Tucked behind a nondescript door, this intimate Montreal speakeasy dazzles with candlelit cozy vibes, Japanese whiskey art, and expertly crafted cocktails.
"Blink and you might miss the entrance to this speakeasy-style cocktail bar in the Plateau where attentive and smartly-dressed servers pair drinks with highly attentive levels of hospitality. Unique cocktails and wine lists are the name of the game here, as are the hanging bottles of whisky available for rent that guests can return to throughout a year’s time." - JP Karwacki, Eater Staff
"Big In Japan Bar Not to be mistaken for the popular izakaya of the same name (and same owners) down the street, on Boulevard Saint-Laurent and Avenue des Pins, this Big In Japan is on the corner of Boulevard Saint-Laurent and Rue Rachel. You may not notice the sign, or even the door – it adds to the sense of mystery of this high-class drinking establishment (look for the black door near the fast-food restaurant Patati-Patata). From the vaporous curtains to the long shiny U-bar, the atmosphere here is distinctly speakeasy, and the classic cocktails maintain that illusion. The champagne cocktail will never go unwanted, and the Tom Collins is fizzy and tart, as it should be. Or you could dip into the house specialties: sakes, prune wines and Japanese whiskeys, used bottles of which serve as the basis for this stylish spot’s contemporary lamp fixtures."
"Big In Japan Bar Not to be mistaken for the popular izakaya of the same name (and same owners) down the street, on Boulevard Saint-Laurent and Avenue des Pins, this Big In Japan is on the corner of Boulevard Saint-Laurent and Rue Rachel. You may not notice the sign, or even the door – it adds to the sense of mystery of this high-class drinking establishment (look for the black door near the fast-food restaurant Patati-Patata). From the vaporous curtains to the long shiny U-bar, the atmosphere here is distinctly speakeasy, and the classic cocktails maintain that illusion. The champagne cocktail will never go unwanted, and the Tom Collins is fizzy and tart, as it should be. Or you could dip into the house specialties: sakes, prune wines and Japanese whiskeys, used bottles of which serve as the basis for this stylish spot’s contemporary lamp fixtures."
"Quietly tucked behind an unmarked door in the Plateau, this atmospheric speakeasy-style izakaya is the ideal spot for your most intimate tête-à-têtes. The sophisticated cocktail bar is quite small, with just fifty seats in the place, while the dimmed lighting and a stellar selection of sake make for a discreet hideaway from the bustle of St-Laurent Boulevard." - Kaitlyn McInnis
"Thanks to velvet curtains and a long, shiny, U-shaped bar on the corner of Boulevard Saint-Laurent and Rue Rachel, Big In Japan feels like a classy speakeasy. There's a nice selection of sakes and sojus here, plus Suntory Toki, a Japanese whiskey worth a try. The house cocktails are also fabulous; the Tokyo Mule is a a snappy, Mojito-esque concoction with sake, ginger syrup, soda, lime, and mint, and the Rum Sour is a delectably sweet mix of rum, lime, and tonka bean syrup. Classics are expert-level, as well—Champagne cocktails, Negronis, Manhattans—and the punch is an instant party-starter." - Isa Tousignant
