BAR - Big in Japan
4175 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2W 1Y7, Canada+1 438-380-5658
About This Place
BAR - Big in Japan is Montréal’s quintessential cocktail bar tucked away behind an unassuming black door on Boul. Saint-Laurent, offering a sultry and intimate refuge for lovers of finely crafted drinks and atmospheric charm. This spot is a true gem for cocktail enthusiasts seeking a blend of sophisticated mixology and enigmatic ambiance.
Stepping into Big in Japan feels like entering a modern speakeasy with a moody, dimly lit interior that instantly wraps you in a warm, inviting embrace. The space, designed to host around 50 patrons, exudes an aura of privacy and exclusivity — perfect for intimate dates or meaningful conversations. As reviewer Jamaar Valentine noted, its thoughtfully curated atmosphere hits the sweet spot for couples, where the lighting is subtle, the volume just right to whisper secrets, and the corners offer a cozy hideaway from the city's buzz.
The cocktail menu is a masterclass in creativity and balance, showcasing both classic and innovative concoctions. Highlights include the Saké Sour, praised by regulars for its impeccable harmony of flavors, and the delightfully refreshing Tokyo Mule — a must-try for those craving a twist on tradition. For those seeking something a touch more adventurous, the El Jimador and the floral, nuanced Fleur De Surreau provide tactile journeys of taste. Alice Dos Santos’s experience with two espresso martinis complements the offerings perfectly, pairing bold coffee notes with a smooth spirit and an adventurous side of spicy olives that awaken the palate.
Customer service at Big in Japan adds another layer of distinction. The attentive and knowledgeable staff shine, turning your drink order into a shared exploration of flavor. "Sophie," as highlighted by Cindy W, exemplifies this dedication—going above and beyond to craft personalized drinks by collaborating directly with the bartenders. This kind of care not only crafts memorable cocktails but elevates the entire drinking experience into a genuine celebration of hospitality.
Though Big in Japan leans heavily on its drink offerings, a modest selection of snacks like chips can be enjoyed alongside beverages, allowing the focus to remain squarely on the artistry of the cocktails and the convivial vibe. This is a place built for those who appreciate nuanced flavors, from the balanced Manhattan to the aromatic Rhum Sour, all priced fairly between CA$12 and CA$20.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor craving a refined, yet unpretentious destination to savor expertly crafted cocktails in an intriguing setting, Big in Japan is a compelling choice. Its blend of sophisticated drinks, warm ambiance, and thoughtful service creates an experience that lingers long after the last sip.
Contact: +1 438-380-5658
Address: 4175 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2W 1Y7, Canada
Service options
Dine-in DeliveryHighlights
Great cocktails Great wine listAccessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entranceOfferings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Food Food at bar Spirits WineDining options
Table serviceAmenities
ToiletAtmosphere
Cosy Trendy UpmarketCrowd
TouristsPlanning
Accepts reservationsPayments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cardsOpening Hours
-
Monday
Closed -
Tuesday
05:00 PM - 03:00 AM -
Wednesday
05:00 PM - 03:00 AM -
Thursday
05:00 PM - 03:00 AM -
Friday
05:00 PM - 03:00 AM -
Saturday
05:00 PM - 03:00 AM -
Sunday
05:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Map & Directions
Visitor Reviews
-
J
3 week agoBig in Japan has been around for ages but it was our first time visiting on a Friday evening. No wait at 7:30pm, small lineup when we left two hours later. The atmosphere is dark, moody, not too loud, but very warm inside. Cocktails are $12.00 to $20.00. - Saké sour ($16.00) - best of our three drinks - Tokyo mule ($12.00) - El jimador ($18.00)
-
Alice Dos Santos
1 month agoWe had two espresso martinis with a side of spicy olives… nothing better than that. The music was insane, the setting the lighting everything was beautiful. Jono our server made our experience oh so lovely. Such joy in this bar and a beautiful experience
-
Jamaar Valentine
1 month agoAbove all, in my opinion, the place is best for it's atmosphere. Truly great for dates. Easy to have intimate conversation with one other guest, but the volume made it difficult for coverings of 3+ guests. Entered through unsuspecting black door to the right of patita, proceeded down the very dark hallway with an obsolete payphone toward the dimly lit area behind the curtains. Worth noting the interesting design of the majority of seating was effectively at counters served similarly to a traditional U-Shaped bar instead of service from over the shoulder. Our primaryserver Lawson was a treat although there appeared to be a team of 4 working together. Unfortunately, to no fault if the te1m on hand, the HVAC was out making the entire establishment very hot in early September. Service staff was visibly challenged by this with bowties tied and sleeves rolled up. One sole individual kept his black tux coat on through service. Given the unforseen circumstances, it appeared that most parties stayed for only one round and left quickly. Itt us unclear if this is the normal standard of the enviroment and service style. If the establishment wanted to keep guests hour more than one round,I would expect that glasses of water would not be so difficult to acquire upon request. Drinks themselves were clever in inspiration and design. Execution was questionable as garnished fruit and herb were found fully submerged defeating any sense of purpose or intentionality behind what aromas and visuals the garnishes might bring to the cocktails. Nevertheless, the menu was written well albeit difficult to see in the dim light. I would highly recommend for a stop on a date night.
-
Navjot Kaur Bhamrah
1 month agoFleur de Sureau is drink I ordered here the waiter suggested it, and since it was my first time, I really appreciated the recommendation. The place has such great vibes and is clearly more of a drinks-focused spot rather than a food destination. We didn’t order any food and only got some chips to snack on with our drinks. This is definitely a place to come for the atmosphere and the drinks. I’d love to come back again and try more drinks next time.
-
Cindy W
1 month agoHands down, one of the most refined speakeasies in Montreal. This beautiful modern bar with a unique layout that could possibly sit up to 50 people is tucked behind a long hallway. Our server Sophie was very friendly and when I couldn’t figure out what type of drink I should get, she made it her mission to brainstorm with the bartender to curate the perfect drink for me.
-
Laurence Mc
2 month agoMy favorite bar in all of Montreal! All the drinks are impeccable and my absolute favourite is the Fleur de Surreau! On Friday and Saturday after 9pm, the wait can be a bit long (around 15 to 45 mins) because it’s a small private and intimate speakeasy but it is absolutely worth the wait! I recommend coming before 8pm to avoid waiting in line but everything about this place is so cozy with the jazz music and ambient lighting! The drinks are around 10-20$ which is not too expensive if you consider other high end bars! Their cocktails are very strong, taste delicious and are made with great quality alcohols/ingredients. It’s the best place to go to have a nice relaxing chit chat and to savour some great drinks! The servers are great too, super professional and very attentive, so they will come see you if you finish your drinks but they are not very talkative and let you be (which is I guess their style) because they know you come to this bar to talk with the people you are with!!
-
Gela
2 month agoThis speakeasy has some great selection of cocktails. The staff is helpful if you are not sure on what to get, they will offer recommendation to help you find the cocktail you’ll enjoy! The ambience of the place was definitely a vibe and the most interesting part is that they have bottles hanging from the ceiling! you need to visit the place to find out what they’re doing with it :)
-
Tristian Lee
3 month agoCool spot! It is HOT in there. If you are someone that overheats easily, best to avoid. The drinks are good with a balanced flavour and feel. The decor is interesting and subtle. The napkins don’t seem to match the register of the rest of the space.
Share Your Experience
Your Rating
Discover What Travelers Love About This Place
Real experiences, honest impressions, and insights shared by the Wherevi community to help you explore with confidence.
Loch Leven's Larder
Waldo's Chicken & Beer
