Le Plateau-Mont-Royal Bars & Nightlife

It’s only fifty seats, and there’s no sign out front, but that’s kind of the point. Despite the name, Big in Japan isn’t meant for a big crowd. Behind an unmarked door at the corner of Boul Saint-Laurent and Rue Rachel, though, it is one of the best spots for late-night cocktails in Montreal. If you’re feeling adventurous, the specialties are amazing prune wine, sake, and Japanese whisky.

Le Rouge Gorge is a roomy space with beautiful decorative touches that feel decidedly Parisian. A mix of marble-topped bar and table seating, black tile, exposed brick, and plenty of natural light by day and reflected light by night (from the many windows) contributes to the lively, brasserie-like vibe. The wine list is extensive with bottles ranging from average-priced to the more special, celebratory bottles for a splurge. The by-the-glass selection changes daily and the cocktails—mostly based on classics—have all been upgraded with Rouge George’s signature out-of-the-box touch.

Darling showcases many of the finer beers produced by Montreal’s many microbreweries. The food offering revolves around classic bar snacks like cheese boards, olives, and selections of Italian antipasti. The space itself is incredibly inviting and evocative of the decadence of the ’30s. In contrast to many of the pared-back industrial bars that dot the city, Darling is a feast for the eyes—multiple types of lighting, books scattered about, a mixture of low and high seating, and a polished stone floor, all warmed up with plenty of plants and natural light during the day. While roomy, the space fills up night after night.

Chez Suzanne owns the fairly novel concept of being a dumpling speakeasy, yet conversely, the space has no Chinese design elements and has abandoned the traditionally dark speakeasy-style décor for something lighter and greener. Serving the aforementioned dumplings, twelve lines of craft beer, and an excellent selection of cocktails, Chez Suzanne is a fresh-feeling spot for comfort food and some of the latest beers produced by Montreal’s thriving microbrewery community.