Mark T.
Yelp
Well, my first mistake was going to the Cloakroom Bar first. They blow all others, including Atwater, out of the water (pun not intended). However, I appreciate that from my perspective, Cloakroom is in a league of its own (sixth-star territory). Considering that, Atwater is still on solid footing as a 5-star cocktail bar.
To start, I enjoyed the ambiance here. There is ample lighting to see your drink, food, and the person next to you, with the speakeasy environment being maintained more with dark wood being used throughout. Gives it a classy and upscale feel, too. Also, a huge plus: Atwater only lets in as many people are there are seats, so people won't be clamoring over you for a drink. As for the music, it was not only at an enjoyable volume, but the playlist was terrific. One thing of note: at the start of the night, I would have told you I'm not keen on bass so deep I could feel it in my chest. However, after a drink and a half, I almost didn't care and even found myself vibing to the music as it was.
Regarding drinks, these were fabulous, from the menu to the cocktails themselves. They have a thorough yet colorful and easy-to-navigate menu. It describes everything from the ingredients, broader flavor notes (e.g., fruity, refreshing, citrusy, etc.), glassware, and even ABV! Also, shoutout for a respectable selection of non-alcoholic options.
I had the pleasure of trying the Glitter Green, La Chichera, and the Smoke Show. While I can't break down drinks in the same way as food, here's what I can tell you: These three drinks were distinct, flavorful, and had interesting twists to elevate them. Especially memorable was the Smoke Show, which as the name hints, is immersed in smoke before serving. Adds a delightful aroma and, as I understand it, gives a feeling of aged spirit. What makes it so interesting, though, is smoke is usually used in whiskey cocktails, not so much fruity and refreshing ones.
For food, I had the opportunity to try the BBQ Frog Legs and the Cheeseburger. Be forewarned, the frog legs are messy, much more than chicken wings. Though the flavors and textures... MMM! The skin was delicate and crisp, and the protein underneath was incredibly tender. As for the sauce, it had a pleasant, mild sweetness and fantastic tang and savoriness. When it comes to burgers, this was one of the more unusual ones I'd ever had. This is, by design, a fork-and-knife affair. The bread, meat, caramelized onions, and luscious melty cheese combined with the demi-glace port sauce make something delicious and unique. This is a plate of subtlety; the sweetness and saltiness are light; meanwhile, the patty, complimented by the sauce, exudes savory and meaty notes. Who needs meat juices when you have demi-glace? Am I right?
Finally, there is the matter of service. The bar staff was welcoming and friendly. Nevertheless, I wish the bar service was slightly faster and more attentive. However, I want to be understanding about them being shorthanded. The two bartenders were working rapidly non-stop to make drinks for those seated at the bar and those at tables and couches.
Thus, Atwater Cocktail Bar shines in more ways than one. The vibe is inviting, the food is tasty, and the drinks show the bar's creativity. Atwater is absolutely worth a return visit when I am back in Montreal.