The Best Bars for Winter in Montreal

Winters in Montreal can be brutal, especially if you’re not used to them. They can make even the Montreal-born want to curl up under a mountain of blankets and refuse to leave the house until not a trace of snow is in sight. Instead of hibernating this season, here are some must-try bars to help you keep warm during the long winter months.

#1 La Distillerie
With 3 locations, findingone closest to you has never been easier. Its charming and cozy interior, friendly staff, and interesting cocktail menu, make La Distillerie highly recommended among Montreal bars. For those who have never been, La Distillerie is a bar that concocts a variety of drinks served in mason jars. Aside from the standard drinks, their menu also includes three new cocktails each month and also has cider and beer on tap for those who may not be so fond of the fruity drinks. It can be expensive—$8.50 for a small jar and between $16-19 for a large jar—but one thing is certain in terms of quantity…they do not skimp on the alcohol! Personally, this is my favorite place for Happy Hour. First, you avoid the lineup, which usually starts at 7pm (another strategy to avoid a lineup is to try the location on Mount Royal as it is a larger space compared to the bars on Ontario or Masson). Second, they serve goldfish crackers—which, I assure you, are the perfect snacks to pair with these fruity concoctions. They are salty yet sweet and way better than pretzels or peanuts! Third, particularly for the Ontario St. location, there are a variety of great places to eat after indulging in a few drinks. La Paryse right next door is usually the best venue but Frites Alors up the street is a close second.

Tip: Don’t be fooled by the ‘Women’ and ‘Men’ signs outside the single-stall bathrooms. Both are exactly the same; so if there is a line for the ‘Women’s’ bathroom, don’t waste your time waiting.

#2 L’Assomoire
A beautiful bar with good music and fantastic customer service makes for a great night out with friends. Located in the Old Port, L’Assomoire on Notre-Dame Street is known for their extensive drink menu containing over 250 different concoctions. Thankfully, it is organized by alcohol type and they even have a ‘favorites’ section for quick reference. If, after perusing the 22 pages of the drink menu you find that nothing appeals to you, the bartenders will gladly make you a special mix. L’Assomoire is an upscale bar yet the atmosphere is relaxed and intimate. This two-floor venue features a lot of woodwork, mainly an impressive wooden bar that is accented by a dimly lit showcase of the alcohol collection on the rear wall. They also have a food menu that contains a nice selection of food that can be shared tapas-style, which is perfect for the bar scene.

Tips: Saturday nights are best! If you like your shots lit on fire, order a B57—a nice twist on the classic B52.

#3 Le Lab
Le Lab, opened in 2008, is a rather anonymous bar at the corner of Rachel and De Lanaudière that even most Montreal-born residents have yet to discover. Red curtains line the windows and the interior is simple yet classy, with high wooden tables dispersed across the small space. The menu is written on chalkboard above the well-stocked bar, and changes every few months to reflect the newly available creations. The staff is friendly and always eager to suggest a drink off the menu depending on your preference and will even encourage you to try something out of your comfort zone. The rather high price-range of $10-$15 per drink may deter many, but Le Lab is well worth going to at least once.

Tip: Good bar food to nibble on, but the bread is a little too crunchy. For something more substantial, head to La Banquise just two blocks away.

#4 Wunderbar and Plateau Lounge
If you like to dress up for a night out, then head over to the W Hotel. Both of its bars have a premium alcohol selection and experienced staff. There is no strict dress code per se, however, people do tend to dress up for this venue. A seasonal drink menu is presented upon request, although popular specialty drinks such as the Straw Bellini—a mix of Prosecco, strawberry puree, and strawberry liquor—are available year-round. This season’s drinks include creations such as the Maple Mojito made from Bacardi rum, maple sugar, and muddled fresh lemon balm, the Garden of Eden cocktail made from Smirnoff green apple, Midori, and champagne, and the Bitter End Martini made from Tanqueray Gin, Elder flower essence, lemon and cucumber. If you’re feeling adventurous, do not hesitate to ask one of the bartenders to surprise you! The Wunderbar, located on the main floor of the Hotel, is chic and trendy with lots of energy.  The beautifully lit white bar is stunning and contrasts perfectly with the mostly black design of the space. Sitting at a bar has never been so cool—especially when the space starts to fill up around 12:30am, snagging a good seat at the bar is essential. Those who disagree and prefer to purchase bottles have the option of reserving the black leather couches that line the left side of the bar.

For those who prefer a more laidback atmosphere, the Plateau Lounge—located one floor up—is the perfect mix of class and comfort (think of your rich best friend’s living room). It is dimly lit with amber hues and also has a beautifully lit bar. If sitting at the bar is not your thing, there are a variety of fashionable yet comfortable couches available. The Plateau Lounge is an ideal place to hang out and relax with friends after a long and stressful week.

The great thing about these venues, besides being able to attend both without ever needing to step outside, is that they are perfect for a glamorous night out without any of the usual pretentiousness you would expect to encounter. Unlike many of the popular ‘trendy’ bars in the city, the bartenders are not snobby. At all. On the contrary, they are always willing to suggest a cocktail choice or an alternative if you are not happy with the drink you have ordered.

Tip: It is not the cheapest place ($10-$15 per cocktail) but it is well worth the price.

Great service, beautiful drink presentation, and gorgeous décor make these venues the place to be any night of the week!