The nightlife in Montreal is renowned for being buzzy and vibrant, with a fantastic music scene. In fact, Canada’s second-largest city might soon allow many bars and clubs to open 24 hours, as people simply can’t get enough of them. For a memorable party with a group, a romantic date night with sleek cocktails and stunning views, or a casual after-work with a pint or two, the best bars in Montreal are waiting. From elegant wine bars to houses of creative cocktails, in-house distilleries and more, there’s lots to discover on a night out in Montreal and its surrounds.
Head to Old Montreal for a unique speakeasy with live music and DJs every night. In Montreal East, there’s a bar serving up some of the best wines in towns, with tasting nights on Mondays and Tuesdays. Head to Downtown for killer cocktails and some of the best comfort food in town or get ready for a cozy date night at an intimate French wine bar in Montreal East.
Unveil the best bars in Montreal and surrounds and book your spot on OpenTable today.
The best bars in Montreal for a night out to remember
For one of the best wine bars in Montreal – check out Annette bar à vin in Montreal East
Festive, friendly and all about sharing, Annette bar à vin promises great company and an evening spent lingering over finger food and glasses of wine. With great events throughout the week, there’s always something going on. Visit on Mondays for blind tasting or Tuesdays for a tasting class with Hugo Duchesne, or pop along on Sundays for jazz night from 6 pm until 9 pm. From the menu, top picks include the sturgeon rillette with tomato and tarragon, the tempura zucchini flower with ricotta, and the roasted veal with blackberry. Pair your food with a carefully chosen bottle from the extensive wine list, which features grapes from around the world. Or, celebrate with a signature cocktail – perhaps a Sunday funday with fraise, vodka and meringue vanille, or a Lancelot with Génépie, Apéritif de Pomme and bitter blanco.
For Montreal’s first speakeasy – pay a visit to Negroni Room in Old Montreal
If you like to party, then a visit to Negroni Room in Old Montreal is a must. Classic cocktails with a twist, crafted by expert mixologists and bartenders who are true artists. This is Montreal’s first negroni speakeasy – something a little different to spice up your night. With music and DJs every evening and a selection of delicious bar snacks to keep you going, you could stay all night long. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm until late – get your dancing shoes on. Try the P.E.I Canadian AAA beef steak with trademarked signature mignon sauce and fries or the mignon bacon cheeseburger with cheddar, pickles and mushrooms to build up your energy for a wild night. Then head to the bar for an exciting cocktail and watch the theatrical displays behind the bar.
For the best sake selection and izakaya dining – head to Kyo Bar Japonais in Old Montreal
The underground bar and restaurant Kyo Bar Japonais is a real hidden gem in the heart of Old Montreal. From sushi to sake, with food served izakaya-style, this is an experience not to be missed. Cool and relaxed, allow yourself to be transported to Japan both through the carefully thought-out decor and the culinary arts of the kitchen team. Japanese cuisine at its best – refined, delicate and with the occasional surprising twist. Try the kakuni from the izakaya menu – braised pork belly with butter and sherry vinegar – or sample a sushi platter with 15 or 30 pieces of the chef’s choice. For a true Japanese experience, be sure to order something from the sake menu – there are over 25 varieties of sake to choose from, and your server will be happy to talk you through the options.
For contemporary American cuisine and creative cocktails – book your seat at Deville Dinerbar in Downtown Montreal
With all the charm of an old-school diner coupled with the inventiveness of a modern cocktail bar, Deville Dinerbar brings you killer cocktails and the best comfort food in the city. The menu aims to innovate and indulge – think coconut onion rings with root beer BBQ mayo, lobster with a creamed kale crust, and short-rib mac and cheese skillets. But the real highlight here is the dessert menu. If you ever wished you could order dessert before your savoury meal, now’s your chance. Try a pain perdu – deep fried brioche French toast cubes with warm maple syrup and a strawberry compote – or the OG banana cream pie with chantilly whipped cream. It’ll make the perfect indulgent accompaniment to your cocktail – try the PNY Martini with rye vodka, Grand Marnier, and 24-carat gold flakes.
For one of the best romantic bars in Montreal for date night – book a table at Bar George in Downtown
The modern-day rendezvous Bar George is where new meets old in all the best ways. Situated in a heritage building that was once the mansion home of Sir George Steven, this beautifully renovated bar retains much of its 19th-century glamour, yet with a contemporary vibe – combining the formal with the quirky and eccentric. Honouring the UK roots of the former resident, the menu is based on British classics, with the chefs adding their own unique Québécois quirks. Open every day from breakfast until late, this warm and inviting bar welcomes you any time. For breakfast, try the omelette forestière with mushrooms, bacon and caramelized onion. At lunch, maybe sea bass with artichoke puree, fennel confit and blood orange. And at dinner, perhaps the lobster risotto with sauce Caroline, mint oil and makrut lime. Or pop in for a cocktail at the bar – the coco-groni is a popular choice with Tanqueray and vermouth.
For an authentic Italian aperitivo – visit BEVO Bar & Pizzeria in Old Montreal
A local favourite and one of the best bars in Montreal for pizzas and beverages, BEVO Bar & Pizzeria is a real neighbourhood gem. Set across two expansive floors with a lively vibe that will take you through to the end of the evening. Homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas made with love are on the menu, alongside signature cocktails and an acclaimed Italian wine list. Try the Giardino pizza with artichoke, spinach, fresh tomatoes and eggplant on a tomato and mozzarella base, or opt for linguine with mixed seafood in house tomato sauce. To find out what goes on behind the scenes, you can even book a pizza making workshop. Add a classic espresso martini made with Ketel One vodka, Tia Maria, freshly brewed espresso and Hennessy VS, or a glass of rich red Sangiovese from Sicily for the full Italian experience.
For transportative cocktails – say cheers to 123 Dzo Vietnamese Restaurant & Bar in Laval
Dzo in Vietnamese translates as “cheers”, and 123 Dzo Vietnamese Restaurant & Bar will certainly make you want to raise a glass and celebrate. Traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a street food vibe along with a great cocktail selection. The ambience is cosy, the decor is exquisite, and the food will take you on a journey through Vietnam without ever leaving Montreal. Check out the grilled shrimp vermicelli, the pho soup with rare beef and the beef and pork skewers with betel leaves, or go for some Vietnamese tapas, including soft shell crab with tamarind sauce and steamed hot and sour clams. Add a refreshing con dao cooler – rum and peach schnapps with lemon, pineapple juice and mint – or a jug of lychee sangria to get the party started. Taste these and many more cocktails during the happy hour, every Tuesday through Thursday from 5 pm to 8 pm.
For one of the best rooftop bars in Montreal – head up to Terrasse Nelligan in Downtown
The urban oasis of Terrasse Nelligan could well be the best rooftop bar in Montreal. Up on the fifth floor of Hotel Nelligan, the verdant terrace invites you to sit, sip and savour views of the Old Port. Elevate your summer with an outdoor drinking and dining experience not to be missed. A relaxed and leisurely atmosphere prevails throughout the day, livening up on weekend evenings with DJs spinning tunes. Order from the raw bar for the perfect chilled summer snack – from caviar and blinis to oysters, lobster, prawns, sea bass ceviche and more. Or try the Nelligan wagyu burger with brie and a sour cherry marmalade for something more substantial. And don’t forget that perfectly chilled glass of pinot grigio or even a glass of champagne, if you want to make a night of it.
For farm-to-table dining and over 300 fine wines – take a seat at THÉOPHILE Bar à Vin in Saint Bruno de Montarville
THÉOPHILE Bar à Vin brings you a creatively modern menu from chef Agathe Salmeron, who you may remember for her notable appearance on the show Le Restaurant. Salmeron has MICHELIN standard experience and brings this passion to the table here, with a farm-to-table approach centred around the very best of seasonal, local ingredients. This intimate venue is the ideal spot for your next date night, or a cosy catch-up with friends. The red tuna crudo with heirloom tomato gazpacho is a must-try appetizer – followed by the confit duck leg with caramelized onions and miso duck jus. Or try the five-course tasting menu with wine pairings to really make the most of your culinary experience. Add a lime cream and tarragon meringue to finish, or sip on a Summit alcoholic coffee with cognac, coffee liqueur, orange liqueur and whipped cream.
For a cozy apéro – pull up a chair at Ratafia in Little Italy
In the heart of Little Italy lies Ratafia, a festive and fun Italian restaurant and bar that has been delighting locals since 2019. The decor is Art Deco with a welcoming aura, while the atmosphere is always celebratory. Whether you’re looking for a full meal, an aperitif or an indulgent dessert, Ratafia will oblige. And with not one but five talented pastry chefs on the team, you may decide that dessert is definitely the way to go. Try the Arctic char with fried lacto-fermented onions, the sliced duck breast with smoked eggplant, or the refreshing carrot gazpacho. If you really can’t choose, there’s a great six-course sharing menu. And don’t forget dessert – perhaps a cloud-like raspberry pavlova with keffir lime Chantilly or a decadent chocolate fudge with fresh blackberries, kalamata olive crumble and soya sauce sorbet.
Montreal is a vibrant city with a buzzing nightlife, and plenty of great bars and restaurants ready to keep you fed and watered. Let the flavours whisky you away to Japan, Italy and Vietnam, or enjoy Montreal classics and pair your drinks with a hearty serving of poutine. From full-bodied wines to crisp pints of beer, the best bars in Montreal have a drink for everyone.
Reserve your seat at one of the best bars in Montreal right now on OpenTable.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, you might want to check out some of these guides to discover great restaurants in Montreal:
- 12 exceptional Italian restaurants to try in Montreal
- 10 of the best rooftop restaurants and bars in Montreal
- The best family restaurants in Montreal for a fun meal out
- The best terrace restaurants in Montreal for outdoor dining
- The best brunch in Montreal for a great start to the day
- The best date restaurants in Montreal for a romantic night out
- The 12 best restaurants in Montreal for celebrating right now
