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Bar Big In Japan
Bar/Pub Top Pick

Bar Big In Japan

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
4.5$$ & $$$
CLOSEDOpens Today at 5 pmValentine's Day: hours might differ
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Bar Big In Japan Montreal Restaurant: Menu, Reviews & Reserve (2026)
Snacks & TreatsGreat selection of cocktails

Amenities, services & more

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5★
69%
4★
19%
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2★
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1★
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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 2 of 2 - 37 Reviews

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.

Feb 21, 2025
on Google

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
on Google

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.

Dec 28, 2024
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
5.0

i love their drinks, especially the decor. They keep your bottle hanging up though

Nov 3, 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

Great speakeasy. Love the bar design & staff was quick to notice when you might want to order another round. Drinks were well balanced.

Sep 15, 2024
on Google

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!

Aug 29, 2024
on Google

One of the best bars in Montréal. Drinks are great & the atmosphere is even bette

Aug 14, 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

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

Jul 10, 2024
on Google

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.

Jul 5, 2024
on Google

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.

Jun 7, 2024
on Google

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.

May 25, 2024
on Google

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.

Apr 28, 2024
on Google
5.0

My favourite bar in mtl, not cheap but for good reason, drinks are great & the atmosphere is unmatched.

Apr 15, 2024
on Google

Good drinks, good environment, bad service

Apr 13, 2024
on Google