FR
Montreal Restaurants
RestaurantsReviewsArticlesWhat's On

Logo RestoMontreal.ca

Bar Big In Japan
Bar/Pub Top Pick

Bar Big In Japan

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
4.5$$ & $$$
OPEN5 pm - 3 amValentine's Day: hours might differ
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Bar Big In Japan Montreal Restaurant: Menu, Reviews & Reserve (2026)
Snacks & TreatsGreat selection of cocktails

Amenities, services & more

Suggested Articles

5★
69%
4★
19%
3★
4%
2★
8%
1★
0%

The 10 Best Le Plateau-Mont-Royal RestaurantsMore

Reviews for Bar Big In Japan

Food
Service
on Google4.3 (1300+)
*as of 2026-02-01
5★
69%
4★
19%
3★
4%
2★
8%
1★
0%

Review Summary

Bar Big In Japan is described as a dark, moody, intimate hideaway with candlelit tables and bottles hanging from the ceiling, a vibe many reviews call ideal for dates and quiet conversations. The drinks are frequently praised for balance, creativity, and quality ingredients, with favorites like Fleur de Sureau and the Tokyo Mule highlighted, though a few cocktails can be overly sweet or lack the expected kick. The venue is mostly a drinks destination rather than a food stop, and while some patrons enjoy snack plates or dumplings, the emphasis remains on the cocktails and atmosphere. Service is generally described as attentive and professional, but a few reports mention unfriendly exchanges with the host or variability in knowledge. Peak periods can bring longer waits and a warmer interior, sometimes due to HVAC issues, but the space still earns praise for its intimate setting and refined program. Prices are sometimes high, though many feel the experience justifies it given the vibe, the quality of drinks, and the overall experience.
Page 1 of 1 - 12 Reviews

Above all, in my opinion, the place is best for it's atmosphere. Truly great for dates. Easy to have intimate conversation with one other guest, but the volume made it difficult for coverings of 3+ guests.

Entered through unsuspecting black door to the right of patita, proceeded down the very dark hallway with an obsolete payphone toward the dimly lit area behind the curtains.

Worth noting the interesting design of the majority of seating was effectively at counters served similarly to a traditional U-Shaped bar instead of service from over the shoulder.

Our primaryserver Lawson was a treat although there appeared to be a team of 4 working together.

Unfortunately, to no fault if the te1m on hand, the HVAC was out making the entire establishment very hot in early September. Service staff was visibly challenged by this with bowties tied & sleeves rolled up. One sole individual kept his black tux coat on through service.

Given the unforseen circumstances, it appeared that most parties stayed for only one round & left quickly. Itt us unclear if this is the normal standard of the enviroment & service style. If the establishment wanted to keep guests hour more than one round,I would expect that glasses of water would not be so difficult to acquire upon request.

Drinks themselves were clever in inspiration & design. Execution was questionable as garnished fruit & herb were found fully submerged defeating any sense of purpose or intentionality behind what aromas & visuals the garnishes might bring to the cocktails. Nevertheless, the menu was written well albeit difficult to see in the dim light.

I would highly recommend for a stop on a date night.

Sep 6, 2025
on Google

Super cute date spot!

Jun 22, 2025
on Google
5.0

Parfait pour une date avec sa bien aimé!

Jun 7, 2025
on Google

Such a great experience! 10/10 would recommend. Such a cute date spot too.

Some things to note: the door is somewhat hidden/unmarked as it is more of a speakeasy. The chairs kinda swivel weirdly & is slightly uncomfortable if youre not at a table & at the long counter. But there is a hook for your purse. Also note that if you go on a nice night &/or late, the line will be long...

The drink menu was not as extensive but I liked the ones I got. Kinda pricey but the music in the background & the whole place was so aesthetic so ur kinda paying for the vibes on top of the drink too which wasnt that bad. & also not as pricey as nyc drinks.

Would recommend to try & also go to the bars along the street too!

Jun 4, 2025
on Google

discreet & cozy hidden gem,
perfect date idea,
would definitely go back here
drinks are good, reasonable price (~13$-20$) & staff is very sweet.

May 22, 2025
on Google
5.0

Is best!

Atmosphere is best. Helps that my date is hot as hell; but, that's doesn't really change your experience

Mar 20, 2025
on Google

Very private, well hidden cocktail bar. It's all lightened with candles which gives it a perfect romantical ambiance for date evenings. It is a pleasant experience pushing people to actually talk & get to know better each other. I like their labyrinth table configuration. Good service, prices a bit high for popular cocktails, but your engagement will be remarkable.

Jan 2, 2025
on Google
5.0

This place is seriously a hidden gem! If we hadn't watched a video of someone going inside, as definitely wouldn't have known where to go & just missed it. But this place is a perfect date night vibe. We had such fantastic drinks, I was in total awe of the place the entire time we were there. Honestly didn't want to leave. I got a Momo Max & my husband was very jealous of it haha. He got some a Tokyo Mule & it went down very easy. If you have time to check this place out, you must stop in. It's 100% worth it.

Nov 30, 2024
on Google

great vibes & atmosphere. good for a date night.

Nov 22, 2024
on Google

My favorite speakeasy in town Perfect for a first date!

Oct 24, 2024
on Google
5.0

One of my favorite bars in the world. Great atmosphere, ideal for date nights. The drinks are fantastic & the owner/staff are friendly. Don't expect a party, but it's the perfect bar for conversations. Not cheap but well worth it.

Oct 24, 2024
on Google

Another beautiful speakeasy in Montreal, if you know you know. It is classy when you reach the insides & is beautifully designed. Great place to come for a date as it is very vibey & intimate. Drinks were alright! Overall worth the visit.

Jul 13, 2024
on Google