to move. Their drinks menu strikes the perfect balance between inventive cocktails, wine, beer, and bottle service, offering playful twists on familiar favourites. Henden is the kind of spot where you can unwind after work, kick off a night out, or simply let the rhythm take over, all without any pretension.
Stillife
640 Rue Saint-Paul O, Montreal, H3C 1L9
Nestled in the Old Port, Stillife is more than your typical bar, it's designed as a full sensory experience. Sustainability takes center stage, with cocktails built around four key fruits: pineapple, pear, strawberry, and tomato, often using the whole fruit to reduce waste. The menu features 32 inventive drinks to suit any taste. Located in a semi-basement, the space feels intimate despite its size, with cement and stone walls creating a modern yet cozy atmosphere.
Mona Loa
1464 Rue Crescent, Montreal, H3G 2B6
Tucked beneath the city, Mona Loa channels the energy of a volcano with walls aglow in lava-like light and a cave-inspired interior. This speakeasy serves visually striking Polynesian-inspired cocktails and dishes that match its fiery atmosphere. Every drink and bite feels like stepping into another world, turning a simple night out into a fully immersive experience.
Speakeasy Le 404
404 place Jacques-Cartier, Montreal, H2Y 3B2
Le 404 is a hidden speakeasy in Old Montreal, tucked behind a playful "error" door. The bar combines vintage charm with modern touches and offers an intimate setting with velvet-red accents and polished marble details. Its menu features inventive cocktails often garnished with herbs, florals, or spices, alongside small plates such as sliders, shrimp cocktails, and crispy wings. Designed to be a stylish and intriguing spot, Le 404 aims to provide a unique experience for guests looking for creative drinks and a chic, secretive atmosphere.
