Bar Big In Japan draws praise for a sultry, intimate speakeasy vibe, moody lighting, and unique decor with bottles hanging from the ceiling, making the unmarked entrance easy to miss. The cocktails are frequently described as well crafted and strong, with favorites like Fleur de Sureau and Tokyo mule; several reviews note attentive service, though a few guests found the staff unapproachable or the service slow when the bar was busy. The atmosphere is celebrated as perfect for dates and small gatherings, with jazz and subdued ambiance aiding conversation, though some mention the music being a touch loud in a small space. A few notes highlight where experiences vary: certain drinks miss expected flavors, espresso martinis arriving with coffee grounds on top, and heat from HVAC or crowds can dampen comfort; some critics also dislike upfront payment or card-hold policies. The spot is widely praised as a hidden gem with a drink-focused program rather than a food destination, offering good value during promos and a memorable, stylish night out, even if weekend lines form and the crowd can be lively. Overall Bar Big In Japan is recommended for those seeking a chic, intimate night out with a standout ambiance.
Underrated speakeasy bar, easy to connect with friends or to go on a date. Ideal for small groups or date nights. Service is excellent & the overall atmosphere is special.
Superbe décor, ambiance parfaite pour une date ! Le concept est vraiment cool : tu peux acheter ta bouteille & ils la suspendent pour ta prochaine visite. C'est super original & les prix sont corrects.
Le parfait endroit pour une première date.
Pour les boissons, leur sélection de whiskys japonais est bonne. Les cocktails sont bons , mais rien en dehors de l'ordinaire.
Petit détail à savoir : le service est très'hands-off'. Les employés te laisse vraiment tranquille dans ta bulle.
Un bar qui satisfait les besoins d'une clientèle plus mature.
Mar 2, 2026
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
great ambience, perfect setting for an intimate date or night out but the drinks severely disappointed. Ordered 2 espresso martinis which came with a sprinkle of what looked to be ground coffee on top rather than the anticipated coffee beans, & tasted like a watered down version of the described vodka/kahlúa mix… The only good drink we had all night was the fleur de sureau. the staff seemed unapproachable so it ended up being a quick stop rather than an enjoyable place to spend some time.
went for a blind date & it was perfect. the lighting is good. the service was excellent. & the drinks are well made. my only teeny complaint is the music was a wee bit loud for a small, intimate space. still 5 stars.
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.
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!
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
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
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.
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
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
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.
