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The Best Bars for Business Drinks in Montreal

Get boozy with those clients

by Daniel Bromberg
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by Daniel Bromberg
Nacarat/Facebook

Whether you’re hosting clients, suppliers, or associates from out of town, or just looking for a place where expert-level bartending is the name of the game, these 14 places are top choices for grabbing a drink and in some cases a small bite after work.

Unsurprisingly, the bars most suited to the business crowd are heavily located right in the downtown core, with a few outliers from Little Burgundy to Mile End — and all should satisfy those clients’, colleagues’, or bosses’ alcohol-based needs.

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The Emerald

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This refreshingly airy bar in Mile End (sometimes known as No-Name Bar or Bar Sans Nom) draws cocktail aficionados from all corners of the city. The Casablanca hotel theme is subtle, yet attractive, with leafy plants and ceiling fans in the front, to more of a Moroccan vibe in the back. It’s the kind of higher-end spot where bartenders wear tuxedos as they mix your martini.

5295 Av du Parc, Montréal, QC H2V 4G9, Canada
(514) 508-5295
(514) 508-5295

A post shared by Luke Vachon (@levachon) on

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Bar Henrietta

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Found on the rather upscale Laurier West stretch known for pricy boutiques for moneyed types in nearby Outremont, casual-but-chic Henrietta manages to stay trendy after a few solid years in operation. A crowd favourite for the area, it promises to deliver a vast selection of natural wines, delicious cocktails, and an array of tasty Portuguese snacks. No reservations.

115 Avenue Laurier O, Montréal, QC H2T 2N6, Canada
(514) 276-4282
(514) 276-4282
Bar Henrietta/Official

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Terrasse William Gray

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As a rooftop terrasse, this is obviously only a fitting option in warmer months; managed by the hotel downstairs, it’s a great place to host out-of-towners and mix with the local business crowd, particularly if it’s a view of the Old Port your party desires. As is often the case with hotel bars, there’s no one specialty here, but William Gray is a decent all-rounder, and doesn’t let the great view do all the heavy lifting.

421 Rue Saint Vincent, Montréal, QC H2Y 3A6, Canada
(514) 656-5600
(514) 656-5600
Hôtel William Gray/Official

Furco

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With its setting in a converted factory, this lively bar starts rocking right as the clock strikes 5 p.m., and doesn’t let up until the wee hours. It’s a fun scene but stick to beer and wine here – you’re better off going for cocktails elsewhere; obviously, a better option for rowdier, less-formal business drinks.

425 Rue Mayor, Montréal, QC H3A 1N9, Canada
(514) 764-3588
(514) 764-3588
Furco/Facebook

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Club Pelicano

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A new underground speakeasy styled partly after Montreal’s historic public bath houses and partly after an art-déco swimming pool, Pelicano is a quirky but not wild spot for cocktails and natural wines — consider heading upstairs to Peruvian-Japanese restaurant Tiradito if it’s food you need.

1076 Rue de Bleury #001, Montréal, QC H2Z 1N2, Canada
(514) 861-1515
(514) 861-1515
Club Pelicano/Official

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Philemon Bar

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As an Old Montreal favourite for several years, Philemon once catered to the crowd that was sick of the St-Laurent club scene and had matured into sipping fine and noshing on a tartare. The clientele seems to have diversified over time, drawing all sorts nowadays, and is particularly fun on a warm summer evening, and often has a DJ spinning live tunes.

111 Rue Saint-Paul O, Montréal, QC H2Y 1Z5, Canada
(514) 289-3777
(514) 289-3777

Gokudo

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This Japanese-style speakeasy was a welcome addition to the Phillips Square; (so welcome it earned Eater’s Bar of the Year award). Everything from the décor and ambiance to the food and cocktails on offer are well executed and sure to impress your guests, with a calm and dim den-like atmosphere great for smaller gatherings.

630 Rue Cathcart, Montréal, QC H3B 3C4, Canada
(514) 375-3715
(514) 375-3715
Randall Brodeur/Eater Montreal

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Nacarat

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Located on the ground floor of the newly-renovated Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Nacarat boasts an extensive alcohol list (the menu is 28 pages) features aperitifs, champagne, and wine options, but cocktails are the high point, with centrifuges and barrel-aged drinks that boost Montreal’s mixed drink scene The well-landscaped upper-level terrasse is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

900 Boulevard René-Lévesque O, Montréal, QC H3B 4A5, Canada
(514) 954-2872
(514) 954-2872
Nacarat/Facebook

Dominion Square Tavern

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This classic European-influenced bar in the downtown core could make you feel that time travel is a reality: a classic establishment serving handcrafted cocktails as well as oysters and more, this is always a great bet with clients, especially if you’re looking to satisfy a mixed bag of tastes (or if you just don’t know what your associates want). It’s also a promising date spot.

1243 Rue Metcalfe, Montréal, QC H3B 2V5, Canada
(514) 564-5056
(514) 564-5056
Dominion Square Tavern/Official

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Balsam Inn

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Adjacent to Dominion Square Tavern lies this attractive place, more recently opened under the same management. Taking inspiration from the ‘50s, expect a diverse cocktail list and all the beautiful mid-century modern décor you used to see over at grandma’s place — a chic, high-end grandma, that is. Balsam walks the line between restaurant and bar, so classy Italian fare is an option, too.

1237 Rue Metcalfe, Montréal, QC H3B 2V5, Canada
(514) 507-9207
(514) 507-9207
Balsam Inn/Official

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Cloakroom Bar

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This place didn’t stay secret for long. A small, narrow room located behind a hidden door is home to some of the finest cocktails in the city. There are no menus here; just tell the bartender your spirit of choice and the flavour you like (i.e. smoky, sour, bitter, sweet), and let them do their thing.

2175 Rue de la Montagne #100, Montréal, QC H3G 1Z8, Canada
(514) 284-9393
(514) 284-9393
Cloakroom Bar/Facebook

Bar George

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While it may be another bar set inside a refurbished downtown hotel, Bar George’s setting in the former and very exclusive Mount Stephen Club building sets it apart. Reminiscent of old London, the walnut-coloured oval-shaped bar is frequently packed with some of Montreal’s best-dressed professionals.

Le Mount Stephen, 1440 Rue Drummond, Montréal, QC H3G 1V9, Canada
(514) 669-9243
(514) 669-9243
Cindy La/Bar George

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N sur Mackay

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This casual, pub-style bar is one of the few really classy places left in a downtown zone more laden with pubs, touristy clubs, and more student-leaning options. Serving all the classics, this place is relaxed, laid-back, and doesn’t require you to scream loudly at the person next to you just to have a conversation.

1244 Rue Mackay, Montréal, QC H3G 2H4, Canada
N sur Mackay/Facebook

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Burgundy Lion

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An oldie but a goodie: since arriving on the scene a decade ago, this multi-level English pub is a veritable Little Burgundy staple, and continues to come through for every occasion. Experienced bartenders, a sizeable beer and scotch list, with an above-average size terrasse out front in the sunnier months. Expect a more casual environment, rather than one packed with executive types.

2496 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H3J 1N5, Canada
(514) 934-0888
(514) 934-0888
Burgundy Lion/Facebook

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The Emerald

5295 Av du Parc, Montréal, QC H2V 4G9, Canada

This refreshingly airy bar in Mile End (sometimes known as No-Name Bar or Bar Sans Nom) draws cocktail aficionados from all corners of the city. The Casablanca hotel theme is subtle, yet attractive, with leafy plants and ceiling fans in the front, to more of a Moroccan vibe in the back. It’s the kind of higher-end spot where bartenders wear tuxedos as they mix your martini.

5295 Av du Parc, Montréal, QC H2V 4G9, Canada
(514) 508-5295
(514) 508-5295

A post shared by Luke Vachon (@levachon) on

Bar Henrietta

115 Avenue Laurier O, Montréal, QC H2T 2N6, Canada

Found on the rather upscale Laurier West stretch known for pricy boutiques for moneyed types in nearby Outremont, casual-but-chic Henrietta manages to stay trendy after a few solid years in operation. A crowd favourite for the area, it promises to deliver a vast selection of natural wines, delicious cocktails, and an array of tasty Portuguese snacks. No reservations.

115 Avenue Laurier O, Montréal, QC H2T 2N6, Canada
(514) 276-4282
(514) 276-4282
Bar Henrietta/Official

Terrasse William Gray

421 Rue Saint Vincent, Montréal, QC H2Y 3A6, Canada

As a rooftop terrasse, this is obviously only a fitting option in warmer months; managed by the hotel downstairs, it’s a great place to host out-of-towners and mix with the local business crowd, particularly if it’s a view of the Old Port your party desires. As is often the case with hotel bars, there’s no one specialty here, but William Gray is a decent all-rounder, and doesn’t let the great view do all the heavy lifting.

421 Rue Saint Vincent, Montréal, QC H2Y 3A6, Canada
(514) 656-5600
(514) 656-5600
Hôtel William Gray/Official

Furco

425 Rue Mayor, Montréal, QC H3A 1N9, Canada

With its setting in a converted factory, this lively bar starts rocking right as the clock strikes 5 p.m., and doesn’t let up until the wee hours. It’s a fun scene but stick to beer and wine here – you’re better off going for cocktails elsewhere; obviously, a better option for rowdier, less-formal business drinks.

425 Rue Mayor, Montréal, QC H3A 1N9, Canada
(514) 764-3588
(514) 764-3588
Furco/Facebook

Club Pelicano

1076 Rue de Bleury #001, Montréal, QC H2Z 1N2, Canada

A new underground speakeasy styled partly after Montreal’s historic public bath houses and partly after an art-déco swimming pool, Pelicano is a quirky but not wild spot for cocktails and natural wines — consider heading upstairs to Peruvian-Japanese restaurant Tiradito if it’s food you need.

1076 Rue de Bleury #001, Montréal, QC H2Z 1N2, Canada
(514) 861-1515
(514) 861-1515
Club Pelicano/Official

Philemon Bar

111 Rue Saint-Paul O, Montréal, QC H2Y 1Z5, Canada

As an Old Montreal favourite for several years, Philemon once catered to the crowd that was sick of the St-Laurent club scene and had matured into sipping fine and noshing on a tartare. The clientele seems to have diversified over time, drawing all sorts nowadays, and is particularly fun on a warm summer evening, and often has a DJ spinning live tunes.

111 Rue Saint-Paul O, Montréal, QC H2Y 1Z5, Canada
(514) 289-3777
(514) 289-3777

Gokudo

630 Rue Cathcart, Montréal, QC H3B 3C4, Canada

This Japanese-style speakeasy was a welcome addition to the Phillips Square; (so welcome it earned Eater’s Bar of the Year award). Everything from the décor and ambiance to the food and cocktails on offer are well executed and sure to impress your guests, with a calm and dim den-like atmosphere great for smaller gatherings.

630 Rue Cathcart, Montréal, QC H3B 3C4, Canada
(514) 375-3715
(514) 375-3715
Randall Brodeur/Eater Montreal

Nacarat

900 Boulevard René-Lévesque O, Montréal, QC H3B 4A5, Canada

Located on the ground floor of the newly-renovated Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Nacarat boasts an extensive alcohol list (the menu is 28 pages) features aperitifs, champagne, and wine options, but cocktails are the high point, with centrifuges and barrel-aged drinks that boost Montreal’s mixed drink scene The well-landscaped upper-level terrasse is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

900 Boulevard René-Lévesque O, Montréal, QC H3B 4A5, Canada
(514) 954-2872
(514) 954-2872
Nacarat/Facebook

Dominion Square Tavern

1243 Rue Metcalfe, Montréal, QC H3B 2V5, Canada

This classic European-influenced bar in the downtown core could make you feel that time travel is a reality: a classic establishment serving handcrafted cocktails as well as oysters and more, this is always a great bet with clients, especially if you’re looking to satisfy a mixed bag of tastes (or if you just don’t know what your associates want). It’s also a promising date spot.

1243 Rue Metcalfe, Montréal, QC H3B 2V5, Canada
(514) 564-5056
(514) 564-5056
Dominion Square Tavern/Official

Balsam Inn

1237 Rue Metcalfe, Montréal, QC H3B 2V5, Canada

Adjacent to Dominion Square Tavern lies this attractive place, more recently opened under the same management. Taking inspiration from the ‘50s, expect a diverse cocktail list and all the beautiful mid-century modern décor you used to see over at grandma’s place — a chic, high-end grandma, that is. Balsam walks the line between restaurant and bar, so classy Italian fare is an option, too.

1237 Rue Metcalfe, Montréal, QC H3B 2V5, Canada
(514) 507-9207
(514) 507-9207
Balsam Inn/Official

Cloakroom Bar

2175 Rue de la Montagne #100, Montréal, QC H3G 1Z8, Canada

This place didn’t stay secret for long. A small, narrow room located behind a hidden door is home to some of the finest cocktails in the city. There are no menus here; just tell the bartender your spirit of choice and the flavour you like (i.e. smoky, sour, bitter, sweet), and let them do their thing.

2175 Rue de la Montagne #100, Montréal, QC H3G 1Z8, Canada
(514) 284-9393
(514) 284-9393
Cloakroom Bar/Facebook

Bar George

Le Mount Stephen, 1440 Rue Drummond, Montréal, QC H3G 1V9, Canada

While it may be another bar set inside a refurbished downtown hotel, Bar George’s setting in the former and very exclusive Mount Stephen Club building sets it apart. Reminiscent of old London, the walnut-coloured oval-shaped bar is frequently packed with some of Montreal’s best-dressed professionals.

Le Mount Stephen, 1440 Rue Drummond, Montréal, QC H3G 1V9, Canada
(514) 669-9243
(514) 669-9243
Cindy La/Bar George

N sur Mackay

1244 Rue Mackay, Montréal, QC H3G 2H4, Canada

This casual, pub-style bar is one of the few really classy places left in a downtown zone more laden with pubs, touristy clubs, and more student-leaning options. Serving all the classics, this place is relaxed, laid-back, and doesn’t require you to scream loudly at the person next to you just to have a conversation.

1244 Rue Mackay, Montréal, QC H3G 2H4, Canada
N sur Mackay/Facebook

Burgundy Lion

2496 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H3J 1N5, Canada

An oldie but a goodie: since arriving on the scene a decade ago, this multi-level English pub is a veritable Little Burgundy staple, and continues to come through for every occasion. Experienced bartenders, a sizeable beer and scotch list, with an above-average size terrasse out front in the sunnier months. Expect a more casual environment, rather than one packed with executive types.

2496 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H3J 1N5, Canada
(514) 934-0888
(514) 934-0888
Burgundy Lion/Facebook