Best Cocktail Bars in Downtown (2026) - Reviews & Menus

Explore 6 local dining options, sorted by relevance. You can also view the highest rated or explore the full list.

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

Reserve
Menu

Peel Pub - Sports Bar/Bar Sportif

(10)

Downtown

Pub Food Sandwiches Burgers Salads Poutine Pasta

Review Summary

Overall, reviews describe a mixed reaction to Peel Pub after the reopening, with complaints about longer waits and having to remind staff of orders, though service was reportedly better before the closure. The singer is singled out for creating a positive atmosphere and the overall vibe remains a classic bar feel. Many notes praise the new look, better food, and the involvement of new owners, framing the place as a revived downtown watering hole, while some question whether the improvements will be sustained.View restaurant profile

French Line

Opens Today at 3 pm

(8)

Downtown

Bar Burgers

Review Summary

At French Line, reviews describe a lively bar scene with friendly service and strong cocktails, while the decor is considered gorgeous and the views are nice. The cocktails are repeatedly praised as next level, and a white chocolate mousse stands out as a dessert highlight. Guests mainly visit for drinks rather than meals, with menu pricing seen as reflective of the location. Access can be a bit tricky since the venue sits inside a busy shopping center and reaching the bar involves using the lobby elevator. Overall, the experience is viewed as stylish and social, with great drinks and ambiance, though not focused on extensive dining.View restaurant profile

Bar Edicola

Opens Today at 9 am

(103)

Downtown

Italian Bar Pasta Café

Review Summary

Bar Edicola comes across in these reviews as a stylish, warm Italian-inspired spot in downtown Montreal that feels both relaxed and refined. The vibe is lively with uplifting music, a cozy and convivial atmosphere, and attentive service that balances efficiency with space to chat. The drinks program earns praise, from well mixed cocktails to solid coffee service in the morning, and pastries like pistachio croissants. Small plates and dishes such as artichokes, olives, tuna with pistachio, pesto pasta and other simple, fresh offerings are consistently described as tasty and well prepared. The overall experience is described as authentic and welcoming, with guests noting a touch of Italy in the service and ambiance. The space can feel compact and busy at peak times, making it ideal for a casual bite, a coffee, or an aperitivo with friends, rather than large gatherings. While some reviews mention occasional price concerns or room layout, most agree Bar Edicola delivers a memorable, high quality Italian moment in the city, making it a go-to for coffee, cocktails, and bites.View restaurant profile

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

Mona Loa

Open until 3 am

(218)

Downtown

Bar Hawaiian Japanese Sushi Poke Bowl

Mentioned in: The Best Speakeasies in Montreal: Hidden Bars You Have to Experience

Review Summary

Reviews describe Mona Loa as a visually striking cavernous speakeasy with dim lighting, warm tones, and a unique decor that makes the space feel intimate yet elevated. The vibe is repeatedly praised as cozy and immersive, a great setting for dates or a night out with friends, and the cocktails are often highlighted for being creative and well balanced, with a standout Habibi cocktail frequently praised. Food receives mixed notes, with some dishes like seafood and sushi praised for freshness and flavor, while others arrive cold or fall short of expectations for the price. Service is generally friendly and attentive but inconsistent at times, and during busy periods some guests report slower pacing or seating and menu hiccups. The location and atmosphere are consistently cited as a major draw, including the sense of discovery and the overall aesthetic, sometimes described as a hidden gem on Crescent with a basement bar and lively music. Reservations are advised as the place fills up, and a few reviews caution about noise levels and the value for money. Overall Mona Loa is seen as a must visit for ambiance and drinks, with the experience varying by visit depending on service and kitchen execution.View restaurant profile