Montreal’s most intriguing speakeasy-style bars
The days of Prohibition were an attempt to legislate morality and deemed alcohol as evil. With this came the birth of the speakeasy; hidden bars without signs or visible entrances where people could still enjoy their favourite cocktails. That charm and mystery continues today, and Montreal is a haven! Check out these standout speakeasies hidden away around the city.[Image credit: iStock.com/ Jitalia17]
Restaurant Le Speakeasy Inc
120, rue McGill, Montréal, QC H2Y 2E5While the name gives it away, Le Speakeasy masquerades as an innocent sandwich shop during the day to cater to the business crowd. But once the red light above the fridge door goes on, Le Speakeasy is open for business. Inside you’ll find dim lighting, wanted posters, chandeliers and candles. The cocktails are spot on and you’ll want to try their Old Fashioned, it’s delicious. They also serve food so you can make a night of it.
Le 4e mur
2021, rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 3K8Le 4e Mur is so secretive that you have to subscribe to their mailing list in order to get their address. Located on St-Denis, it’s hidden behind a brick wall behind the door of a detective agency. Once you find the brick that opens the door, the staircase will lead you to the bar where you enter a chill, Prohibition-style space with dark features and plenty of atmosphere. The cocktails are delicious – each comes with a garnish and they are stronger than you might expect! They also have Burlesque performances twice a week.
Bar Le Mal Nécessaire
1106, boul Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2Z 1J5Though Le Mal Necessaire is considered a “hidden bar”, the neon green pineapple above the stairs will definitely grab your attention. Once you head down the stairs of this Chinatown bar, coming back up might be a bit shaky as you indulge in tiki-style cocktails. Their cocktail list is long and they make a lot of their own syrups and tonics in house. And if you’re sitting at the bar, you’ll be mesmerized by the expertise of the bartenders and how much fun they’re having.
Le Bar sans nom
5295, av du parc, Montréal, QC H2V 4G9This bar on Parc Ave was previously so undercover it didn’t even have a name! What was known as Le Bar Sans Nom is now called Emerald, inspired by the emerald green walls that greet you once you step inside. Once you pass the small tables and chairs at the front, you’ll walk into a low-lit room with comfy sofas and vintage décor. They have classic cocktails here made with in-house syrups and fresh ingredients so if you’re looking for umbrellas and such, you’ll have to go elsewhere.
Atwater Cocktail Club
512, av Atwater, Montréal, QC H4C 2G5The newest addition to the Montreal speakeasy scene is the Atwater Cocktail Club, from the team behind Old Montreal restaurant hotspots Bocata and Barroco. Located at the corner of Atwater and Notre Dame, Atwater Cocktail Club is in the alley behind their newest venture Foiegwa. Described as a “back alley neighbourhood cocktail bar”, Atwater Cocktail Club has fuchsia pink banquettes, wood floors and mirrors on the ceiling. You have a choice of 10 signature cocktails, each more delicious than the next, as well as a shortened Foiegwa menu to snack on.
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