Bar 1608

What a treat to visit this historic hotel while sipping on one of the most creative cocktail bars in QC. As soon as we were seated at the bar, we were served water and bar snacks. The service was very smooth, and in between watching our bartender make all the beautiful drinks, he took time to jot down other speakeasies around town for us to visit. Our chosen cocktails, Hemingway’s Retreat and Soie, were out of this world. Yes, both drinks were expensive, but rightfully so given the location and the complexity of the drinks. Both drinks were so tasty that we can’t wait to return again to try other drinks.

Due to the history of the building and the sheer jaw-dropping splendor of the exterior, it's views and decor inside its worth a visit. Yes you'll pay a little more for the drinks and food but you don't go there unaware. Overall it's worth a visit just for what it is versus going there to try Michelin food and innovative cocktails, there are other places in Quebec City that are worth a visit for those elements.

Nice bar in Chateau Frontenac, just a bit pricey. We had a drink here for the first time in March 2025 as part of our vacation/anniversary. They have a menu of signature drinks and plenty of other options to choose from and the bartenders are very skilled and polite. They offer you potato chips and another mix of crunchy snacks while you wait. We had a mojito that was pretty good and the drink of the day with rosemary that was set on fire, which was unique and pretty good too. $55 for 2 drinks, we find to be a bit excessive but overall the space is nice with staff who were very helpful and professional. Worth a visit for a special occasion drink.

Absolutely beautiful atmosphere, historic as can be in Canada. Friendly staff who make amazing cocktails, small bites are good too. Cocktails are simple but perfect, and coming from Toronto the prices are not that steep for this once in a lifetime experience for many. Don’t expect the world, just go in and pretend you’re back in 1608 AD. Cocktails from 24-32 dollars, pints of beer at 14

This was a fun stop if you wanted to go into the hotel and are not staying there. The drinks were good - but very expensive and not anything exceptional compared to other options in the city. Staff are friendly, but it is definitely like moving the herds through. I think it does well simply because it is in the hotel.

We only went for a few drinks, and it was definitely worth it. The view is beautiful, and the atmosphere and service are both excellent. I recommend it if you’re looking to enjoy some drinks and have a great unique experience

After a stressful train ride from Montreal, 1608 Bar filled my cup… literally! The drink menu is gorgeous! There’s beautiful hand-painted photos of the drinks as well as a write up of the history, ingredients ands anything else. There’s a cocktail specifically made for Anthony Bourdain. The Old Fashioned was out of this world-definitely in my top 5 ever! My server Henri was lovely and recommended some things for me to do while in QC! He was incredibly busy so it was nice to chat for a hot sec. The bar itself is masculine with dark wood, books and a fireplace. The views of the St. Lawrence are awesome (if you’re seated near a window). The tables are tightly packed together so you so absolutely overhear (and possible even meet!) your table neighbors! The bathrooms are in the hotel (go to the 1st Christmas tree and turn left!) but there’s several stalls. There’s also several staff members if you get lost on your way back! Everyone speaks perfect English as well!

Bar 1608 is definitely my favorite bar to go to when going to Quebec city. Located in one of the most photographed hotels in the world, Chateau Frontenac, this bar feels like luxury, the drinks menu with pictures is well done. The staff is professional and always making sure you are having a good time!

Stopped here for drinks prior to having dinner at Le Sam. Lots of room in the bar. It had to go on a wait list as they didn't have enough staff. Pretty bad for one of the largest if not the largest hotel in Quebec City.

Every once again you have to just say "I deserve this!" And this my friends is one of those days! We came into this bar after a brief wait time upon there 2 pm opening. We sat in a low top corner table over looking the river . Our server Felix was so delightful to us. He was polite , energetic and knowledgeable. He gave us many tips and pointers from dishes to drinks to local things to do and try. We settled on some of the more important things in life , wine champagne caviar meats and cheeses. All of the above mentioned were just what we needed and deserved in life. The caviar was local the meats were cured to perfection the champagne bubbles went from your toes to your nose and the wine warm your heart. Beyond the amazing table fare the hotel leading up was beautifully decorated with various Christmas trees and decor. The ambiance kept the Christmas vibe alive. I highly recommend trying this place and trusting in the staff . I would hope you have 1/2 the experience we had and you will leave with a full belly a warm body and a complete heart! Merry Christmas to all . Live laugh and treat yourself cause you deserve it!!

Wanted to do cocktails based on the reviews of this place. The cocktails did not disappoint! We had to wait about 10 mins to get a seat at the bar and were seated directly in front of the bartender. We got to observe him in action with all the convictions he put together. We were served popcorn and chips while waiting for our drinks. We were not provided with water as most high end bars automatically do. We ordered the Artic char which was very fresh and we also tried the duck croquettes, those were also tasty. The place is a bit loud and was very busy. It was in a great location and in the special historic chateau Frontenac. Good place to check out and wind down after a busy day in Quebec.

The atmosphere was upbeat and lots of mingling happening in this place. We got a spot directly in front of the bartenders work area which was great. Between people watching we had another show of him doing his magic. Nothing to complain about food wise either.

Very great bar with an amazing bar tender that makes great cocktails on and off the menu. Very enjoyable place for drinks and oysters.

Really cool drinks and a nice atmosphere. If you're staying at the hotel make this a stop on your evening travels.

Stopped in for drinks, just because it's in the Chateau. Very skilled bartending and great waitstaff, who were helpful in making selections. I chose the Smoked Old Fashioned, which uses their very own version of Maker's Mark, and a 1608 Cocktail Club. Both were well done and delicious. It was great to be able to sit in such a great hotel and atmosphere for a little while and pretend we could afford to stay at such an establishment.

A little pricey but worth it! We ordered 6 drinks and one cheese plate and our bill was 260 Canadian dollars. Cheese plate was excellent. Drinks were creative. Great place to stop.

Awesome drinks here. Unfortunately didn't get the standard experience because the main spot was under renovations, so we were seated in an underground wine cellar type temporary location. But here I experienced the best Negroni I've ever had.

We went there on Easter weekend just to have a drink. Place it's ok, environment acceptable, service very good. However very pricy for what you get ( location for sure). Would I recommend to go? Maybe but there are way better places around.

The cocktail bar at Chateau Frontenac overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence river. We got there a few minute before opening on a Sunday and we were first in line which gave us the best seats in the house. We had the Bella Vita and a wonderful glass of Malbec with a platter of cheeses. Expensive? Yes, but oh so worth it!

This place is a world class bar. We came here for drinks before our reservation for Le Continental. I wish I could have stayed for the food which looked phenomenal. But those drinks. Those wonderful, wonderful drinks. Is their a more skilled bunch of bartenders in Quebec City than this place? If so, id love to know because the bartenders here are at the top of their game. Perfectly balanced drinks, inventive drinks. The strawberry gin drink with drops of tarragon oil was *chefs kiss*. This bar is a must try if you are in QC.

Really sexy bar with great vibes. The waitstaff was excellent, and we ended up spending a lot of time here. We got the beef pate (small plate) and were pleasantly surprised. It came with crackers, some fruit and jams as well. It was delicious. This is a great place to stop by for drinks.

Beautiful bar, tasty cocktails, great music! One of the best espresso martinis I've ever had. Our bartender was so pleasant and attentive.

Amazing vibes here, we were staying at the Frontenac and decided to grab a few drinks here. This is the place to go if you're looking for true mixology! We also got the cheese board which was very good as well! Definitely recommend stopping in here.

This review is not for those of you that live this lifestyle all the time...for those of you who can afford to actually stay in this historic hotel. This review is for those of us that would like to feel for a moment what it might be like to stay in a such a charming place. TIP: Go off hours...there's not a lot of room in this bar area. We went late afternoon, before typical bar hour time. By the time we left, it was packed. Two of us had wine, while the other two had mixed drinks. All were just right. Our server brought us some munchies, and was kind enough to plug my phone into an outlet at the bar to charge when I asked. (sadly it didn't work though, but I never told him). For us this was one of those magical moments where for a short while we felt part of something way beyond our everyday grasp. Note in point: a couple was just getting in their Bentley that the Valet brought them as we were walking away.

Quirky little bar with wonderful views in the Chateau Frontenac. While the Chateau Frontenac is a big deal out here and is very nice, the 1608 Bar was resting on those laurels instead of its own; the 1608 Bar is right next to the fancy Champlain restaurant. We were seated relatively quickly, and then sat there for the longest time to see if anyone would mosey over and take a drink order. They finally did, and left a little bowl of stale nuts for us to munch on. The drinks themselves were only fair. One in our group wasn't up for alcohol so she ordered lemonade - what came out was seltzer water with a lemon squeezed into it - 1 star bad. Another had an Amareto Sour and it was 2 star affair - it really didn't taste anything like one from the States and I didn't know it would be so different up north in Canada - they must have used some off brand mixer or used a different recipe because we didn't finish this drink either ... just maybe they gave us a New York Sour by accident. The last in our party had a Boulevardier and this one barely reaches 3 stars; once again they must have used a substitute for the regular ingredients (1 part whiskey/rye, 1 part Compari, and 1 part sweet vermouth) or their recipe is just different (the 1608 Bar recipe was supposed to have some brandy in it also) - either way it was just OK. All in all, the Bar is more show than go and we would not return. In fairness, we did not try the food items in the 1608 Bar and they may be a difference maker to some.

Second time at 1608 in the Frontenac. Don't listen to the naysayers, it's got great atmosphere and they actually put alcohol in their drinks so it's worth the $$

Amazing bar at the Chateau Frontenac! Prices were surprisingly reasonable here considering the venu. We both got cocktails and the mixed platter which I highly recommend! It was a mix of several different meats, two cheeses, berries and jamThey also serve complimentary nuts with drinks. I would most definitely come back!

My husband and I stopped in for an afternoon drink and charcuterie board. I tried a local white wine and very much enjoyed it! The charcuterie board was not only beautiful but delicious. It was my first time trying pate and it definitely will not be my last! Beautiful modern bar in an iconic hotel.

Best hotel bar in Québec...hands down! Located inside the Chateau Frontenac, in historic Old Québec. I chose a classic gin martini, prepared with Québec's Piger Henricus gin, made by Les distillateurs subversifs (the subversive distillers). It has a floral note, and includes parsnip in its flavor profile. The olives alone in this martini are worth the trip up the hill by foot or funicular, the latter being a cable with ascending and descending cars, counterbalanced. The bartenders at 1608 are exceptional architects of adult beverage. We enjoyed a 180° view of the port from comfy seating behind the centrifuge bar.

If this is a "cheese bar," then that term is meaningless. The cheese plate appeared inviting, with various fruits and jams, but the interest ended there. The actual cheese selection process was lazy. They ignored our request for a blue cheese or anything with a pungent smell (I demand a strong nasal assault from my cheeses!). They placed three remarkably similar (and boring) cheeses, two of which felt like something we'd get at a grocery store. What a disappointment. The waiter boasted they had hundreds of cheese varieties, but fell flat on his face in explaining them. Also, the deer tartare was remarkably boring, with virtually no discernible interesting taste. Short version: a warm place to have an expensive drink when it's too nasty outside to enjoy the nice view.

This bar is located inside of Fairmont de Frontenac Castle. It's also pretty darn cozy and romantic with class and elegance. The cocktail menu is impressive, be-careful though you could find yourself ordering a $500 cocktail without not even knowing it! We had a wine and cheese plate, multiple different cocktails and they were all on point each time. Super pricey $20 for casual cocktail USD. The staff was friendly, accommodated us Texans with no issues, very awesome place to watch the snow fall and have a drink.

Bar with a Great atmosphere and ambiance. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The different seating areas are great depending if you are there for a date or group setting. The drinks: excellently crafted and tailored, perfect balance in cocktails. ** I am an old fashion snob, and usually find that most bars don't make it well. This bar makes the perfect old fashion (asked for Makers Mark). The balance and choice of bitters was excellent - I wouldn't doubt it if they made their own bitters. The cheese plate was very delicious and came very thoughtfully put together. If I had to find one flaw, I would say that for a craft cocktail bar (and the fact that it's a bit pricy), I wish they had specialty ice cubes, perhaps bigger squares of sphere for the bourbon/whisky drinks Etc. But overall a great experience !

Beautiful semi-circle wine bar in the Fairmont hotel. Highlights: - Lovely comfortable seating areas at chairs around the bar - Views: later at night by the windows you can see the lit up buildings by the water - Fun music: but not too loud so you could still hold a conversation - Chili popcorn and a snack mix were great to much on - Liked the wines we ordered - Offered local cheeses and other snacks for purchase - Contemporary art: blue-haired David Bowie and painting of people serving wine at a bar. Also Beauty and the Beast like glass cylinders encompassing large vodka bottles. Lowlights: - Have to wait to be seated during more crowded times - No affordable glasses of sparkling wine: cheapest was 29 Canadian dollars Loved it here that we visited twice in our 4 day stay--and probably would have more if we had the time.

Was craving wine and cheese and was staying in the hotel, so I decided to travel downstairs to see what this was about. We got a seat right away and was brought chips and some nuts, while we waited to order. My partner got a non alcoholic drink, I think the grandmas pie, and it tasted good. I settled for the Pinot gris. I really wanted to only have wines from Canada and their wine menu left me wanting more options, which is why they lost a star. We got a cheese plate and were asked our preference, we didn't really have one. We got a goat cheese, brie, and blue cheese. All which were good.

Lovely hunting type atmosphere (even if dead animals are not my thing). Dark and well appointed room. Great seating options. Just here for an after dinner drink but we were glad we stopped in. I had amaretto di saronno on the rocks and it came with 1/2 a lemon that I squeezed into and rubbed around the glass. I've never had it that way and it is my new fav drink. Hubby had single malt. Only drawback was the pours were small. For a fancy bar in a fancy hotel with fancy prices they could be more generous. Here again tonight. Same cheap pours. Intolerable and wrong.

Beautiful views and a great wine list. Can't wait to visit again and try the delicious charcuteries we kept seeing go by!

AmaZing cheese plate, great ambience, and great wine. Had to escape here from all the tourist traps. Only wish it was bigger and could have more views like the restaurant next door. But maybe they made it less crowded.

We had a great time at this place! If you are a wine and/or cheese lover, you will have a great time. Drinks are carefully made. Decor is fantastic. Service is friendly and unpretentious. Bar tenders are true pros. Cheese platter is wonderful. Enjoy!

We loved it. It is a small bar inside the fairmount hotel. At the end of the long corridor. They have a line usually in front. There is a hostess who will get you a table or bar stool soon. Be prepared to wait. The cocktails and bartenders are great. It is bit pricy but worth every penny. We also had the mixed board which are out of the world. Pretty sand great food.

1608 Wine & Cheese bar is located in an upscale hotel in the old town. We stopped in without a reservation on a Saturday night and by party of 2 was sat within 30 minutes. The Patriots and Bills game was on in the restaurant next door, so we watched from afar. We were sat at a small table with comfortable chairs. The waiter came over about 10 minutes later and abruptly asked what we wanted. I asked for about 1 more minute as we were settling in. He didn't come back for another 10 minutes, which seemed excessive. A 5oz pour of wine is going to run you $20 CAD, so be prepared. About 20 minutes in I flagged the waiter down and asked for a food menu. This is actually when he started to become friendlier, which was a welcomed change. We ordered the smoked salmon, cheese board, and olives. All were quite tasty. In the end, 3 stars helped by the food, and hurt by the service. A marked change in attitude seemed phony and driven by a higher potential for a larger tip.

Yelp describes 2 stars as "Meh" which is pretty much how I feel about this bar, but I'll give it three for the view/location. The bar is very upscale and nice, but I don't feel like the service really matched up. As other reviewers have stated, there isn't a lot of character here that makes this bar unique. It is very much like other upscale hotel bars. The drinks are very expensive but I do admit they are pretty good. Nothing was super mind-blowing, but well-crafted drinks. You can get the same quality drinks for much cheaper outside of this hotel, though. The view is nice, and the seating is comfortable. Overall, there just isn't too much to say.

1608 is an amazing bar! Don't be shy, and take a load off in one of their comfy leather chairs by the fireplace or by one of their grande windows near the back of the bar. Service was fantastic, and the hubby and I felt very welcomed. We relaxed and people watched as plenty of other tourists came in to take pics of the bar. Had a white cosmo which was the best thing I ever had and the hubs had a drink which I think was called "jam the sam" which was spicy yet fruity----so good! We also got a cheese board which I highly recommend. It was delish and we sampled various types of Quebec cheese. Time went by so quickly and the environment was so relaxing that we did not want to leave. Price wise-yes it was expensive, but totally worth it! ;)

A visit to Quebec city should include a drink at this famous bar located inside the Château Frontenac. The drink menu it's self is worth the trip, as it is a book of drinks, and history. The views of the St. Lawrence River are spectacular, and there is a nice selection of wine and beer, and charcuterie. One could compose a very nice evening, sampling the drinks and the food, without ever venturing into the more famous an elaborate restaurant next-door. The buyer can get crowded, so be prepared to wait, especially if you arrive at happy hour, but be sure to put this place on your "must do" list.

Classy and elegant hotel bar at the famous Frontenac. Too expensive to stay here, so a drink at the bar was the next best thing. Drinks prices are typical hotel bar prices, but not more than that. It's actually a smallish bar set between two of the hotel restaurants. The bar is in the middle and tables around it, a mix of low and high tables. The wait time for a table was less than 10 minutes. You get two bowls of complimentary bar snacks. Check out the art in the hotel lobby just outside the bar, prices up to 100,000 dollars.

I was left disappointed in the bar at the Chateau Frontenac. I expect more from a famous and historic hotel than this generic cocktail lounge. You could take this bar and place it any upscale hotel in the world and it would fit--it lacked any of the personality I expect from one of Canada's most famous and historic, old hotels. The place was loud and crowded. The music playing was the same, sad mix of 80s music you can find in virtually any bar anywhere. The service was slow. The drinks were only good but very expensive. In short, this was exactly like any hotel bar. If you want an expensive, "classy" experience while listening to Michael Jackson or Diana Ross, head to the nearest hotel bar in your town, and you'll get the same feel as an evening at 1608. This being the Chateau Frontenac I expected something more unique, iconic, and memorable. Also disappointing is that this is one of the few bars with a supposed view in Quebec, sitting atop the bluff overlooking the Saint Lawrence Seaway, but this bar makes nothing of its windows. Banquettes and chairs are positioned facing away from the windows and into the bar. I felt this was the sort of bar created to impress tourists who are not familiar with the Chateau Frontenac's history and significance. It apparently works, given the other five-star reviews, but in an uncommon and celebrated 125-year-old hotel, I expected more than the same experience I can have at any hotel lounge in my hometown.

This is definitely a tourist trap. For $19, I got half of a Cosmo martini - see picture below. Service was friendly but EXTREMELY slow. There are too many places to get a decent drink in this area. Skip this place.

Manifique! A lovely, upscale yet historical little bar overlooking the river. On a cold day there is nothing better than grabbing a fireside spot and tucking into the popcorn and nut mix while you wait for your Cafe Baileys.

Drinks: 5 Decor: 4.5 Ambiance: 5 Service: 4.5 Value: 4.5 There was no way we were coming to Quebec and not getting a meal or drinks at the Chateau. We chose to come to this bar for some cocktails, and were lucky enough to grab the seats by the fireplace. They bring some fantastic little snacks for you to munch on while you order. And this place definitely knows how to mix drinks! The prices are high, but for the overall experience, it is absolutely worth it!

So gorgeous and stylish! We came in to warm up on a cold day and ordered hot chocolates with Baileys. They were perfection! The whipped cream was to die for! The drinks were so good, we stayed for another. The service was SO friendly, and they gave us two bowls of complimentary snacks. Fabulous views of Old Quebec and the St Lawrence.

Conveniently located in the Chateu Frontenac this bar has a sleek, upscale vibe- with the prices to match! We were only able to stop in for a few drinks late on a weeknight and despite last call imminently upon us there was a decent crowd at the bar. It's a nice convenience to have if you're staying at the hotel but nothing too exciting to make a special trip for a drink... Especially at $15-18 a cocktail and just about $19 for most small plate offerings. I tried the rum and gold which was good but nothing mind blowing. My colleague had the mojito which he raved about so maybe go for that if you stop in.

This is my favorite bar is Quebec City. The view is fantastic and the drinks made with skill. I especially love the free spiced popcorn. I could eat it all day long. The staff is attentive but realize it's a small venue. It can fill up quickly in the evening. The meat and cheese plates look amazing.

Had a great time in this gorgeous bar overlooking the water. Food was so good and reasonable. Never felt rushed even though we spent 2 hours nibbling and chatting!

Interesting bar scene and cocktails. Got to try the cheese plates. I had the whiskey sour which tasted amazing with the Malbec topping.

Had drinks here-- it's definitely iconic. I would recommend stopping by here if you're visiting the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. We came around 4:30pm on a Thursday and it was pretty crowded. We sat at the bar and the bartender was so patient and kind. They offered a sundry of cocktails in a booklet!

All this place really has going for it is the view and the vague facade if being fancy. We were seated quickly at a small table with a bench on one side and fuzzy cushioned chair on the other. Right away, things were looking suspect. A fuzzy chair in a place that serves snacks that produce copious amounts of crumbs. The chair cushion was filthier than a dog who had rolled around in the street. Brushing it off just released more food matter from deeper in the fluff. I sucked it up and sat in the filth. The menus are some odd little pamphlets with random diagrams of drink making tools. There's only actually a handful of cocktails listed and they appeared to still be using a winter menu in mid summer. At this point you may glance around and notice that most people are just drinking beer. Stella, Bud Light, etc. Nothing fancy for the most part. Turns out, those people are smart and know they're just here for the view and to sit on some filthy chairs. We ordered some cocktails from the menu and luckily someone next to us left so I could join my wife on the bench seat and actually face the view (and get off the matted fuzz cushion full of food bits). There are old copies of magazines laying around which was odd. It gives an almost waiting room type feel. Especially once the waiting starts. We waited about forty minutes for our two cocktails to arrive. They're big on looking fancy here, so they arrive with the need to finish at the table. Some tea like something in mine and perfume sprayed on my wife's, naturally they mixed up whose was whose. The drinks themselves were okay if small and not equivalent to an actual drink. I was jealous of the people with a cheap beer at this point. I never saw a food menu after expressing interest in food. Water was never brought despite it being a sweltering hot day. We sat with empty glasses for at least twenty minutes before flagging someone down to get the check, which at least they brought quickly. The check suggests fifteen percent gratuity right on it. Rarely do I dock a tip. I can't remember the last time I did it, but in this case I only left a few dollars on our two drink bill which came to about fifty dollars. Do yourself a favor and just go to one of the many little cafes along the old streets instead of going here. It may not seem as fancy, but everything will be better except maybe the view, which you can get for free out on the boardwalk. If you must go here, just order a beer.

The striking decor of 1608 looks as though edgy Restoration Hardware designers had a field day. It's tasteful and posh... or in other words you will feel cool sitting here sipping your whatever. Cocktail menu is fun (the Hurricane was very good), beer selection is pathetic, and wine list is extensive. The cheese platter we ordered was a work of art and service was just fine. It's a nice place to have a drink before a night in Old Quebec City.

So fun! The food, drinks, service, and view were all exceptional! The cheese plate and the flatbread were awesome, and the waiter was very knowledgeable and gave us multiple options for wine given our tastes. Wonderful experience!

What a beautiful place! We stopped in for some drinks and a small bite to eat after touring the Christmas Market. The view is incredible, the atmosphere was lovely and vibrant. We had a tray of meats and cheeses with a few drinks, a little pricey but was in line with other places in the area. Simply lovely, a must if you like nice views and ambiance...not stuffy or too fancy.