In the heart of Montreal, tucked away behind an unassuming door, lies a secret that only those in the know can fully appreciate. The Cloakroom Bar is a speakeasy cocktail lounge that effortlessly combines the mystique and charm of prohibition-era hidden bars with the sophistication and creativity of modern mixology. The intimate and exclusive space offers an experience unlike any other in Montreal-a place where every cocktail is meticulously crafted for each individual guest. Lucky for you, serendipity has led you to this blog so you will have access to the information you need to uncover this hidden Montreal gem!
Finding The Cloakroom Bar:
Finding The Cloakroom Bar is an adventure in itself. It is nestled in Montreal's prestigious Golden Mile, hidden within the Maison Cloakroom which is a high-end tailor and barbership. The Cloakroom Bar is invisible to the untrained eye. There are no flashy signs or neon lights directing you to the bar. Rather, once you enter the building you will be guided through an unmarked door into a hidden world of elegance and intrigue. The only indications that you have found The Cloakroom Bar are the award plaques subtly placed next to the entrance and maybe a few people lingering in the vestibule waiting to be led into the inner sanctum. The Cloakroom Bar has consistently been named as one of the top bars in Canada and North America (most recently, in 2023 they were named Number 2 Bar in Canada on Canada's 100 Best Bars and Number 35 Bar in North America in a list of 50 Best Bars).
The air of secrecy that surrounds The Cloakroom Bar is part of its charm. It is a place you won't stumble upon by accident, but rather one you discover through word-of-mouth or a recommendation from a trusted friend. This exclusivity adds to the allure, making the experience of visiting feel like you are part of an insider's club. I was tipped off by my daughter, Taylor, who had visited Montreal with her boyfriend a few months before. They loved the whole vibe and the personally crafted cocktails and said we HAD to go. How she knew about it I am not sure, but if she tells me she may have to kill me. If anyone asks how you know about it, don't mention my name. ;)
Getting Into The Cloakroom Bar:
Even though it is a very discreet, hidden spot, you don't need to know any kind of secret password or secret handshake to get in. However, as it is a very intitmate setting with only 25 seats you will need to be strategic in planning your visit. They don't take reservations, so you need to time your visit to avoid peak times. They also do not accept groups larger than 6 in order to preserve the intimate and cozy atmosphere that The Cloakroom Bar is known for.
The Cloakroom Bar opens at 4:00 pm, but I was told by one of the owners that it starts getting crowded by 4:15! If you can't make it in time for the first seating, that's ok. Just expect to spend a little bit of time waiting in line before being escorted behind the hidden door. We got there about 9:30 pm on a Friday night and there were a few people waiting in the vestibule outside the nondescript door (a sign we had found the right place). The owner came out and told us it was likely to be at least a half an hour wait and we may want to try our luck another time. I got the impression they don't want a long line forming that would give away the clandestine setting.
After the time warning from the owner, the group in front of us left so we got a little closer to the front of the line. We decided to go ahead and wait it out so we didn't have to arrange our Saturday schedule around getting back to enjoy The Cloakroom experience. About half an hour later, it was finally our turn! We made our way through the hidden door and were guided to our own private little room. We were told we would eventually be moved to the main room, but that never happened. Either way it was a very enjoyable atmosphere and we are so glad we waited!
The Cloakroom Bar Experience:
The true star of The Cloakroom Bar are the cocktails. The mixologists are not just bartenders; they are artists dedicated to the craft of creating the perfect drink. There is no cocktail menu at The Cloakroom Bar-instead the experience is entirely personal. The bartender/mixologist asks each guest questions about their alcohol preference, favorite flavors and maybe even their mood in order to craft a cocktail that is tailored specifically to each guest.
To ensure appreciation of the full flavor of the specialty cocktail, each guest will first be given a clear two ounce shot of a unique handmade drink as a palate cleanser. This palate cleanser may vary from night to night. The palate cleanser we were served was refreshing with a light citrus taste to clear the taste buds for what was to come next.
The ingredients used by The Cloakroom Bar for their cocktails are of the highest quality, often including house-made syrups, fresh herbs and rare, vintage spirits. Each drink is a unique masterpiece made especially for you, making the act of enjoying it feel like a special occasion. Each of us in my group received a cocktail made with an array of ingredients giving each drink a different flavor. I told the bartender I liked vodka, a fruity flavor (as opposed to bitter) and a refreshing drink (as opposed to alcohol forward). I was presented with a very light, pineapple flavored cocktail that was exactly what I would have ordered from a menu. We all thoroughly enjoyed our personalized cocktail!
The Cloakroom Bar-A Must-Visit:
For those who appreciate the art of mixology and the thrill of discovering something hidden and special, The Cloakroom Bar is a must-visit. It is a place where you can escape the ordinary and step into a world where every drink is unique and every visit feels like a well-kept secret. If you are looking for a truly unique and unforgettable experience in Montreal, The Cloakroom Bar should be at the top of your list. Check out their website here for exact location and more information about this magical place.
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