Bootlegger Cocktail Bar & Cuisine is described as a cozy, vintage speakeasy with warm lighting, tasteful decor, and live jazz that makes for a standout atmosphere; reviews praise creative, well balanced cocktails made with fresh ingredients, a strong whiskey selection, and an oyster focus that many find excellent, especially during happy hour; food earns praise for some dishes and vegetarian options, while a few entries note variability in quality and portion size and occasional kitchen misfires; the staff are repeatedly cited as friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, with many guests appreciating personalized recommendations, though some experiences mention slow or uneven service and wait times or noise that can be a drawback for a quiet date; overall the venue is seen as a special spot for drinks, oysters, and live music, offering a memorable vibe and top tier cocktails that keep guests returning, while noting that prices can be high and consistency sometimes wavers.
Had a great time here 😊 Paul was an excellent bartender & offered us some delicious cocktails. The live jazz was wonderful, definitely worth a try & definitely coming back!
Jan 12, 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.
Nous sommes allés le dimanche pour la soirée Jazz, mais ce n'était pas vraiment du jazz qui jouait malheureusement…. On s'attendait à autre chose j'imagine saxophone, trompette etc. La nourriture était O.K par contre le plateau de charcuterie était incomplet il y a beaucoup de chose dans qui sont inscrits dans le menu, mais une fois le plateau arrive sur table il ne contenait que la viande froide une gelée de la moutarde & croûton. J'ai dû avertir la serveuse pour le reste qui nous a ramener un pot minuscule avec 3 olives 3 mini oignons perles & 3 morceaux de cornichon coupé en des……. Bref nous avons été déçue. Le service était bien au moins & l'endroit est très jolie beaucoup de potentiel.
Excellent service & drinks! The staff is absolutely lovely (& hilarious!), promptly answering any questions we had & kindly indulging us in conversation. We will be back again to try more drinks, some food, & enjoy the live music :)
There was a good live jazz show but otherwise expensive food & not good service. Our reserved table was not ready when we got there. The chicken burger seemed from frozen chicken strip, & the side salad was dry. Their cocktails are ok.
Ps. I already explained what needs improvement in the review. There's no need for me to email you. Read it.
Dec 23, 2025
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.
Première fois la bas pour moi, c'était wow! Notre serveuse etait super gentille, la bouffe vrm bonne, je recommande grandement le burger wagyu, je pense que c'est le meilleur burger que j'ai manger depuis un bon bout de temps! Les cocktails sont vrm bon & intéressant, définitivement different des autres places, très créatif au niveau des saveurs. Une place à revenir définitivement
This cocktail bar is fantastic. The cocktails are all made with fresh ingredients, syrups & juices made in house, & a very professional touch. The cocktails were so well balanced, with complex flavors & we both LOVED what we ordered!
I rarely write bad reviews but im writing this for the safety of consumers. I ordered oysters. I immediately noticed that they smelled sort of like a dirty bathroom. I'm from the coast of maine. I know oysters should not smell. Especially like that. I knew they were bad & sent them back. Politely I may add. & they STILL CHARGED ME for them. Plus, they need to learn how to better shuck an oyster as well. Then, my friends & I ordered a pour of cask strength whiskey. Being part of a whisky club & having tried many whiskies, that was not cask strength. & not only was it not cask strength, it tasted like a gold rum. We Politely asked to see the bottle that he poured from & he wouldn't show us. Then he reluctantly told us he did not pour the cask strength whiskey we ordered. So, naturally we asked the tender to pour us what we ordered, & he had the scruples to ask us if we were going to pay for both. Technically he had already committed theft & fraud. So, no we were not going to pay for something we did not order. It's one thing to just have a one off or a bad night at a restaurant/bar, but this was just unsafe, unacceptable, & bad for business as a consumer. Unfortunately this will not be a business I will tell others in the industry or in my community to visit. Although my friends see it as a funny story, I'd prefer to stay alive & know what im eating & or drinking at all times.