Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Montreal has an incredible nightlife scene, but if you want something more exciting than your typical bar, you’ll love Montreal’s hidden speakeasies. These secret cocktail bars are tucked away behind unmarked doors, inside old buildings, and even hidden in suit shops.
During my trip, I visited three of the best speakeasies in Montreal, each with a unique vibe and some of the best cocktails in the city. If you’re looking for a Prohibition-style experience, here’s where to go and how to find these hidden bars.
What is a Speakeasy? A Quick History
Speakeasies date back to Prohibition-era America (1920–1933) when alcohol was banned, and people had to drink in secret bars hidden from the authorities.
The name “speakeasy” comes from the idea that patrons had to “speak easy” to avoid drawing attention.
Montreal’s Speakeasies
While Canada didn’t have the same strict alcohol laws, Montreal became a hotspot for American visitors looking to drink legally, leading to a boom in hidden bars.
Today, Montreal’s speakeasies mix history with creativity, offering a unique cocktail experience in secret locations across the city.
Heading to Quebec City? Visit these 4 Hidden Speakeasies in Quebec City You Need to Find!
The Best Hidden Bars in Montreal
Now let’s get to the fun part—the three speakeasies in Montreal I visited and what to expect at each one!
1. The Coldroom (Old Montreal’s Hidden Gem)
📍 Location: Old Montreal
🔍 How to Find It: Look for the black door with a small button near Rue Saint-Vincent.
First, we visited The Coldroom, one of the most famous speakeasies in Montreal. It was only a ten-minute walk from our hotel.
We entered the address into our maps, and before we knew it, we stood before a big black door in the heart of the city.

After spending a few minutes looking around, we finally spotted the button we needed to press.
Once we reached the bottom, we entered the dimly lit room, which was packed to the brim at 6:00 PM on a Wednesday.
We squeezed our way to a seat at the bar and were handed a drink menu.

The menu featured so many creative options, ranging from gin to whiskey and beyond.
For our first round, we ordered gin-based martinis, perfect for sipping while enjoying good conversation.

I also tried a delicious tequila drink that was fruity yet strong, topped with a nice foam. Both the team and the menu lived up to the hype.

When we left, we exited through a different side, keeping the secrecy of The Coldroom, a top hidden speakeasy in Montreal, alive.
2. The Cloakroom (A Secret Bar Inside a Suit Shop)
📍 Location: Downtown Montreal
🔍 How to Find It: Walk into The Cloakroom Tailors and look for the hidden entrance.
The next night, we headed to downtown Montreal to visit The Cloakroom.
This Montreal speakeasy is hidden inside a suit shop, making it one of the coolest secret bars in the city. After finding the entrance, a bartender will seat you in a small, intimate room with just a handful of seats.

After finding the secret entrance, we waited for a team member to seat us. There was a short wait of about twenty minutes, but we didn’t mind.
Soon, we were led down the stairs to a small, packed room with a cozy, secretive vibe—just what you’d expect from a speakeasy restaurant in Montreal.

The best part? There’s no menu! Instead, the bartender asks about your flavor preferences and creates a custom drink just for you.

If you love a personalized cocktail experience, The Cloakroom is one of the best-hidden cocktail bars in Montreal to check out.
For more details about this spot, read my guide on This Montreal Speakeasy Hidden in a Tailored Suit Shop
3. Le Mal Nécessaire (Montreal’s Tiki Speakeasy)
📍 Location: Chinatown Montreal
🔍 How to Find It: Look for a neon pineapple sign near a stairway leading underground.
When I visited Le Mal Nécessaire in Chinatown Montreal, I was instantly drawn to its retro tiki vibe and vibrant atmosphere.
While it doesn’t have a secret entrance like the others, Le Mal Nécessaire is still tucked away and easy to miss as you might walk right by it.
But once you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the speakeasy-style cocktail bar.

The tropical fruit cocktails here are a dream—my favorite was a rum punch served in a coconut!

This spot stands out as one of the best tiki-style cocktail bars in Montreal, with each drink as creative as the next. If you’re into bold, fruity flavors and a fun, lively setting, this is the place to be.
4. Le Mur 4e (A Detective-Themed Speakeasy)
Le Mur 4e is one of the most unique speakeasies I’ve visited in Montreal.
Hidden along Rue Saint-Denis, this detective-themed bar blends mystery with masterful cocktails and interactive clue games.

You’ll need to visit their website to get the secret address, then look for an unmarked brick entrance that reveals the door.
Once you get there, you will need to find the secret brick to press to open the door!
Inside, candlelit tables, vintage décor, and creative drinks like the “Too Bee or Not To Bee” and “Papi Alfred” make it a night to remember.

With each cocktail tied to an ongoing investigation, Le Mur 4e turns your evening into a story you get to be part of.
See more of my cocktails here: Le Mur 4e: A Detective-Themed Speakeasy in Montreal!
5. Atwater Cocktail Club (Hidden in Little Burgundy)
📍 Location: Little Burgundy, Montreal
🔍 How to Find It: Look for the unmarked black door behind Foiegwa on Notre-Dame Street.
I ended my Montreal speakeasy tour at Atwater Cocktail Club, and it instantly became one of my favorites.
To get inside, I walked toward the back of Foiegwa and found a plain, unmarked black door. The second I stepped through it, the whole vibe changed.

For my drink, I ordered the Siren’s Song, and it completely lived up to the name.
It was made with Grey Goose vodka, Tanqueray Rangpur gin, Cocchi Extra Dry vermouth, vine leaves, confit lemon, and pink peppercorn.
It was one of those cocktails you take a sip of and immediately know you ordered the right thing.

The atmosphere here felt chic but relaxed, and it was the perfect way to wrap up the night.
If you’re looking for a speakeasy in Montreal that has great energy and even better drinks, Atwater Cocktail Club is absolutely worth a stop.
FAQs About Montreal Speakeasies
Are Speakeasies in Montreal Hard to Find?
Some are easier to locate than others, but most require a little effort—which is part of the fun! Look for unmarked doors, secret entrances, or small signs that hint at the hidden bar inside.
You should also visit these 6 Secret Speakeasies in NYC You Need to Find in 2025!
Do Montreal Speakeasies Require Reservations?
It depends on the speakeasy!
- The Cloakroom – No reservations, but there may be a wait.
- The Coldroom – Best to go early (it fills up fast).
- Le Mal Nécessaire – Walk-ins welcome!
Are Montreal Speakeasies Expensive?
Cocktail prices range from $15–$20 CAD, depending on the bar. Some places charge more for custom drinks but are totally worth the experience.
Explore More Of Canada!
Visiting Montreal’s speakeasies was the highlight of my trip.
We also dined at the iconic Joe Beef. Read Joe Beef: Anthony Bourdain’s Favorite Restaurant in Montreal
When I return to the city, I will be happy to try out a few more. Let me know your favorites below!
I also visited Quebec City’s Elegant Speakeasy That Is Hidden In A Hotel!
You can also try Quebec City’s Oyster Bar & Speakeasy!
Heading to New York City? 6 Hidden Speakeasies in New York City for 2025!
Want more speakeasy and cocktail bar recommendations? Check out Cocktail Bars & Speakeasies!
Read all of my Canada Travel Guides!


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