Cloakroom Bar operates as an intimate speakeasy concept emphasizing a bespoke approach to mixology. Expert bartenders utilize a vast inventory of premium spirits and house-made syrups to craft individualized cocktails tailored to specific guest preferences. The interior features a refined, low-lit atmosphere characterized by plush seating and an understated aesthetic that prioritizes acoustic comfort. Guests engage directly with the staff to navigate a personalized menu devoid of traditional printed lists. This venue functions primarily as a sophisticated destination for those seeking technical precision in drink preparation within a secluded environment. Every beverage serves as a unique composition rather than a standard rotation of popular classics. The overall focus remains strictly on the craft of the cocktail and the maintenance of a quiet, focused social space for enthusiasts of artisanal beverage culture.
Cloakroom Bar is widely celebrated as a premier speakeasy in Montreal, known for its intimate atmosphere and unique, menu-less concept where talented bartenders craft bespoke cocktails based on individual flavor preferences. While most visitors praise the personalized service, high-quality ingredients, and sophisticated, cozy vibe that makes it an excellent choice for dates or small groups, others note that the venue is quite small, often resulting in wait times and a crowded environment. Perspectives on value vary, as some patrons find the high prices justified by the premium experience and exclusivity, while others feel the cost does not always align with the simplicity of the presentation or the occasional inconsistency in service. Overall, it remains a highly recommended destination for those seeking an immersive and creative cocktail experience.
Not a bar for someone going alone, felt pretty invisible there, the bartender only looked my way to offer another drink while happily chatting with the people he seemed to know. Also both drinks missed the mark, but it's a nice place, just not worth the hype.
We came across their sister clothing store first by chance & spent thousands there before making our way to The Cloakroom, which we had specifically researched & planned to visit. Our first trip to the bar was fantastic, but our second visit was disappointing due to the door service. The maître d' greeted our group & awkwardly insisted on hearing an individual verbal response from every single person, forcing it until he was satisfied-even though everyone had already answered & he simply missed one of us. It felt pompous & patronizing. Had that been our initial impression, we wouldn't have returned. Great concept, but the door hospitality on the second visit fell flat leaving us disappointed.
There was a sign that said wait to be seated, but no other indication of where to go or even where to look. After waiting for a few minutes with no sign of acknowledgement I had the sudden urge to rattle every door in the waiting room or breaking into the nearby clothing shop to see what was going on. Luckily my friend was the voice of patience & reason in this scenario & told me to wait a few minutes longer. Shortly after, an employee came to greet us, preventing me from commiting a criminal act over some cocktails. Which were very excellent. I was skeptical that the would be able to deliver a good sherry cocktail, as few bars even stock sherry. It was fresh & light & exactly what I was in the mood for. My friend also quite enjoyed her more spirit forward drink. The water was always full, service polite & prompt, & the lighting made each table feel private despite being very close together.
Jul 27, 2026
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Speakeasy setup, tight space inside. Around 25 seats, no menu, entrance through an unmarked door next to a men's suit shop. The best part for me was that the cocktails are built on pre-Prohibition drinks with seriously high-quality essences.
I got here around 4pm on a Sunday, right before opening, & there were already five groups ahead of me. Still managed to snag the last bar seat, a corner spot with almost no room for my legs. Had to turn sideways out of necessity & you end up with a full view of the bar, which I didn't mind.
I'm usually not a huge fan of pre-Prohibition drinks. Two & I'm typically tapping out before I lose all memory of ever visiting the place. But here everything was customizable from aromatics, base to alcohol ratio. My first was an amaro base with a floral essence. It smelled like a standard citrusy amaro cocktail, but both the sweetness & the acid were pulled back. Went down so easy. Then a floral one, lavender & rose. Low-key almost a perfect lemonade.
Then their riff on a La Louisiane. Still medicinal, but spicy, with a bit of cookie dough essence running through it. Funky on the first sniff, then it settled into all these'unpleasant' bitter, spicy, funky notes. My bartender compared it to Vietnamese pho broth, & honestly, that faint aftertaste was there.
For the last one, the bartender suggested a reverse cocktail (liquor ratios flipped). By that point I couldn't focus on the details, but it was essentially a tonic with white vermouth & house-made amaro.
Unless you already know pre-Prohibition drinks well, it can be tricky to get exactly what you want. But for a fun night & a few good surprises, it's absolutely worth it.
Is this place expensive? YES
Are the drinks amazing? YES
Are the bartenders wonderful & the best around? YES
Is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY YES!
Many people we ran into & spoke to in Montreal told us we HAD to go to the Cloakroom during our stay, & we are glad we listened! My husband & I each had two drinks that were all very different & all wonderful & memorable. Our bartender was very kind & listened to exactly what we wanted. He also gave us a rather long handwritten list of restarants we should try while in town after asking him for recommendations, which was great (we went to Monarch, which he recommended & it was superb!)The bill was steep (we did ask for some pricey choices of liquors), but we had a great time & left satisfied that we had managed to grab the last two bar seats in this tiny & very popular establishment. Check this place out when you are in Montreal!
The bespoke cocktail experience was great. My friends & I were skeptical but ultimately happy with our experience. The bar is definitely a tight fit but it has more than enough swagger to make up for it. Great date night spot
