Bar Big In Japan comes across as a hidden, moody speakeasy with a striking bar design and bottles hanging from the ceiling, a setting that works well for dates and small groups; the drinks are generally well crafted and strong, with some standout cocktails and a solid Japanese whisky selection, though a few drinks are described as ordinary or pricey and some nights are hindered by heat, loud music, or slower service when busy; reviews highlight attentive, professional staff, a thoughtful atmosphere, and a vibe that ranges from intimate to chic, yet a handful mention an unfriendly host or upfront payment that dulled the mood; overall, it remains a stylish, cozy destination for a night out or date night, with lines possible on weekends and experiences that can vary.
Service was a bit slow as they only had one barman when we got there. It wasnt too busy but we waited a while for the drinks. Leo was awesome, he made me a custom drink based on what I like. He did a great job, attentive customer care from him.
Tucked away behind an unmarked door, Big in Japan is an easy-to-miss speakeasy with a relaxed yet upscale vibe. The dim lighting, candlelit tables, & smooth jazz create a cozy atmosphere perfect for a low-key night out.
Service is attentive, the drinks are well-crafted, & the setting feels exclusive without being pretentious. If you're looking for a hidden gem with quality cocktails, Big in Japan is worth a visit.
Un très beau speakeasy pas trop achalandé en debut de soirée. Les drinks sont bons & le plateau apéro nous a bien plu ! Notre serveuse a été de très bon conseil. L'ambiance tamisée & bougies.... j'adore ! Vraiment un bel endroit.
Le seul regret c'est qu'on a eu 2 groupes très bruillants & donc pas très agréable de participer à leur conversation même à 3 tables d'écart. Mais ce n'est pas vraiment la faute du bar.
Grab a seat at the bar, enjoy the drinks & have a fun ride. Nice easy going staff & a bartender who can make really delicious martinis/ drinks. Very much enjoyed my experience here.
Jan 28, 2025
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Vibe is great but our drink, Tokyo Mule, was all sugar & server would not return. Ended buying whisker sour, which was quite good, but had to pay for both despite not consuming the mule despite being clear before orders that I didn't like too sweet drinks.. my entire group felt the Mules were excessively sweet.
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
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If you're in Montreal & looking for a truly unique experience, Big in Japan is a must-visit speakeasy that stands out. The ambiance is charmingly quaint with its low lighting & super relaxed vibe, creating an intimate & inviting atmosphere. The seating is incredibly unique, adding to the overall distinctive feel of the place. The drinks are nothing short of amazing, expertly crafted & full of flavor. Service here is impeccable, with staff that are attentive & friendly, making you feel right at home. The atmosphere has a way of transporting you to a different country, offering an escape from the everyday. Highly recommended for a memorable night out!
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
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2024: the easy James & la Sophie were good. The Traveller was amazing. Service was very helpful & polite. I feel like they haven't done anything with the decor in years despite being popular. 2022: excellent service. My friend pointed out that they could have put more effort into decor & comfort & I had to agree. 1st visit: Amazing drinks. Nice ambience. Better when it's not too crowded
I was looking for a bar where I can actually talk to the person next to me without having to scream over loud music or others. This place kept coming up so I decided to give it a shot. It was quite pleasant to be able to have a conversation over a drink. The drinks were also quite good, I had a rum sour & I quite enjoyed it, it was original. The others also liked their drinks (there isn't really much food, just a few things to nibble on & dumplings). I would say that the chairs are not very comfortable. The whole place is like one giant bar where you sit around on stools with no backs & they pull out & can spin in different directions. However, it's not really the most comfortable way to talk to the people next to you, notably if you are more than two or stay for more than an hour. The hooks under the table for your personal items was nice. The service was also very good. & once again another bar that removes the 15% tip option & tries to force a higher tip, probably the main reason why I don't go back to bars & restaurants as I really hate this practice.
I quite enjoy the atmosphere, very smooth, yet the quirky is noticeable! Drink selection is very inspired, yet not overwhelming. The descriptions are accurate & short enough to be manageable easily. I do enjoy that the food menu is "dumplings". They're good dumplings, & their cooking precision has always beat mine.
The atmosphere & drinks were really good, but they uncharged us for a drink after asking if we wanted a drink "smooth" & ended up making us pay an extra $6 per drink. I'm fine if you want to charge that much after asking, but if someone says they don't have a preference for whiskey, you shouldn't then go & charge extra.
Great hidden bar on Saint-Laurent. I have been here on a couple of occasions, & have always been served well. The drink menu fits a wide array of tastes; whether you like cocktails, or a nice glass of scotch, they'll have you covered. I will definitely be coming back to this establishment again in the future.
