The Emerald/Le bar sans nom: 1920s Speakeasy Cocktails

Montreal is known for having many bars that serve specialty cocktails, but trying to find a true cocktail bar that serves classic prohibition-era drinks can be tricky. There are only a handful of places in the city that fit this mold, and The Emerald is one of them.

Previously known as Bar Sans Nom and Bar 5295, this Park street bar has decor that is part Havana Cuba pre-revolution and part Ottoman Empire inspired. When you first walk into the bar, you are greeted with emerald green walls, the inspiration for its name. Next you’ll see large plants at the front and small tables and chairs in a large open area. Once you cross into the back, the lights dim and there are big comfy sofas and impressive vintage-looking lamps.

The menu covers all the basics in terms of classic cocktails. Sit back in dark, cavernous, back-area sofas and enjoy a Vesper Martini, or sit up front on the terrace and enjoy a Pimms Cup as you soak up the summer.

At The Emerald, cocktails are made with the freshest ingredients. The fruit juices are pressed the same day they are served, and the ginger syrup and barley water cordial are made in-house.

With a knowledgeable staff, you can rest assured that they will be able to make most classic cocktails properly and offer that polished and old world attention you don’t find too often in most Montreal bars. You won’t find any crazy drinks with oversized umbrellas and out there ingredients in them like Hypnotic, but instead simple prohibition-era classics and new and original drinks that stay true to a proper cocktail bar. Oh, and they have a piano!

Ideal for a date or a group of friends, the Emerald gives you that 1920’s cocktail feel with a twist. Head over to Park, north of Fairmount, and take a trip in time and space.

5295 Parc Avenue, Montreal, QC H2V 4G9
(514) 508-5295