Places to have a successful happy hour in the Golden Square Mile

In the Golden Square Mile, the after-work drink takes on many forms. Sometimes lively, sometimes low-key, sometimes food-forward, it shifts with the mood of the day. Whether you’re looking for a buzzing pub, a well-crafted cocktail, or a spot where one drink naturally turns into dinner, this part of downtown Montreal is full of places that get it right.

Here’s a curated selection of spots, grouped by type of vibe, to help you easily choose your next stop.

Pubs

For an easygoing after-work drink where you instantly feel at home, these pubs remain reliable go-tos in the Golden Square Mile.

At Hurley’s Irish Pub, the energy is contagious, driven by live music and a festive atmosphere that kicks in as soon as the workday winds down.

Ziggy’s Pub is the kind of place that feels familiar right away, thanks to a welcoming team and an atmosphere that’s perfect for watching a game or catching up with friends.

With its wood-paneled decor and old-school charm, McLean’s Pub invites you to settle in, order a pint, and let time slow down a little.

Set inside a historic mansion, McKibbin’s Irish Pub blends heritage character with a lively crowd, a classic that continues to draw people in.

Spanning several floors, Sir Winston Churchill Pub is ideal for following a sporting event or simply letting the evening unfold without a set plan.

For a happy hour that starts early and stretches on, London Pub offers a welcoming vibe where it’s easy to stay put and see where the night leads.

With its cozy setting and walls lined with black-and-white photos, Brass Door Pub leans toward a more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a quieter 5 à 7 around a pint or a classic cocktail.

Known for its trivia nights and after-work specials, Ye Old Orchard Pub & Grill adds a lively, social touch to the neighbourhood, ideal for a 5 à 7 that mixes games, laughs, and comfort food.

Cocktail Bars

When the mood calls for a well-crafted cocktail in a thoughtfully designed setting, these spots focus on what happens behind the bar — and on the overall experience.

Formerly O Coiffure & Spa, Ombré Bar now offers an elegant lounge atmosphere where cocktails and a softly lit ambiance come together effortlessly.

Tucked behind a discreet entrance, Cloakroom Bar is known for its made-to-measure cocktails and intimate setting, ideal for a more low-key, confidential 5 à 7.

Located on the ground floor of Hôtel Le Germain, Flâneur Bar Lounge stands out with its refined yet simple concept, pairing oysters, champagne, and cocktails in a relaxed, polished environment.

At Sofitel Montreal, NINI Salon à Cocktails draws people in with its cozy décor and creative cocktail menu, perfect for an after-work drink that leans toward something more refined.

Perched on the 45th floor of Place Ville Marie, Sora 45 delivers an elevated cocktail experience, where you can take your time and enjoy the moment alongside impressive views of downtown.

Both café and bar, Café de Montreal is a popular meeting point to kick off the evening with a drink, set within a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

For a Drink — and Then Some

When an after-work drink naturally turns into dinner or a long evening out, these spots make it easy to settle in and enjoy the moment.

Inside the Mount Stephen, Bar George immediately stands out with its striking decor and polished menu. Housed in a 19th-century heritage mansion, it’s one of the most elegant bars downtown.

At the Four Seasons Hotel, Marcus blends a lively atmosphere with refined cuisine and an elegant bar, making it easy to move from cocktails to dinner without changing locations.

With its unmistakable Italian spirit, Bar Edicola focuses on wine and small plates, offering a menu rooted in Italian bottles and a relaxed, European neighbourhood-bar feel.

Retro and inviting, Bar Dominion is a reliable choice for a drink, with a setting inspired by the 1920s and a menu of well-executed classic cocktails.

Located on the 9th floor of the Eaton Centre, Le French Line draws people in with its sweeping views over downtown and a chic setting, perfect for enjoying a drink above the city.

On Stanley Street, the restaurant Stanley is a great place to start the evening with a drink, in a lively atmosphere where it’s easy to stay longer than planned.

This article is part of a broader initiative designed to help visitors and residents discover downtown Montreal and highlight the area’s many attractions.

This project is made possible thanks to the financial support of the Ville-Marie borough and the City of Montreal.