The Emerald

Stopped by on a Sunday afternoon to have drinks on the terrace in the front. Delicious classic cocktails with a lot of attention to detail. Many other reviews mention the 1920s, and you really do feel transported to a different era when you're inside. Absolutely loved all of the plants and the aesthetic of the bar. The bartender, Felix, was knowledgable and friendly.

It's the barman and the servers that make this place. The front room is a bit bright for a bar, the back room is just right, but the large volume of the spaces somehow doesn't quite fit the prohibition era, nooks for tete-a-tete vibe that the furniture tries to achieve. There's also a strange smell of old carpet in the back.

What’s the deal with the couch? Tries to be upscale but you’re asked to leave your card or pay in advance. Drinks are okay but somewhat basic. So you’re better off at Atwater cocktail club or big in Japan.

I had my first whiskey sour here years ago and thought I’d revisit on a recent trip to the city. The place has nothing to do with what it used to be. They can’t make a whiskey sour any more, which is fine, but they listed a total of five basic cocktails they were able to make. The atmosphere is beyond obnoxiously pretentious now too with a dj in what used to be a chill lounge area in the back.

This nightclub is a dismal gathering spot where the desperately insignificant delude themselves with fantasies of importance. A 20-year-old teenager, self-styled as a “Part Owner,” aggressively confronted me outside while I was LITERALLY minding my own business because the sound system was down. She got in my face and demanded, “What do you want? You’re scaring my friend.” I have never experienced someone saying this to me let alone such unprofessional and confrontational behavior in my life! If you enjoy being lectured by teenagers who think they’re Tom Cruise but are actually baristas, on intersectionality and why you’re a terrible person, then this is the place for you. Otherwise, steer clear if you value respect and genuine enjoyment. *Review written in a style its patrons would write.

First time I ever went to the Emerald, it was an organized event in the back of the bar. Comfortable couches and chairs spread out like a very large living room. Drinks were good, food was catered so unsure of food menu. Staff was pleasant, although only one person behind the bar and owner or manager seemed to be running around a lot. The front of the bar was not part of the event and was busy on a Saturday night. Not sure if I would return for a drink but for an organized event it was good.

Pretty empty in a Tuesday evening (as expected). We got great service from a friendly barman/waiter. Cocktails are great, good music, and calm ambiance. Recommended for a date or a chill evening. Very large sofas in the back are great for groups.

Not the cleanest bar. The toilets were constantly out of order and the que for them drove us insane. They literally didn't have any selection. When I asked for tomato juice with one of my drinks, they apologized and said they only had the basics. Wait a minute!! I thought tomato juice was one of the basics!!!! They ran out of beer in the middle of the night and we were left with a poor choice of hard alcohol and really no choice for mixes. I mean, what kind of bar has no juice? I have a feeling their booe was either replaced in the bottles or watered down, but I can't prove it. Overall very unhappy.

The Emerald only deserves a two star rating..., 'cause 1. All the bathrooms are dirty with black stains on some parts of the wall, the floor are old dirty with cracks, toilets are so old out of date with yellow marks on them, the sinks are really ancient with rust marks and sadly to say it doesn't smell clean at all. 2. The djs are awesome and play great House Music. 3. Drinks are too expensive, the service is too slow cause there's only one bar available.., they should install another bar and hire more waitresses. 4. What is absurdis that they let you smoke only weed on the dance floor, but you are not allowed to smoke cigarettes... what gives 5. They do not sell food anymore and just a place to chill from 10:00PM to 11:30PM then the Djs are playing the House Jam till 3:00AM. So like I said.., the best part is the House Music.

The Emerald only deserves a two star rating..., 'cause 1. All the bathrooms are dirty with black stains on some parts of the wall, the floor are old dirty with cracks, toilets are so old out of date with yellow marks on them, the sinks are really ancient with rust marks and sadly to say it doesn't smell clean at all. 2. The dJs are awesome and play great House Music. 3. Drinks are too expensive, the service is too slow cause there's only one bar available..., they should install another bar and hire more waitresses. 4. What is absurdis that they let you smoke only weed on the dance floor, but you are not allowed to smoke cigarettes... what gives 5. They do not sell food anymore and just a place to chill from 10:00PM to 11:30PM then the DJs are playing the House Jam till 3:00AM. So like I said..., the best part is the House Music.

After unsuccessfully looking for this place in the daytime, we came back at night and were greeted by two pleasant bartenders. They made a great duo: the snooty Frenchman contrarian and the quirky Quebecker. In total we ordered four drinks that were made with craft and effort! Each one tasted delicious and we sipped liberally while we chatted with our two new friends the bartenders. The knowledge basis these two gentleman have on cocktails is immense and they deserve recognition. The bar is well equipped with syrups and liquers and spirits. I would however like to see some fresh herbs and shrubs and muddlers added to the trick bag. The only real negative about this place is that the decor and furniture need some updating. It's almost a bit divey in here, which doesn't match the panache vibe this place attempts to give off. When I'm back in town I will surely stop by for a few cocktails and I hope my friends will still be working! Cheers.

I found this place full of potential, but unable to hit the mark. At first, the ambiance is great. The front reminds you of Havana jazz with its plants and dapper barman. But, the magic slowly dissipates when you go to the back room. That room is dark and if you look hard enough a little dingy (I.e holes and stains on the couches). In addition, when I was there I got really cold because the heating wasn't quite enough. However, the cocktails were quite good. I had an Old Cuban. It was at once beautiful and delicious. The service was young and not very knowledgeable about their products. When asked what Chardonnay he had he didn't know the name nor its provenance. In conclusion, it was good, but no bananas.

Very good looking spot with nice 50's music, but: 1. It took forever to get our drinks (we were 4). 2. The waitress was actually unable to "deliver" them! She was shaking so much that I had to take them from the tray myself. 3. The place is divided in two areas and the atmosphere in the back is not as nice in the front. 4. The waiters are very young, and inexperienced which for a place like that just doesn't fit. 5. It is really a shame there's no space to "dance" (I don't mean like in a club, just as in a casual bar) while there is so much empty room and the music is so lively!

Formerly Bar Sans Nom (No Name Bar), The Emerald is one of the best bars that I have ever had the pleasure visiting. Their bartenders, always dressed in full tuxedos, are truly exceptional and highly skilled in preparing everything from a G&T to complex cocktails. The mood is upscale, formal, and elegant. The decor is reminiscent of the 1950s - 1960s (Mad Men comes to mind) and also features a more intimate, dimly-lit lounge area in the back. To give you an idea, the space is frequently used for movie sets as it is impeccably decorated and vividly cinematic. The Emerald is an exquisite, unique experience that I can't recommend highly enough.

AKA, The Emerald. This place is the stuff. I loved it from the moment that I entered. Maybe it was the buzz from the wine I had recently consumed (we were arriving from Faros Psarodaverna - and shout outs for their zucchini chips, by the way) but nah, I felt like there was something special about this place that you wouldn't just experience at any bar. Cool and relaxed cocktail shabby chic, but your waiters are wearing bow ties! Had we walked onto an old movie set with this decadent furniture, decoration, and vibe? But then you look around and see a bunch of Montrealers, including a group of hassidic guys in their 20s, just sitting around on their phones nonchalantly, barely talking to one another. Only in Montreal. God bless this fucking gem.

A tasteful and tasty Havana styled cocktail bar. The place is very unassuming from the store front, where chairs facing into the street are the indicators of any goings on. Once inside however, the throwback to old style Cuban is fantastic. Order an old Cuban, not always on the menu but very special. Also, the dark and stormy is peerless.

Enjoyed the ambiance here when I passed through for a book launch shortly before the holidays. Ideal for a literary evening, or for a conversation with a well-suited friend at the bar, the space feels like it's tucked with decor brought home from long travels. Hints of Havana and East India in the 1950s when the light is just right. I only had a beer but glanced over the cocktail menu and would be curious to return.

The decor is quite unique - a mix of 1920s Art Deco semi circle cutout wall, bartender in tux/bowtie meets Hemingway's Cuba with the whirling ceiling fans and wicker bistro chairs... although....... I was thrown off by the exposed heating system in the back and cheap lighting setup... It killed the mystique that I was waiting to experience... but maybe it is unavoidable ? Not sure. Anyway I was not transported as I hoped for. ***My 3 stars go to the service: probably the suavest yet genuinely kindest I've seen in a while, anywhere, hands down. Drink menu: tried and true *sigh* No special or 'signature' crafted cocktails, which is de rigueur almost anywhere now, and would befit the concept most! however I'm sure whatever you decide on is made with precision and flair. This place has potential...needs refining.

An eloquent respite on av du Parc. The music ranged from whale sounds to rock. I preferred the whales.

Went to The Emerald on Sunday night and it was posted on their Facebook that they are open until 1am. I saw the lights on at 11pm when I took my Uber there, and it was locked. There was no one in sight inside. I was very disappointed that there was no notice as to why they weren't open when their hours say they are. I wasted money on transportation there and my time.

The bar is now called Emerald. Great place for a drink in the Plateau. Good drinks at a good price. Atmosphere is very Cuban but Mile End style.

Love this eclectic bar, which fits somewhere between an old school Cuban bar and an Ottoman Empire style lounge. The crowd is mixed, with hipsters, young professionals, and locals. The place offers great drinks, and is a fun place to start out the evening.

A really classy cocktail lounge. It has the ambiance of the 1950's mixed with modernity and damn tasty drinks. I came here with some friends and we found a space one of their extremely comfy leather couches. I had an awesome Manhattan as well as a brilliant drink (whose name escapes me) but it has gin, lime/mint, cucumber and simple syrup, it was one of the best gin based cocktails I have ever had. The decor is interesting with cool green plastic plants, couches, a piano (that my cousin was tempted to see if it was in tune) and servers wearing tuxedos. Everyone I was with really loved their drinks, and I agree with a previous poster, it really could use some tasty munchies like a cheese or charcuterie plate or something. Either way the drinks are fantastic. Only other complaint was that the servers were a little bit scarce sometimes, but it was quite busy so I am going to let that one slide. Would definitely come back for more of that cucumber/gin/mint/lime concoction.

I love this place. Really great cocktails. I mainly come with a ready set group of friends that large enough to open the side room (equipped w comfy and large couches). Nondescript exterior that provides (probably the illusion) of a secret and slightly chic dive spot.

worst service I have ever seen, we were insulted by the staff (not the bartenders, they are quite nice actually but by the owner! Unbelievable... very disappointed) Cocktails are good though.

I had high expectation after seeing the review and the pictures in terms of decor. I went there on a rainy Wednesday night and as I walked in, I felt the entrance was a little bit empty. However as I walked towards the back, it looked more cozy with the leather chairs and old school decor. The cocktail menu is short but diversified. Will definitely come back on the weekend to reassess

My boyfriend brought me here on an Indian Summer Saturday night. It's Rick's Café from Casablanca as you walk in, with the potted plants, square tables and wicker chairs (could have done with tiles on the floor though), not to mention the tuxedoed staff. Further back, it's a Moroccan salon, through a circular opening in the wall, into a cosy den with low seating, where Moroccan lamps throw faceted light shadows on the ceiling, and Middle Eastern rugs add comfort. Apparently they sometimes have live music, with a piano and a double bass player. I didn't see that, but the music was good - Latin dance music: salsa, cha cha, rumba etc., which wasn't too loud. But the best bit is of course the cocktails. They give you a few printed suggestions but can do whatever you like. I'm a margarita fan, and I have to say that it was one of the best margaritas I've had in Montreal. You could really taste the tequila, and the mix was perfect. At $14, it was a decent price. He had a gin and tonic, which they offered "cucumber". Again, it was really well prepared. Additionally, compared to some places, we didn't have to wait ages to get our drinks either. I can see me organising a "Casablanca" evening here, or at least coming back to sample some different cocktails.

Wes Anderson feels are giving me life. The space is unsuspecting with large banana leaf plants in the windows. Step inside and a very intimate impression easily makes for a romantic night cap. The back seating is almost always reserved, whether or not there are actual reservations, I can't say. But don't let that keep you from staying. Cocktails are crafted with care and if you are feeling like you don't know what you want but are a little adventurous, leave it up to the bartender. They won't do you wrong.

Let me start by saying that I never write Yelp reviews but this is specifically for one waiter that I'm writing about as I leave the bar because it was that bad. We asked for 2 dirty vodka martinis which seemed like a pretty straightforward thing to order and we were told that they will make their own version of what we asked for. A few minutes later he brought us two espresso cocktails with no explanation (not to mention they were disgusting). My girlfriend then asked the same waiter for the wifi code and he simply replied with "the internet doesn't work". I then went up to the bar where the bartender gladly gave me the code for the wifi so that we were able to order a car. If you see a waiter that looks like a poor man's Andy Sandberg be sure to him that I said he sucks at his job.

One of my favorite bars in Montreal! You enter a green space full of banana trees with round tables that can easily be shared with 6-7 people. You can hear perfectly everyone's conversation. The music is not loud but enough to create a great atmosphere for a weekend! The space inside is cosy with a 50s vibe. The cocktails are just as good as the other top cocktail bars in Montreal (big in japan, le mal neccesaire, 5e mur...), but it's probably the most cosy one among them all. (Oh, since you're in the neighborhood, why not grabbing some fairmont bagels at 2am after the bar for brunch next day :P)

Went here for my birthday. The drinks are amazing (as one of the bartenders put it "you won't find a blue drink here")-- really strong classic cocktails (each one we sampled was mind-blowingly complex and delicious). The staff are friendly and a delight. Great ambiance and gorgeous decor (music was a touch louder than I would have liked in the back room). All and all a really great place that I would both want to tell everyone about (because it's that awesome) and keep secret (because it's that awesome). The only reason I give it four of five stars is the lack of simple munchables (I kept thinking how awesome my drink would be with a charcuterie plate or similar).

worse service ever. after sitting at a table they said if they had a group of six we would lose our table....there was only four chairs. they took our fist order then never came back. after an hour we left

Unassuming and enchanting bar with dialed staff. Definitely lends a feeling of escapism and wish we had something like it in NYC.

Le bar sans nom (5295 Parc) is a great place to have drinks and cocktails with your friend or to impress someone on a first date. If you like the Big in Japan Bar and enjoy trying new or classic drinks, this place is for you. The drinks and cocktails are incredibly good and made according to the règles de l'art. If you plan on ordering more than one or two drinks, it can get a little expensive but it's worth it. The barmen and barmaid really take the time and a lot of care to make their drinks. I suggest you try the Blood & Sand made out of Cherry Brandy, but don't hesitate to ask the staff some suggestions based on your favorite liquors and alcohols. The menu they give you when you get there is a bit short so don't be afraid to try drinks that are not on that list. It's also a great place to try or revisit the all time classics (Negroni or Manhattan for example). If you or your friends are not into drinks and more into beer, Le bar sans nom has a few brands of beer as well (and not necessarly the expensive ones). Great decoration and the music is generally not too loud so you can have a real conversation there (unlike too many places in Montreal). The bar has 2 rooms, one includes chairs and tables, and the other one has 2 huge couches where you can sit with a group of friends. You can reserve one of the two huge couches that can sit up to 15 people each. Sometimes a little group of people will improvise an impromptu dance floor, but it is mostly a place to go and have great drinks and cocktails. Hipsters, gay friendly and students living in the Mile-End have adopted this bar, and grown ups as well.

Love this spot for a quiet cocktail after supper before going to a show across the street

For sure this is the best bar in town. Try the Moscow Mule. Then try another Moscow Mule. Great decor. Great staff. What more do u need?

Really disappointed. Service was slow and disorganized. We had reserved for a large gang of 30 and they crammed us in a small area while an adjacent larger space was reserved but mostly unoccupied. The hair that broke the camel's back was when a staff member asked our group to cram into our space to clear a path for staff and followed this with a request to "keep our voices down, this is a quiet area of the bar." The only thing I liked was the Jamaican Mule cocktail but not enough to worthy a second visit.

Terrible service, the staff was very unpleasant, rude and they overcharged our tab at the end of the night. I tried to explain the situation and both the manager and owner did not listen. I do not recommend this place. Very disappointed.

Great staple of the Mile-End bar scene. Lounging on the front stoop is in the summer is where the cool kids are.