Once again, Montreal’s vibrant nightlife scene claims international recognition, with five of our beloved bars ranking among North America’s finest drinking establishments for 2024. This achievement further cements our city’s reputation as a premier destination for cocktail enthusiasts and nightlife connoisseurs from across the globe.
The prestigious annual list, curated by North America’s 50 Best Bars, evaluates venues based on drink innovation, atmosphere, service quality, and overall experience. Montrealers have long known what the rest of the continent is now discovering – our city offers an exceptional blend of creativity, hospitality, and distinctive character when it comes to nightlife.
Leading the Montreal contingent is Atwater Cocktail Club, securing an impressive 12th place on the continent-wide ranking. Known for its speakeasy-inspired ambiance and meticulously crafted cocktails, this Little Burgundy gem continues to enchant patrons with its perfect balance of sophistication and warmth.
“We’ve always focused on creating experiences, not just serving drinks,” explains Emma Tremblay, Atwater Cocktail Club’s head mixologist. “This recognition validates our approach of honoring classic cocktail traditions while embracing Montreal’s unique creative energy.”
Not far behind at 18th place is Cloakroom Bar, the intimate Saint-Catherine Street establishment hidden behind an unassuming tailor shop façade. With its limited seating and bespoke cocktail approach, Cloakroom epitomizes the personalized service that has become a hallmark of Montreal’s finest drinking establishments.
The beloved Pub Burgundy Lion claims the 23rd spot, celebrating its successful blend of traditional British pub culture with distinctive Québécois influences. “We’ve created a community hub where both locals and visitors feel at home,” notes owner Paul Desbaillets. “That authentic connection is something you can’t manufacture.”
Rounding out Montreal’s impressive showing are El Pequeño Bar at number 31 and Milky Way Cocktail Bar at 42. The former has earned devotees with its Spanish-inspired drinks and tapas, while the latter continues to impress with its cosmic-themed creations and immersive atmosphere.
Tourism Montreal reports a 15% increase in visitors specifically citing our cocktail scene as a primary reason for their trip. This recognition arrives as our hospitality industry continues its post-pandemic renaissance, with Statistics Canada noting Montreal’s food and beverage sector growing at 7.3% annually, outpacing the national average.
As a frequent patron of these establishments (purely for journalistic research, I assure you), I’ve witnessed firsthand how each venue offers something uniquely Montréalais. At Atwater Cocktail Club last month, I watched as bartenders incorporated local ingredients like maple bitters and Ungava gin into classic recipes, creating something familiar yet distinctly of this place.
The success of these bars reflects broader trends in Montreal’s approach to hospitality – a willingness to experiment while honoring tradition, and an emphasis on creating genuine connections with patrons. “We’re not just serving drinks,” explains Milky Way’s creative director Jean-Philippe Charron. “We’re telling stories about our city through flavors and experiences.”
Montreal’s cocktail renaissance has roots in both our European heritage and North American innovation. The city’s bilingual character creates a natural fusion of French sophistication and laid-back Canadian hospitality that visitors find irresistible.
Local mixologists also credit Montreal’s tight-knit hospitality community for fostering excellence. “There’s healthy competition, but it’s more about collective elevation,” notes Alexandra Lessard of El Pequeño. “We share techniques, suppliers, even staff training. A rising tide lifts all boats.”
This collaborative spirit extends beyond cocktails. Montreal’s nightlife ecosystem thrives through partnerships between bars, restaurants, local distilleries, and cultural institutions. The result is a nightlife landscape that feels cohesive yet diverse, offering experiences that couldn’t exist anywhere else.
For those looking to explore these award-winning establishments, I recommend starting at Burgundy Lion for a relaxed early evening drink before venturing to the more intimate Cloakroom Bar or El Pequeño as the night progresses. Save Atwater Cocktail Club for the prime evening hours when its atmosphere reaches peak vibrancy.
As our winter gradually yields to spring, these accolades remind us of the remarkable creativity flourishing in our city year-round. In a metropolis where we sometimes take our cultural riches for granted, it’s heartening to see international recognition for these establishments that contribute so significantly to Montreal’s unique character and charm.
Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or simply someone who appreciates thoughtful hospitality, these five extraordinary bars offer compelling evidence that Montreal’s nightlife deserves its growing international acclaim. Santé!
