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.
I like the layout of the bar so you were side by side with your friend which made it more intimate but the sake here was not that great. Can't go wrong with beer though so that's what I ordered mostly
Great cocktail bar with a really unique & memorable atmosphere. Big in Japan has an amazing ambiance, very intimate, dimly lit, & thoughtfully designed, which makes it perfect for a night out or a date. The drinks are honestly a highlight, creative, well balanced, & clearly made with a lot of attention to detail. You can tell the bartenders know what they're doing, & it shows in every cocktail.
The only real downside for us was the seating. The chairs are not comfortable at all, especially if you're on the taller side. I'm 5'9 & my boyfriend is 6'4, & after one round we were already feeling it. We actually wanted to stay longer & have another drink because everything else was so enjoyable, but the seating made it hard to relax & enjoy the experience fully.
Aside from that, it's a great spot with incredible drinks & a beautiful vibe. With more comfortable seating, it would easily be a top-tier experience.
Apr 6, 2026
on Google
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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.
My favorite bar in all of Montreal! All the drinks are impeccable & my absolute favourite is the Fleur de Surreau! On Friday & Saturday after 9pm, the wait can be a bit long (around 15 to 45 mins) because it's a small private & intimate speakeasy but it is absolutely worth the wait! I recommend coming before 8pm to avoid waiting in line but everything about this place is so cozy with the jazz music & ambient lighting! The drinks are around 10-20$ which is not too expensive if you consider other high end bars! Their cocktails are very strong, taste delicious & are made with great quality alcohols/ingredients. It's the best place to go to have a nice relaxing chit chat & to savour some great drinks! The servers are great too, super professional & very attentive, so they will come see you if you finish your drinks but they are not very talkative & let you be (which is I guess their style) because they know you come to this bar to talk with the people you are with!!
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.
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
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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.
