Best Bars in Golden Square Mile (2026) - Reviews & Menus

Bar Nacarat

Located in the Hôtel Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

Opens Today at 4 pm

(196)

Downtown, Golden Square Mile

Tartare Seafood/Fish Grill Charcuterie Contemporary/Modern Pub Food

Mentioned in: 17 Restaurants with Amazing Views in Greater Montreal Sip & Savor: The Ultimate Guide to Montreal's Cocktail Scene View More

Review Summary

Bar Nacarat draws praise for a warm, intimate atmosphere and a chic setting complemented by a radiant rooftop view that makes evenings feel extra special. Cocktails are celebrated for creativity, balance and showmanship, with drinks ranging from richly complex to perfectly approachable, crafted by a skilled and attentive team even during the busiest hours. The experience often includes thoughtful bar snacks and a welcoming staff, with music and lighting that enhance the mood for dates or friendly gatherings. While prices can be on the higher side and a few signature drinks or non alcoholic options may not hit every note, the overall impression is one of professional hospitality, impressive technique and a memorable high quality outing at Bar Nacarat.View restaurant profile

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NINI Salon à Cocktails

Cocktail bar located in the Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile Hotel.

Opens Today at 10:30 am

(6)

Downtown, Golden Square Mile

Bar Charcuterie Tartare Burgers

Mentioned in: Hot Spots to Try Now for Your Girls' Night Out in Montreal The 18 Best Places to Enjoy Fresh Oysters in Montreal View More

Review Summary

NINI Salon à Cocktails is described as a standout bar with delicious and creative drinks and very friendly, attentive service. The experience is repeatedly praised as amazing with excellent service, and every order is noted as top tier with strong recommendations from guests. The bar ambiance is warm and inviting, with beautiful décor that enhances time with a date, evenings with friends, or drinks before a show. The cuisine is described as refined and flavorful, adding to the overall appeal. Many reviewers appreciate the thoughtful staff and the genuine care shown toward guests, and there is a sense of anticipation to return soon.View restaurant profile

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042 AFRO LOUNGE

Open until 3 am

(111)

Downtown, Golden Square Mile

African Bar

Review Summary

042 AFRO LOUNGE is described as a warm, cozy spot with authentic African vibes and friendly, attentive staff that make guests feel welcome from the moment they arrive, with a vibe that blends relaxed dining with a lively late night scene as the music stays on point; the menu earns praise for spicy, flavorful dishes such as pepper soup and catfish pepper soup, jollof rice with jerk chicken served with plantain and a house salad, suya, and seafood okra, all noted as delicious and satisfying; drinks are enjoyable though some find them pricey, and space can feel tight while the music can be loud for some, but the overall sentiment is that the place offers great food, vibrant atmosphere, and a welcoming, home-like hospitality that invites return visits.View restaurant profile

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Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill

Opens Today at 5:30 pm

(755)

Downtown, Golden Square Mile

Bar Grill

Review Summary

Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill is praised for its intimate, warm atmosphere and the strong live jazz that many consider among Montreal's best. The small venue offers excellent acoustics and sightlines, with the ambience described as cozy, romantic, or electric depending on the night. Reservations are highly recommended because shows fill up, and seating can be tight with a few tables offering less optimal views. Service is frequently described as friendly and attentive, though some visits report slower service during peak times and occasional missteps. The food range is generally good to very good, with several dishes highlighted, but some reviews note inconsistency in temperature or quality and meals arriving not hot enough. The music earns high marks for talent and variety, though some nights feature louder or more vocal sets; choosing the lineup in advance and opting for instrumental sets is advised. Price point is often described as on the higher side for a jazz club, with value tied to the ambience and performances but some feel it can be pricey when dining. Overall, Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill remains a beloved destination for jazz lovers, delivering great music in a cozy venue with caveats about seating, service speed during busy shows, and occasional food inconsistencies.View restaurant profile

Stogies Cigar Lounge

Open until 3 am

(37)

Downtown, Golden Square Mile

Bar

Review Summary

Stogies Cigar Lounge is described in reviews as a calm, mature yet relaxed spot with a strong cigar selection and a solid drinks program. The atmosphere blends dim lighting, comfortable seating and good ventilation, making it easy to chat or unwind without rushing. Service is consistently praised for being attentive and knowledgeable about cigars, with staff able to help pick options. A common drawback is the lack of food and a desire for a food menu to complete the experience. The venue is seen as one of the few Montreal lounges of its kind, suitable for solo visits or groups, with reservations mentioned for Friday and Saturday nights. While cigar prices are noted by some, the overall vibe, social ambiance and selection keep people coming back. In short, it is a reliable, welcoming place for cigars and cocktails, with the addition of food described as the main enhancement that could make it even better.View restaurant profile

Gert's Bar & Café

Opens Tuesday at 3 pm

(15)

Downtown, Golden Square Mile

Café Bar

Cloakroom Bar

Open until 3 am

(320)

Downtown, Golden Square Mile

Bar

Mentioned in: This is Why Montreal's Mocktails and Alcohol-free Drinks Are Popping Off City-wide Sip & Savor: The Ultimate Guide to Montreal's Cocktail Scene View More

Review Summary

Overall, Cloakroom Bar is described as a tiny, intimate speakeasy where there is no menu and cocktails are crafted to each guest's taste. The concept of talking through preferences and moods with skilled bartenders leads to personalized creations that reviewers say can be both inventive and beautifully balanced, ranging from fruity and floral to smoky or bitter. The space is praised for atmosphere and service, with an emphasis on hospitality, attentive staff, and a welcome drink that sets the tone. Wait times can be long on busy evenings, and the small layout means seating is limited, which some find worth it for the unique experience while others feel the price and crowding dampen the value. Several accounts highlight standout bartenders and memorable turns of phrase during the drink making, contributing to a sense of ritual and discovery rather than a standard order. A few reviews mention occasional missteps or a sense of being rushed, but the majority treat Cloakroom Bar as one of the top cocktail destinations in town, offering an exceptional, customizable experience that invites repeat visits.View restaurant profile

Garden Room - Mae Sri

May be temporarily closed

(781)

Downtown, Golden Square Mile

Thai Bar Grill

Mentioned in: Montreal's Best Asian Soups off the Beaten Path

Review Summary

Garden Room - Mae Sri draws praise for its delicious Thai fare, generous portions, and an ambience described as cozy, elegant, and garden like with a glass roof and greenery that makes it feel like a hidden oasis in the city. The menu impresses with authentic flavors and a variety of dishes beyond pad thai, including soups, curries, noodles, and seafood options, often paired with creative cocktails or mocktails; diners repeatedly note value for money and a visually striking setting perfect for dates or groups. Service is frequently highlighted as friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable with helpful recommendations, though several reviews report variability in attentiveness, slow pacing during busy times, and occasional missteps like incorrect orders, dietary mix ups, or uneven spice levels. A few guests mention language or communication concerns or inconsistent experiences between locations, but the overall impression emphasizes atmosphere, hospitality, and tasty, well prepared dishes. In sum, Garden Room - Mae Sri stands out for its aesthetics and flavors, with service and consistency that range from outstanding to mixed depending on the visit.View restaurant profile

Piranha Bar

Open until 3 am

(388)

Downtown, Golden Square Mile

Bar Pub Food

Review Summary

Reviews describe Piranha Bar as a downtown dive with an electric, eclectic vibe where cheap drinks, a welcoming crowd and a heavy metal, punk and goth sensibility draw locals and visitors alike. Staff are repeatedly praised for friendly, attentive service, the shows are well staged with solid sound for the venue size, and the place is noted for its lively atmosphere, a big terrace and even slot machines. Safety is a concern for some, with warnings to go in groups for young women and calls for better security. No kitchen currently serving food, but outside food is allowed, and the venue is known for its real piranha tank feature that adds to the unique vibe. Overall the place is seen as a standout metal-focused hub in the city, beloved by a mixed crowd and appreciated for its character, price point, and consistent live entertainment.View restaurant profile

Pub Andrew's

Open until 3 am

(18)

Downtown, Golden Square Mile

Bar Pub Food

Review Summary

Pub Andrew's comes across as a dive bar with phenomenal vibes and a shabby but inviting atmosphere, where the crowd is eclectic and the bartenders provide consistently good service, making the overall mood welcoming even when the music is loud. A security guard has been criticized for disruptive behavior during games and for banning patrons, an approach that many reviews say creates an unwelcoming impression and reflects poorly on the establishment. Drinks are described as decent with cheap liquor, contributing to the good vibes. The space is noted for its friendliness and character, though the volume level is a frequent critique and lowering it is suggested to allow conversations. Overall, Pub Andrew's balances strong service and atmosphere with some concerns about conduct and noise.View restaurant profile