Reviews describe Mona Loa as a vibrant yet intimate speakeasy with cavernous, unique decor and a friendly, attentive staff. The overall vibe, atmosphere, and craft cocktails are repeatedly praised, with many noting strong drinks, interesting menus, and memorable private events, while some visits suffer from loud music, slow service, and high prices or small portions. Food quality is described as good to excellent in places, though not always consistent, and a few guests feel the value does not fully match the cost. Reservations help with seating and the space is cited as ideal for birthdays, dates, or nights out with friends, making Mona Loa a must visit for ambiance and cocktails, even when experiences fall short on timing or service during busy periods.
Had such a great experience here, love the interior really feels like you've travelled somewhere else. Great appetizers, good music & an exceptionally knowledgeable bartender Nish, who was incredibly charismatic, courteous, & creative with cocktail recommendations that were tailored to our liking. 10/10 recommend for a cute girls night out, see you again soon!
May 20, 2026
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I made a reservation at Mon? Loa months in advance to celebrate my girlfriend's birthday, & unfortunately the experience did not live up to expectations.
When we arrived, things felt disorganized right away. We were asked to follow another group downstairs, then brought back upstairs & seated there instead of the lower-level area we were hoping for. We were also left standing at the entrance while the other group was seated first.
Our initial table wasn't great, & after politely asking to move-especially since I had been notified our table was ready an hour before-we were relocated to a table right next to the bathroom & kitchen. Not ideal for a special occasion.
Service was inconsistent throughout the night. A nearby table remained dirty for about 30 minutes, & we were missing basic items like silverware. Small details like this made a big difference in the overall experience.
The Mai Tai was excellent, & the bartender clearly knows what they're doing. However, after the first round, the drink sizes noticeably decreased. The menu was also limited, with several items unavailable, including oysters & desserts.
The biggest issue was the food. Portions were small & not filling at all. We spent over $300 & still left hungry, which is hard to justify.
What stood out the most-in a negative way-was how the birthday was handled. While they acknowledged it verbally, the effort felt minimal. My girlfriend received a very simple dessert, while another guest got a more celebratory presentation with a candle, which felt inconsistent & disappointing.
The space itself is beautiful & clearly designed for aesthetics, but the service, food quality, & overall experience didn't match the price point. Unfortunately, I wouldn't return or recommend it for special occasions.
the service was lowkey outrageous 😅 51$ for 2 drinks (not an issue) that took 30 mins to make (now an issue) , got seated at the bar like i hadn't reserved a table for a reason. never got my entré, like bro, im done with the main dish. (food is pretty good) everything else is great. the music, the atmosphere. but if you are young (18) like me, dont bother, they dont even care about you you'll see it in their faces🤣 Went to get drinks to Marcus after , where my money was worth it!
Just had the most amazing experience! Meagan the bartender upstairs was knowledgeable, fun & attentive. All the staff were welcoming & the vibe was incredible. The cocktails were perfectly balanced & flavourful. It was my friends bday & they surprised her with the most amazing dessert. By far one of the best places I've been to. Can't wait to go back!!!
At first we weren't sure we had found it as there was no signage outside. The lighting in the bar is not what the internet would lead you to expect. It's dark & grey, not red, suggesting Lava as Instagram shows it. Onto the important thing: the drinks. Being serious connoisseurs of tiki cocktails we came prepared to judge, but the barman on that night, Simon, did not disappoint us!! The cocktails were transcendent! Some of the best we've had. He builds them with real skill & style, on the bar in front of you. Happy with our drinks we engaged Simon in a conversation surrounding cocktail ingredients, tinctures, syrups & tequilas. Knows his stuff! Prices were what you expect on Crescent street. Will definitely return.
Oh my my !!! Ça faisait un moment que je n'avais pas vécu un score parfait de cocktails (pornstar, mango inferno, aloha habibi, un autre à la poire & j'en passe !!). 🍸 What a night !!
Le service au bar était impeccable & j'ai eu la chance de discuter avec le propriétaire (hyper sympa) & il nous a fait des recommandations excellentes sur son menu.
✨✨✨ ça vaut le détour !
Apr 12, 2026
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had a very disappointing experience at this restaurant. While I was sitting at the bar, the waiter accidentally splashed lemon juice all over me while making a drink. My clothes & coat were completely soaked.
After that, he said he would offer me a drink to make up for it, which I appreciated at the time. However, at the end, I was still charged for that same drink. I had to ask for it as a courtesy because of what happened, & it still wasn't taken off the bill.
I found this very unprofessional & frustrating. Definitely not the kind of service I expected
This establishment took a reservation for a table for two at a high top seating, when we arrived the hostess told us we could not sit as at this time ( the time of our reservation) they only let large reservations sit at tables. She then offered us to stay standing while spots at the bar clear up. We ended up leaving as we were disappointed in the service.
Amazing vibes on this lowkey spot on crescent, red room aura. Good place to bring a date. Simon an amazing bartender with great experience was whipping it up behind the bar, ask about him
Mar 1, 2026
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Ambiance is nice but drinks are nothing special (bartenders should taste their drinks b4 serving them) every drink was way too acidic. Food was nothing special. Karrage chicken was good but sushi rolls were mid.
My girlfriend & I visited from New Jersey, USA while staying in Montreal for Valentine's weekend. We went on 2/13 & were seated right away at their lovely bar. From the ambience, to the customer service to the very tasty cocktails & chicken appetizer- we had a wonderful experience. The bar staff & manager gave us a great experience & showed us their new bar in the basement. What a great place! We will definitely return & recommend to our friends.
Feb 16, 2026
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The bar tenders were attentive, easy to talk to & have fun over all. The vibe was fun & great & the oysters were delicious & tasted fresh. Definitely recommend trying at least once.
Mon amie & moi avons choisis Mona Loa pour notre girls night jeudi dernier & nous avons adoré ! L'ambiance, le service ainsi que la nourriture étaient excellents ! Un merci particulier à notre bartender/ serveur de la soirée Nishant. Je vous recommande l'endroit qui est idéal pour une date ou une soirée entre amis ⭐?⭐?⭐?⭐?⭐?
First time here, seated at the bar. The food was excellent - the karaage chicken was outstanding & the maki were very flavorful. Cocktails were great, & the bartender provided good service.
The downside: at 9 p.m. (with an 8 p.m. reservation), we were asked to leave to accommodate another booking. I understand the concept of table turnover, but for a Friday night dinner, one hour feels too short. It would be better to clearly inform guests upfront about the seating time.
I also didn't appreciate the repeated offers of free shooters to smooth over the situation - that's not why I go out. I prefer to enjoy my evening at my own pace.
$150 per person in one hour… dessert & the last cocktail were enjoyed elsewhere.
