With sleek purple velvet and plenty of wooden accents, Typhoon Lounge is anything but a disaster aesthetically. This low-key spot is a hidden gem within the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighborhood of Montreal. The selections of wines and liquors are beyond satisfactory, while the phenomenal martinis are headlined by their signature Typhoon (a concoction of vodka, melon liqueur, blue curaçao, Seven Up, lime and grenadine). Complicated? Sure. Tasty? Of course! If you're getting a late start to the evening, no worries - the kitchen is open 'til late. And during the warm summer months, gather on the terrace for the ambiance and live music.
Recommended for Lounges because: It has one of the best patios for listening to music.
Sherel's expert tip: Check online for ever-changing food and drink specials like "Whisky and wings Wednesdays" and "Taco and tequila Tuesdays".
Billy Kun is the more sophisticated sister bar of Le Cheval Blanc, easily identified by the signature stuffed ostrich heads adorning the walls running the length of the lounge. It serves the same great brew as Le Cheval Blanc but the location is more accessible on Mont-Royal near St. Denis around the corner from the Mont-Royal Metro station. It's also a great spot to relax, drink absinthe and take in a jazz quartet. It's more popular with the 30 plus crowd of professionals and successful artists and most of the conversations seem to be in French. Its low light setting is perfect for date night although the music can get a tad loud for conversation.
Recommended for Lounges because: It's eclectic decor have made Bily Kun's a Montreal landmark.
Sherel's expert tip: Order the absinthe, as it is difficult to find in other lounges.
Located in the heart of downtown, this trendy spot is where celebrities and young professionals gather to mix and mingle. Feast on a number of succulent Mediterranean-style dishes before dancing the hours away to popular house beats. Also, bottle service upon reservation is available. Dress to impress, as the dress code is strictly enforced. Pricey, yet savvy, Time is a "must do" for everyone who's anyone. Conveniently located on the edge of Montreal's downtown and business district, Time Supper Club is tucked away close to the Old Port and away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Set in a landmarked 1930's Art Deco bank building, Time is a refreshingly high-styled space like no other.
Recommended for Lounges because: It's a classy club in a beautiful 1930's former bank building.
Sherel's expert tip: It's only open on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Aficionados and novices alike find plenty to love at this stylish lounge. The selection of whiskey is truly astounding and if the plethora of choices makes your head spin, opt for a sampler. Or try a tasting of grappas instead. Alternatively, you could try a pairing of champagne and foie gras, ice wine and chocolate, or porto and cheese. There's a separate cigar lounge, as well. This is the place to celebrate the good life. Whisky Café is a great concept situated in a pleasant space with an impressive drink menu. As might be expected in a Scotch whiskey bar, the menu is a bit lighter on bourbon and rye.
Recommended for Lounges because: Here you will find one of the largest selections of whisky in Montreal.
Sherel's expert tip: Having a hard time choosing your whisky? Order a sampler.
About a dozen craft-brewed beers are on tap at any one time at Dieu du Ciel! (loosely translated as "Oh my god!"), ranging from an amber hemp beer to a hoppy IPA to a chocolaty stout to seasonal absinthe and fennel ale. The place has a neighborhood bar atmosphere (friendly and casual) with a brewpub philosophy (lots of unique, excellent beers). The downside is that it is so popular it's not unusual for patrons to grab their drinks from the bar then wait for a table to open up - come prepared to stand up during the busy late evening hours.
Recommended for Lounges because: It's a good destination for those who care as much about food as they do about drinks.
Sherel's expert tip: It's popular, so be prepared to grab your beer at the bar and stand around waiting for a table.
Stogies cigar lounge, established in 1996, is a comfortable spot to hang out and enjoy local drink specials including beer, try out rare cigars and in winter, enjoy the outdoor firepits. Stogies has been at the forefront of the lounge scene in Montreal from the day it first opened. This elegant, yet down to earth lounge has something for everyone. From 101 martinis, great scotches to a rare Cuban cigar, this is your first and last stop in Montreal. Being one of Montreal's few remaining cigar lounges, the Habanos dealer will guarantee you the best in authentic Cuban cigars at retail prices.
Recommended for Lounges because: It's a great blend of sophistication in a laid back setting.
Sherel's expert tip: For convenience cigars can be purchased onsite, online or you're welcome to bring your own - minus the cutting fee - with a one drink minimum.
A longtime local favorite, Karina's lounge sits on top of another popular spot-the Winston Churchill Pub. Karina's offers warm, comfortable surroundings thanks to the candle-lit tables in an intimate space featuring wood, leather and marble accents. A weekend dance spot with popular DJs, comedy nights, theme nights and a full solid menu and excellent drink specials and two for one happy hour keep the customers coming back to this fun, laid back spot on Crescent Street which offers better prices than its neighbors. It's perfect for early evening drinks or late night dancing for a range of ages from college students to the middle-aged.
Recommended for Lounges because: A perennial favorite, providing Montrealers with great views and a real cocktail lounge experience with a wide variety of evening entertainment.
Sherel's expert tip: Check their weekly listings for the wide variety of entertainment from DJs to comedians to singers and musicians.
Cozy and popular, Tokyo has two separate spaces, a lively dance floor and separate patios. Whether you feel like chilling out with friends or dancing up a storm, you can do it here. DJs and occasional live bands liven up one space, but the lounge and two rooftop terraces provide ample room to escape to a less manic scene if the mood strikes you. Eclectic, creative martinis are the drink of choice. So relax atop the city's best terraces, meet the friendliest staff and enjoy the sounds of progressive DJ lineups. Tokyo Bar is a fun, pretentious-free space, caterings to an international party set.
Recommended for Lounges because: The layout of the Tokoyo Bar and the great staff ensures a good time for everyone.
Sherel's expert tip: Take time out from dancing to enjoy the rooftop views.
A newish bar from 2018, the intimate space sits on top of Fugazzi Pizza by the same owners who are well-versed in the food and drink world. The attractive space behind the faux leopard skin and orange door glows purple blacklight inside - a favorite Montreal design theme - in reference to 80s urban bar design. The cocktails can be "of the moment" variety in deference to customer demands and are served in themed glasses (try the giant swan). A range of the best tunes from several musical genres including retro favorites add to the good time vibes the lounge is famous for.
Recommended for Lounges because: Cool surroundings and interesting theme nights combined with good prices make for a great night out.
Sherel's expert tip: No reservations accepted. Arrive around 9 p.m. to catch the sweet spot between "happening" and long line-ups.
A high-end glamourous spot attached to the swanky Birks Hotel in a 19th-century building. The wide open, shiny space features glistening inlaid red-blond herringbone wood floors and a large gleaming circular bar. Long, curvy peach sofas and floor to ceiling glass and chrome windows complement the gorgeous space that facilitates private conversations. Creative cocktails feature grilled sesame syrup and mango infusions justify the high prices. Reminiscent of the European brasserie Henri's serves high quality yet simple French comfort food - perfect tasty steaks, shrimp, soups and salads are all favorites with wines to match every course - again a bit pricey but to be expected in such grand surroundings.
Recommended for Lounges because: Henri's is a great place to see and be seen in Montreal's favorite hotel.
Sherel's expert tip: Henri's makes an excellent venue for when you're out to impress someone - a date or a business associate etc. as its known for its high level of service, food and drinks that command top dollar.