What's in a Negroni?
1.) Vol de Nuit
The name may be familiar to many Montrealers; but most will be surprised to see this bar on our list, given its previous style. However, the cocktail bar re-opened in 2018 under new ownership, with a significant facelift and could not be more different from the old version.
In its reincarnate, Vol de Nuit possesses a swanky yet welcoming vibe that encourages you to relax, forget your woes and, have a jolly good time. A perfect spot to enjoy a negroni in solitude, with a group of friends/colleagues, or even a romantic interest.
2.) Big in Japan
The godfather of the speakeasy concept, Big in Japan is an establishment in the city. You haven’t “done” Montreal if you haven’t visited this spot.
For a bar that insists on not doing any traditional marketing/publicity, it’s incredible how popular it has become amongst ladies & gentlemen about town.
Walk through the discreet black door and you immediately begin to understand the secrets behind its popularity.
The atmosphere takes you back in time to an era where great emphasis was placed on quality service and meaningful conversations. And in terms of sheer quality of cocktails, you’ll be hard pressed to find better value elsewhere.
These reasons make Big in Japan our favourite spot to enjoy a few drinks with friends or business associates. Now, we might just go and get a whisky bottle with our name hanging on the ceiling.
Located in the ever-charming Old Port, Hotel William Gray’s rooftop bar is a summer fixture in the city. Always packed to the rafters. However, a little secret we recently discovered is that it’s also an amazing spot to enjoy a peaceful cocktail in the winter months.
There is a beautifully decorated lounge just in front of the bar/restaurant where you can enjoy a quiet drink and a book, even if you’re not a guest of the hotel.
The perfect spot to get away from all the madness and enjoy some alone-time on a week night.
4.) Nhau Bar
Also in the Old Port, this cozy spot is covertly located in the basement of Vietnamese restaurant, Ha.
The interior design makes it, in our humble opinion, one of the most authentic spaces in the city. The bar tenders are expert mixologists and that is reflected in the boldness of cocktails they make (ask them to surprise you if you’re unsure of what you want).
You will also enjoy the courteousness of the staff here, who are extremely down-to-earth and always up for a chat.
An ideal spot for date night, our recommended routine is enjoying a hearty meal at the Restuarant Ha and then washing it down with a few excellent cocktails at the bar beneath. The trinity of good food, fine drink and, love/lust. What could be better?
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Photography by Shamim Nakhaei