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.
J'ai aimé mon expérience mais je laisse se message en espérant qu'un gérant le voie ici. Votre portier (doorman) a rien a foutre des gens qui attendent leur tour pour entré je suis venu samedi le 28 mars pour que vous sachiez qui travaillait à la porte se soir la car il préfère aller dehors prendre des bribes c'est à dire des gens qui le payent en cachète dehors en passant qu'il est discret quand ce l'est pas du tout pour entré devant ceux qui attendent déjà depuis plus de 30 minutes) j'ai trouvé ça TRÈS déplorable & clairement s'il essaye de se cacher c'est qu'il sait qu'il n'a pas le droit de faire ça… en espérant que vous remédier à la situation
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!)
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.
From the doorman to the bartenders & the waitresses tous ont très amigables & gentils. Loved the ambiance & the service. Try as many cocktails as you can we'll definitely come back
Apr 4, 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.
Un des bars à cocktails les plus marquants de Montréal, où chaque soirée devient une expérience.
Le Mal Nécessaire propose une ambiance unique, à mi-chemin entre lounge sophistiqué & nightlife vibrant. L'atmosphère est feutrée, immersive, avec une énergie qui monte au fil de la soirée grâce aux DJs présents chaque nuit.
Les cocktails sont créatifs, parfaitement exécutés, souvent inspirés d'un univers tropical chic - avec des présentations audacieuses & des saveurs maîtrisées qui se démarquent clairement de la scène montréalaise.
Le service est attentionné, professionnel, & contribue à rendre l'expérience fluide malgré l'énergie du lieu.
Que ce soit pour un début de soirée élégant ou une nuit plus animée, Le Mal Nécessaire s'impose comme une référence incontournable du cocktail à Montréal.
One of the most standout cocktail bars in Montreal.
A perfect mix between a refined lounge & vibrant nightlife, with DJs every night & an immersive atmosphere.
Creative, well-crafted cocktails & a unique tropical-inspired vibe make this place a must.
I had an extremely disappointing experience at Le Mal Nécessaire.
The staff were honestly some of the most unprofessional I've encountered. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that the place is completely disorganized. Despite having a reservation, we were told to wait in the back & ended up standing there for about 40 minutes with no explanation or update. It felt like we were completely forgotten & honestly made to feel excluded.
The management seemed just as disorganized as the staff, with no one taking responsibility for the situation or even attempting to handle it properly.
To make matters worse, the olives & finger foods tasted like they were past their expiration date, which is pretty concerning for a place that presents itself as a high-end cocktail bar.
Overall, the experience was frustrating & poorly managed. With so many great bars in Montreal, I would definitely not recommend this one
A very warm & cozy place with great music being spun at a perfect volume. A great place for date night or a hang with friends. Good choice of original cocktails to chose from. I definitely recommend!
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.
