Award winning cocktail bar tucked away in a Montreal Chinatown. Authentic Cantonese food available for clients who want to snack while enjoying an all-natural libation. Live DJ sets every night.
Bar Le Mal Nécessaire stands out as Montreal's cocktail destination, blending a refined lounge vibe with vibrant nightlife through creative, tropical-inspired cocktails that are often flawlessly executed. The service is consistently attentive, helping guests navigate crowds and a sometimes steep price tag, while the atmosphere remains intimate, stylish, and energized by nightly DJs. Some reviews note entry queues and variable experiences across visits, and a few nights can be loud or pricey, but the overall consensus is that the cocktails, presentation, and hospitality make Bar Le Mal Nécessaire a top pick for a memorable night out in Montreal.
Pretty mid honestly. I guess if you forget what it was & see it as a new thing… it's fine. But it's not even a shadow of its former self. Felt super sterile, cut with the cookie cutter mold of every hotel bar ever. Staff seemed uninterested & not at all experienced. The mal necessaire cocktail - what used to be a staple - was poorly made, served with half melted ice & definitely canned pineapple juice. The espresso martini was surprisingly amazing . Also no food was a let down
Le Mal Nécessaire is a very good bar, though I must admit I more liked the vibes of the old location as compared to this on. Its brighter & more vibrant, but the vibes of the old one were just better inmy opinion, also didn't feel as well taken care of as before, not bad by any stretch! Just not quite 5 stars. Can't fault the cocktails at all though.
Jul 30, 2025
on Google
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J'ai était hier soir une Ambiance avec la musique à fond le barman sympathique mais quand j'ai attendu la queue je me suis cru au boîte de nuit mais ça était je retournerais un jour ici
We came here on a Friday night between 10 & 11 PM & managed to get a seat however it's quite full. It's a very mixed crowd. We really enjoyed the cocktails. There was a DJ too. Overall, a really great bar.
Exceptionally well-done cocktail bar. Probably the most creative cocktail menu I've ever seen, resemblant of a passport to travel their world of flavours. This place puts a lot of energy & focus into it's creative drinks - which it should as a cocktail bar. Service was alright. Atmosphere is really cool. Expect to wait for a seat at peak times.
New location, 2025 Review:
Leaving a second review here as they have moved to a new location & have adapted the experience to the space, as well as changed the cocktail menu. Most notable change is their brilliant seating system that almost eliminates the lineup. They have a'lobby bar' that you wait at while waiting for seating in the main hall. This lobby bar serves simple mixed drinks at lower prices instead of the full cocktail menu. We weren't there for too long before our table was ready. The atmosphere at the new location has been tuned a bit more upscale, abandoning the more colourful, travel theme for a more refined nightlife experience. A few items on the cocktail menu have not changed but much of it has, & I have to admit I don't love the new additions as much as a few of the drinks that they removed. It's not an upgrade for me personally. Service was still as exceptional as my first experience however.
First time visiting this bar. Rico made us great drinks & gave us recommendations for other bars & restaurants to visit. He was super welcoming & provided great service. Thank you Rico!
Service was good & the experience was excellent...
One of the must try speakeasy bar.
They had a Piano performance when I visited & also had an inhouse DJ performing most of the time.
This is my go to bar when i want to grab a few drinks with friends, or for a lovely date night. I love that the place is spacious & has room for big groups or just one on one. They have so many fun drinks to try.
I believe this is a new locayion for them. I didn't visit the previous one, but this one is effortlessly classy & cozy with expertly crafted drinks. We tried the Mal Nécessaire - the bar's signature cocktail - which was a bold & balanced creation, but the real standout was the Strong Water. Without a doubt, it's one of the best cocktails I've had this year - complex, smooth, & packed with flavor.
Can't wait to go back!
Fabulous cocktail bar! Super fun house cocktails with a tiki theme, but every cocktail we ordered was very well made. Staff were super friendly & helpful without being pushy, especially Yohan! Great for pre-dinner drinks. Plenty of room on Friday 5pm to get a table for our party.
Dec 30, 2024
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My favorite bar in Montreal. BEST BOURBON SOUR I HAVE EVER HAD!! Unique cocktails, delicious, & aesthetically pleasing. It is more expensive & worth it. As an American on the border, Montreal became my second home & I visit this bar EVERY TIME! Their new location is huge. I preferred the intimate setting of their old venue, but I'm happy for them that they expanded so much.
Hands down one of the best if not top cocktail bar I've been to! I have been here a few times now & the drinks are some of the most unique & best tasting drinks I have ever had! I love all the drinks I have tried here but I think the coco supremo is my favourite! 10/10 drinks, atmosphere & service! Their menu is one of the most visually appealing unique menus I have ever seen - each drink has a description & they even have a cocktail scale to help you pick! One of the best bars I have ever been to!
Mal Nécessaire is an absolute gem in the world of high-end cocktail bars. As soon as you step through the door, you're transported to a luxurious tropical oasis that masterfully blends the fun, carefree vibes of a tiki bar with the sophistication of a premium cocktail experience. The cocktails are nothing short of art. Yes, they may take a little time, but they're absolutely worth the wait! Each drink is a perfectly balanced blend of creativity & craftsmanship, showcasing an impressive understanding of flavors & techniques. Let me just say-it's hands-down the best Jungle Bird in the city! What truly sets Mal Nécessaire apart, though, is the incredible staff & their respect for their craft, from the care they pour into each drink to their commitment to using natural ingredients. From the moment you arrive, you're treated like family, making every visit feel special. Insider tip: Bring an apple for the bouncer-it's a secret gesture that adds a playful, memorable touch to the experience. The bartenders are a breath of fresh air. No pretentious attitudes here-just passionate, approachable artists who love what they do & make you feel right at home. Their recommendations? Always spot-on. Whether you're celebrating, taking someone special on a date, or just looking to unwind, Mal Nécessaire is the perfect spot. They deserve all the love-this is the kind of place that reminds you why nights out matter: to laugh, make new friends, & experience something truly unique.
This is a great place for connecting with people. The atmosphere is fantastic & the cocktails have a signature flavor. I was lost while finding the entrance as there is only one little sign "bar" close to the door.
