Prohibition Era. The period that was aimed to plug the booze consumption did everything but that. Fuelled by curiosity and demand, people across Canada and the USA were looking for a safe space to spend their spare time. Enter speakeasy bars. Shrouded in secrecy and mystique, speakeasy bars, that were hidden in plain sight, became infamous as people could unwind in peace in these spaces.
Though the Prohibition Era has ceased, the popularity of speakeasy bars didn’t fade. With the opportunity to relive history, speakeasy bars have regained prominence as the allure of mystique elevates the experience. And even if you aren’t looking for a prohibition-inspired bar, these hangout places are worth exploring for the vibe (and also to brag: Been there, done that!). Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the top speakeasy bars you should visit when you are in Montreal or if you want to impress your date.
Cloakroom Bar
Tucked away in the Golden Square Mile of Montreal, Cloakroom Bar is a cozy bar that’s hidden inside Maison Cloakroom, a tailoring store. What sets it apart from the rest of the bars is its no-menu approach and the unparalleled range of vintage spirits. All you need to do is walk in, without reservation, and sit back and enjoy the exceptional cocktail they stir up for you.
You can soak in their ambiance here: https://www.instagram.com/thecloakroombar/?hl=en
and find them here: 2175 rue de la Montagne, Montreal, Quebec H3G1Z8.
You can contact them at: info@cloakroombarmtl.com
Stillife
Relatively modern, Stillife is for those who want to enjoy their drinks without any frills and distractions. Situated in the basement of a former warehouse, the bar is shrouded in relaxing darkness and rough-hewn walls. Featuring DJs’ and a calming vibe, Stillife is the bar you need to be at for a memorable date or to unwind with your buddies.
Do look up their bar at: https://www.instagram.com/stillifemtl/
And find the not-so-secretive location at 640 St-Paul O, Montreal, Quebec H3C1L9
Reach out to them at +1 514-750-7676
Atwater Cocktail Club
Sporting an unimpressive entrance, Atwater is a gem in the rough as the bar is located behind Foiegwa restaurant. But once inside, prepared to be impressed by the welcoming ambiance. Adorned with mirrored ceilings and swanky couches, Atwater will leave you flying high, thanks to their cocktails and speakeasy theme.
See for yourself at: https://www.instagram.com/atwatercocktailclub/?hl=en
and prepare to be impressed at 512 Atwater, Montreal, Quebec
Contact them at 438-816-8938
BAR – Big in Japan
Hiding behind an easy-to-miss door, BAR is anything but easy to forget once you are in. Although it is a speakeasy bar, the BAR features ambiance enough to take someone on a date. From velvety curtains to old Japanese bottles as fixtures, BAR – Big in Japan is Instagram-worthy and should be on your bucket list.
Check out the vibe at: https://www.instagram.com/biginjapan_bar/?hl=en
And take the Instagram-worthy snaps at 4175 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montreal, Quebec
Call them at +1 438-380-5658
Magpie Magique
The red lighting at Magpie Magique creates the mysterious, risky vibe of the Prohibition Era. The high back chairs and thick curtains make Magpie a secluded place to hang out with friends. Inspired by bars around the globe, Magpie Magique helps you travel back to the forgotten era with music and delectable cocktails.
See the vibe for yourself at: https://www.instagram.com/magpiemagiquemtl/
And relive the Prohibition Era at 380 Rue Gilford, Montreal,
Contact them at 514-759-6247
Le 4e Mur
This speakeasy bar is different from the others as you also get to become a detective by following murder mystery clues in the bar. Adorned with brick walls, Le 4e Mur provides a relaxing atmosphere with its dimly lit ambiance. Right from the entrance to the meticulously curated menu, Le 4e Mur is worth your time when you are in Montreal. And, the murder mystery, coupled with the drinks, keeps the conversation flowing when you are on a date.
Soak in the ambiance at: https://www.instagram.com/4emur/
And solve the murder mystery at 2021 Saint-Denis St, Montreal, Quebec
Make the reservations at 438-396-8947
The Coldroom Bar
The Coldroom Bar is a hidden world that can be accessed by ringing the bell next to the black door. Coldroom bagged the Best International Bar Team and has been thronged by many well-known celebrities.
The vibe can be checked out at: https://www.instagram.com/thecoldroommtl/?hl=en
And ring the bell at Rue Saint-Amable x Rue Saint-Vincent, Montreal, QC
Contact them at info@thecoldroommtl.com
Nhậu Bar
Beautiful Vietnamese lanterns adorn this basement bar and it reflects a particularly serene vibe. The bar is located under the Hà restaurant and it features a wide range of cocktails that shall make you want to come back to Nhậu Bar.
The lively atmosphere can be checked out at https://www.instagram.com/nhaubar/
Experience the vibe at 600 rue William, Montreal, Quebec
Call them at (514)-379-4111
Club Pelicano
Nestled at the heart of Montreal’s business hub, you can find Club Pelicano in the basement area under Tiradito, a Peruvian bar. Club Pelicano features a Mediterranean menu and disco evenings that are spiced up by a DJ.
Feel the energy at https://www.instagram.com/clubpelicanomtl/
Dive into the rhythm at 1076 Rue de Bleury Suite 001, Montreal, Quebec
Contact them at +1 514-861-1515
N Sur Mackay
Prepare to be impressed by the warm, welcoming atmosphere that’s elevated by the warm lighting of the speakeasy bar. From chandeliers to the wooden cabinets of booze, N Sur Mackay is popular for its friendly staff and vintage vibes.
Check out the timeless vibe here https://www.instagram.com/n_on_mackay/
And enjoy the vibe here at 1244 Mackay, Montreal, Quebec
Gokudo
Gokudo is a Japanese-themed speakeasy bar that sports a contemporary vibe and features East Asian food items. As Gokudo means one path, this speakeasy bar is your pathway to soak in the Japanese vibes.
Tap into the Asian vibes here https://www.instagram.com/gokudo_mtl/?hl=en
And explore the Japanese bar here 630 RUE CATHCART, MONTRÉAL, QC
Call them at 514-375-371
Le Petit Secret
Le Petit Secret features a reflective ceiling that bears the semblance of a starry sky. Awash with reddish hues, the secretive bar requires a passcode to enter the bar, that reflects back alley vibes. Don’t hesitate to soak in the vibes at this bar where you can also party at.
Feel the pulse at https://www.instagram.com/petitsecret_rosemont/?hl=en
And party at 806 Boul. Rosemont, Montréal, QC
Contact them at 438.504-8080
Bar Le Mal Nécessaire
Having been in the business for a decade, Bar Le Mal Nécessaire has the passion to become Canada’s premier bar. Additionally, the speakeasy bar has a focus on sustainability, making it a splendid option for partying while being ecologically friendly.
Explore it at https://www.instagram.com/lemalnecessaire/?hl=en
Party responsibly at 1015 St Alexander St. Montreal, Quebec
Milky Way Cocktail Bar
Unlike the other speakeasy bars, Milky Way has an airy ambiance with its transparent roof that is decorated with lights that mimic the magnificence of the Milky Way galaxy. The laidback vibe and starry ambiance take you to new heights while you sip their unique cocktails.
Soak in the galactic vibes at https://www.instagram.com/milkywaycocktails/?hl=en
And sip their cocktails at 1886 rue Centre #2, Montreal, Quebec
It is a no-reservations bar.
Shout to: Bootlegger (though not a speakeasy bar)
With ambiance enough to pass off as a speakeasy bar, Bootlegger is a cocktail bar that specializes in whiskey and absinthe libations. The venue has hosted a variety of events from comedy shows to jazz performances.
Explore the venue at https://www.instagram.com/bootleggercocktailbar/
Hangout at 3481 St Laurent, Montreal, Quebec
Call them at (438) 383-2226