Cloakroom Bar
Montreal
En un coup d'œil
Avis
We visited the cloakroom on a Sunday evening around 7 pm. We waited about 20 minutes before entering and being seated at the bar. Little did we know it would end up being the best seats in the house as we got to chat with one of the mixologists who was clearly well educated and passionate about his craft. We came here to admire their collection and taste some vintages, as it goes we told him our budget and he brought us his recommendations. After chatting a bit more, he recommended a delightful amaro (pictured here) from 1959. Totally out of my comfort zone and piqued my curiosity into aperitifs. It was a great choice. As whiskey and bourbon lovers we will be back, save the pappy for us ;)
We arrived shortly after opening, and were able to get seated right away. The concept is wonderful, as there is no menu available. So come in knowing what kind of flavor profiles and spirits you like. I started off with a creative play on a smoky whiskey sour, but all their homemade bitters, tonics, and creativity they came out with some so tasty and unique. My last drink was made with Suze and an in-house mixer called fuze, wonderful combo, especially since my nickname is Suze :) My partner also enjoyed all his drinks. Intimate environment where all seats face the bar. The servers help you just enough getting through your drink order, but you do need to come with some idea of what you like.
Such an intimate experience and every cocktail served was unique and different. We recommend arriving early to start your evening to beat the line. The staff were polite, sociable, and engaging. With limited seating and only 25 seats the space can feel a tad tight but the staff are aware and considerate of patrons.
While the concept of tailoring drinks to a guest's taste is interesting, the execution fell short. The cocktail we were served lacked balance, and the beer (a bottled Miller) was oddly served in a champagne glass. When we asked for a different, specific drink to replace the one we didn't enjoy, the staff’s attitude became incredibly indifferent. There was no apology or attempt to make us feel welcome, and we felt ignored for the rest of our visit. Though the prices were fair, the customer service was highly disappointing.
My hotel was nearby and I kept seeing people gathered outside or walking in this place. Around 4:30 one evening it was quiet, so I walked in to check out the food menu. You walk in and there’s a clothing store on one side and black curtains straight ahead. I just stood there confused for a second until someone suddenly appeared and escorted me through the curtains, down a long dark hallway, and into this intimate, dimly lit bar. Turns out, I had accidentally stumbled into a speakeasy. The space is tiny—maybe 6–8 seats at the bar and a long banquet along the wall for 10-12 more people. No menus either. They ask what you like and don’t like, then craft a cocktail specifically for you. The pours are generous and the bar is stocked with top-shelf liquor. About a drink and a half in, I realized I needed actual food immediately and had to leave. The staff was friendly, personable, and chatty, and because the space is so intimate, you naturally end up talking with the people around you. Definitely more of a solo or date-night spot than a group hang. Such a cool, unexpected experience.
