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 is described as a stylish cocktail bar with a cozy, intimate vibe that can feel upscale depending on the room and night. Cocktails are frequently praised for creativity, balance, and strong flavors, with standout drinks like strong water, negroni, and pina fuego, though a few guests find prices high and portions small. Service is noted for being attentive and friendly, with staff offering knowledgeable recommendations and occasional courtesy substitutions that enhance the experience. The atmosphere and music receive mixed reviews, ranging from lively DJ nights and live acts to nights where the sound can be loud and conversation difficult. Food options are limited to small bites, and mocktails can be less exciting, but overall the experience is memorable and many would return.
Delicious fairly priced cocktails in one of the best ambiances you can find in the city. Fast & friendly service with great recommendations & frequent check-ins. I'd highly recommend le Mal Nécessaire to anyone! Even non-drinkers as they have great alcohol-free cocktails (I'm looking at you, chicha morada!)
Apr 7, 2026
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Stopped here for a couple of drinks on Saturday & it was overall a great experience! Nico behind the bar made the best recommendations & best cocktails. He was so lovely & made our experience unforgettable!
I had an outstanding experience at La Mare Nécéssaire-easily one of the best cocktail spots in Montreal.
What really elevated the night was Nico. His understanding of the cocktails was exceptional-not just in terms of ingredients, but the story, balance, & intention behind each drink. He didn't just serve us; he guided us. Every recommendation felt tailored, & he took us on a full experience rather than just a round of drinks.
What stood out even more was how he seamlessly connected the night beyond the bar itself, pointing us toward other affiliated spots with equally strong vibes. It felt like being let in on a curated cocktail circuit rather than just visiting a single venue.
The atmosphere hits that perfect balance-refined but not pretentious. It's the kind of place where you can stop in for a couple of expertly made cocktails before heading out for the night… or just stay & let the evening unfold there.
If you appreciate thoughtful cocktails, knowledgeable staff, & a bit of discovery woven into your night, this place is an absolute must.
A necessary stop for the cocktail inclined when visiting Montreal. Dim, vibrant, humming, & hip, this intimate spot attracts varied generations with a taste for lovingly crafted spirits touched with flare & fire - literally, if you tackle the pineapple slushy fuego that comes out like a sparkler. With good company, expect delicate sips mixed with stories & laughs. The kind of place where the drinks match the toast. Priced as such.
I went there twice, & let me tell you, I won't be coming back.
It took more than 45 minutes just to get our drinks.
When they finally arrived, the cocktails were filled with ice. Mine & my friend's were both finished after about five sips, which was very disappointing considering they cost $22 each & we had already waited so long.
The hostess was also quite rude & didn't seem concerned about the customers waiting. At one point she was on her phone instead of attending to people.
Mar 8, 2026
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
the drinks were delicious, vibes were great on a rainy night, music was good & our bartender niko was excellent. the queueing system was really odd though, they escorted us to a back room bar where you can order a drink while waiting for an actual table. back room bar menu & main bar menu is different. we waited for around 30 min on a sat night before getting a table.
Attended on Sat Feb 14th. Did not eat. Fabulous, unique cocktails (strong water was the most smooth & balanced drink that we have ever tasted!) Amaretto sour was perfection! We had such great service. We ordered a cocktail that was new to us which neither of us enjoyed. Our server noticed, without us mentioning it to her, & replaced it with another drink of our choice at no cost. That is exceptional service! Did not enjoy the DJ's choice of music that night… was totally 1970's disco music for the entire 2 hours that we were there
It's always a great experience getting drinks at the Mal Nécessaire, the combination of tasty cocktails & a cozy vibe makes this spot one of my favourite !
Très belle place. Ambiance super chouette avec DJ & des serveurs professionnels.
Très bons drinks bien que je les ai trouvés petits (volume) on les finit rapidement.
Feb 3, 2026
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
The security guard told us to wait outside??? In -20 weather??? While waiting for our uber?? The drinks are great here, but we waited an hour before getting a table & then we had to fight for a better table, & then our drink order took soooo long. Service disappointed bigtime & was very annoying
Très belle ambiance, par contre le son était trop haut & ça ne permettrait pas de parler tranquillement. Le staff est attencieux & les drinks délicieux, mais préparez-vous à débourser un bon 70$ pour trois boissons. Bon pour danser & jaser entre amis, mais pas un lieu du vous chercher de la tranquillité.
Classy spot! The drinks were strong & they call out the ABV%. Each drink we ordered was increasingly just getting tastier. I wish they had food/small plates that would pair well & balance the drinks.
Jan 7, 2026
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Fantastic drinks & a wonderful experience in a lovely setting. The drinks were next level, & Eric & Adriana took excellent care of us. Outstanding experience!
My cousins said it's a nice place to go. But the girl behind the bar sat around giving dirty looks. The drinks were just okay & the waiter could have been friendlier.
