The best spots for a perfect happy hour in downtown Montreal

Trois verres à cocktails portés pour un toast vu du dessus

Drink in hand, snacks to share, a buzzing terrace—nothing beats a good 5 à 7 to shake off the workday. Whether you’re toasting to something big, meeting up with friends, or just vibing with the downtown energy, there’s no shortage of great spots to start your evening.

Craving a chill pub, a sleek cocktail lounge, or a hidden gem with a touch of mystery? Here’s our go-to list of places to land when happy hour calls.

The Pubs

Looking for a laid-back happy hour with good vibes and cold beer? The iconic downtown pubs have you covered.

At Hurley’s Irish Pub on Crescent Street, live music and dark wood booths will transport you straight to Dublin. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel at home—surrounded by laughter, full pints, and Irish classics playing in the background.

A few blocks away, Ziggy’s Pub is the go-to for chatting with regulars, sipping something easy, or catching the game in a chill setting.

McLean’s Pub offers 2 floors, giant screens, and a pool table—perfect for groups looking to mix sports, drinks, and fun.

A true Montreal staple, McKibbin’s Irish Pub welcomes you into a century-old house with a solid lineup of draft beers and hearty pub fare.

If you’re in the mood for something with a bit more edge, Piranha Bar on Sainte-Catherine brings the rock and alternative energy late into the night.

Groupe d’amis au pub Hurley’s avec pintes de Guinness

Décor rétro de Ziggy’s Pub avec enseignes lumineuses NASCAR

Intérieur chaleureux du McLean’s Pub avec écrans de sport

Soirée animée au pub McKibbin’s avec lampes style Tiffany

Ambiance festive au Piranha Bar avec éclairage coloré

The cocktail lounges

If you’re after a more refined kind of 5 à 7—with curated cocktails and stylish surroundings—downtown’s got plenty of spots that blend flair and serious bar know-how.

Tucked inside a stunning Victorian mansion, Bar George offers a cocktail list inspired by British classics, all reimagined with a modern twist.

Just around the corner, NINI Cocktail Lounge, located inside the Sofitel Montreal, sets the mood with soft lighting, velvet textures, and creative drinks crafted with precision.

Craving a lively atmosphere under a glass roof? Head to Le Cathcart in the heart of Place Ville Marie—perfect for a post-office drink or an easygoing start to your night.

At Marcus, inside the Four Seasons, it’s all about the view, the open kitchen, and bold creations from a renowned chef. It’s an elegant and buzzing spot for a next-level happy hour.

And for something truly special, step through the unmarked door of Gokudo—a minimalist Japanese-inspired hideaway where each cocktail feels like a work of art.

Bar George à Montréal avec barman en pleine préparation

Intérieur art déco du NINI Salon à Cocktails à Montréal

Groupe d’amies trinquant avec des espresso martinis au Cathcart

Soirée chic au Marcus Montréal avec cocktails et fruits de mer

Cocktail flambé spectaculaire au bar Gokudo à Montréal

The speakeasies

Ready to slip behind a hidden door and into another world? Downtown’s speakeasies deliver that kind of mysterious, unforgettable experience.

Tucked below Chinatown, Le Mal Nécessaire serves up exotic cocktails in a tropical basement setting that feels like a well-kept secret.

Ranked among the best bars in the country, The Cloakroom Bar is a true gem. Step through an unmarked entrance and into an intimate space where every cocktail is tailor-made just for you.

Floating above the 9th floor of the Eaton Centre, French Line brings a sultry, upscale vibe. This sky-high speakeasy impresses with its expertly crafted drinks, sweeping city views, and ever-evolving cocktail list.

Club Pelicano, hidden below the Peruvian restaurant Tiradito, channels the retro charm of Paris’s Molitor pool and Montreal’s old public baths. Expect a laid-back vibe and vintage-chic decor.

And finally, Ombré Bar, discreetly tucked inside O Coiffure & Spa, leans into mystery. With moody lighting and a refined selection of high-end spirits, it’s a hidden gem for true cocktail lovers.