In Montreal, we know we can always find a near-perfect dirty martini or screwdriver (and we know where). But we also know that in addition to our favorite bars-our little secrets-Montreal also has some of the best bars in the world, with the smokiest and driest and dirtiest and spiciest cocktails we don’t even dare dream about…
The media outlet 50 Best has released its list of the best bars in North America for the year 2025, and two Montreal bars are ranked 31 and 36.
These two bars are – drum roll – the Cloakroom at number 31 and the Atwater Cocktail Club at number 36. Now, all we have to do is strategize to get there as quickly as possible, because they’re going to be mobbed for the next few weeks… We know someone who knows someone, don’t we?
n31: the Cloakroom
The Cloakroom is ten years old this year and is one of the city’s chicest and most exclusive bars. There are 25 seats (we’ll really have to dig into our little black book) and you can’t make reservations, or go in a group of more than 6 people.
It’s a spirits bar and there’s no menu… We go there for their cocktails, for the hushed atmosphere and we go there for our most decadent dates .
Where? 2175 rue de la Montagne
n36: Atwater Cocktail Club
The Atwater Cocktail Club is already a regulars’ bar (incredibly cool), and it’s also a walk-ins-only bar (no reservations, no groups of more than 6). But this time, you can consult the online menu, which fluctuates quite a bit, and prepare a mental list of cocktails you’d like to try…
We really want to try their classic sidecar and Piña Accolada with 3-star Planteray rum, Leblon Cachaça, Malibu, pineapple, vanilla and a pinch of salt.
Where? 512 Atwater
Bravo to Cloakroom and Atwater Cocktail Club!