Shaken or stirred: Montreal's trendy martinis
Montreal's martini bars provide a sense of elegance with craft-focused bartending. While the classic martini requires few ingredients, that simple recipe is a perfect starting point for great bartenders to experiment with unique flavour combinations. You don't need to live like James Bond to enjoy a well-made cocktail – a new wave of mixologists are bringing drinks like the martini back to their roots.
Le Chien Fumant
4710, rue de Lanaudière, Montréal, QC H2J 3P7Le Chien Fumant caters to Montreal night owls always on the hunt for some good grub. Open until 2 a.m. most nights, the restaurant serves up gastronomic dishes that will surely satisfy your taste buds. Wash it all down with a cocktail from their signature list, which includes a number of martinis. This restaurant is rather small, be sure to make a reservation.
Lawrence
5201, boul Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2T 1S4If you're a fan of fine dining while you sip on your martini, then Lawrence, on Boulevard Saint-Laurent, is the place for you. Their ever-changing menu can include dishes such as salted duck breast and stewed octopus. It's the perfect spot to wine and dine with the Bond girl in your life.
Deville Dinerbar
1425, rue Stanley, Montréal, QC H3A 1P4Deville Dinerbar is well known for its gourmet takes on comfort food classics and has an equally exciting martini menu. Try the Oprah Pomegranate martini for a sweet and tart blend, made with tequila, pomegranate juice, Cointreau and lime juice. They also offer a Silver Bullet for Two, which consists of the martini recipe of the month, shaken and stirred at your table.
Brasserie 701
701, Côte de la Place d'Armes, Montréal, QC H2Y 2X6Located in the lavish Place d’Armes Hotel, Suite 701 offers one of the most extensive martini menus in town – betcha can’t have just one! The carefully concocted martinis, the fancy brasserie dishes and the posh and trendy atmosphere make this the perfect spot for a night out with the ladies or a swanky 5 à 7 with colleagues.
La Belle & La Boeuf - Burger Bar - Montréal - Sainte-Catherine O
1620 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Montréal, QC H3A 1L9There's little mystery to what would draw you to this beef-focused burger bar, but the lengthy cocktail menu is also a welcome surprise. Martinis include creations called “The Barracuda”, “Harmonium”, and “Guns N' Roses”. Grab one of your favourites before sitting down to a plate of ground steak poutine.
Maison Boulud
1228 Sherbrooke St West, Montreal, QC H3G 1H6With plenty of accolades for his three Michelin star restaurant in New York, Daniel Boulud's elegant Montreal dining lounge can be found inside the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. While you can select a bottle of wine from the on-site cellar, the expertly made cocktails deserve your undivided attention.
La Distillerie
300, rue Ontario E, Montréal, QC H2X 1H6Each of Distillerie's three locations serve boozy creations in mason jars. If you're new to cocktails, you'll appreciate that the drink menu here is laid out with a legend that indicates a variety of flavour intensities. Ask your bartender to help guide your choice and discover something new.
L'Assommoir
211, rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, QC H2Y 1T4As a restaurant with a lounge vibe, L'Assommoir features an innovative cocktail list and dim lighting for classing up a night out on the town. Known in part for its “Cucumbertini” (vodka, cucumber, apple juice, and bitters), you'll definitely find a unique creation to suit your tastes.
Lab
1351, rue Rachel E, Montréal, QC H2J 2K2You've never had cocktails like the ones you'll find at Le Lab. Your order might arrive in a big bowl or a teapot, or it may even be a drink made with beef jerky. Bring an open mind and prepare your palate for some boozy experimentation.
Bar Philemon
111, rue Saint-Paul O, Montréal, QC H2Y 1Z5A magnet for good-looking crowds of cocktail lovers, this Old Montreal bar is focused on the craft of making good drinks. Come prepared to stand and mingle with friends over a few martinis as the unobtrusive music and overall casual vibe make it a great evening hangout.
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