Really cool spot, easy to miss the main door if you're not paying attention. The ambiance was great, the bar setup & aesthetic was super cool, I've never seen table seating like this it was very unique. Great service & awesome selection of cocktails.
Jan 31, 2026
on Google
Honestly, it's a bar. Just a bar.
I've been drinking in Japan, & I've been to Japan-themed establishments in other countries, & I was looking forward to this bar. But unfortunately I was sorely disappointed.
From the moment I entered, the host was quite unfriendly. He gave me an air of not wanting me there.
From the photos, the place looks like a bar, meaning very few tables & good for socializing, which was what I was looking for. It had'mood lighting', meaning dimly, but sufficiently, lit. Unfortunately the host sat me at a table in the back of the bar with literally no lighting, so I couldn't even read the menu. I turned on my phone flashlight to try to order something & was told I couldn't use that, & was instead handed a dim light to try to read the menu with. I asked for a seat at the bar, & was told I would get one when one became available, but my request was swiftly forgotten; I did not get a seat at the bar the entire visit.
The bar has a large number of Japanese whiskey bottles hanging from the ceiling. Unfortunately, their selection is basic at best. They have Toki, Nikki From the Barrel, & unmarked (no year) versions of Yamazaki & Hibiki, along with a few other usual things that can be found at any Japanese themed bar or Izakaya, nothing special. The menu says to ask for the sake selection; when I did, I was told they had a Ginjo house sake, Mio, & Sayuri, the most basic of selections available at any liquor store & not worth going out for. The markup was also fairly high on these.
The cocktail menu did not read Japanese at all, it was all Negronis & Palomas & Old Fashioneds & so on. I was expecting at least a Nama Lemon Sour, maybe something Matcha-infused, something with Yuzu, I don't know. But the cocktail menu read like it could have been any British pub or street bar, nothing uniquely Japanese at all.
Aside from the 7 or 8 selections of Japanese whiskey & the'please ask' selection of extremely basic sake offerings, the entire menu was not Japanese at all. They have a whiskey selection, mostly American or Scotch, & a wine selection, mostly French; not what I was expecting from a Japanese-themed establishment.
Honestly, this place was a miss on every level. The only reason I'm giving them a 2 & not a 1 is because the decor was nice, & our waitress, despite being new & not knowledgeable, was friendly & gave decent service (between being repeatedly hounded by the host for various tasks). But if I was going for a night out with high class drinks & a good atmosphere, this would not be a place I would recommend.
Aug 31, 2025
on Google
Hands down, one of the most refined speakeasies in Montreal. This beautiful modern bar with a unique layout that could possibly sit up to 50 people is tucked behind a long hallway. Our server Sophie was very friendly & when I couldn't figure out what type of drink I should get, she made it her mission to brainstorm with the bartender to curate the perfect drink for me.
Jul 2, 2025
on Google
Merci pour ce moment !!! personnel au top, bonne ambiance, cocktails excellents, déco unique !!!
Jan 7, 2025
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
