Quebec City has more good cocktail bars than you could visit in one weekend. A speakeasy hidden behind a mirror, a cozy lounge in an Old Quebec hotel, a neighborhood bistro-bar where locals stop for a drink after work: every spot has its own vibe.
Negroni, Old Fashioned or a house gin creation: this 2026 guide groups 14 cocktail bars in Quebec City by neighborhood, from Saint-Roch to the Old Port, so you can plan your night without crisscrossing the city.
We checked that every bar is still open this year. Two spots from the previous version of this article are off the list: Le 737, which has closed, and MacFly Bar Arcade, which we could not confirm is still open.
A few pointers before you head out for the night:
- Bars in Quebec close at 3 a.m. at the latest.
- The legal drinking age to enter a bar in Quebec is 18.
- Speakeasies have limited seating; booking ahead is still the best way to skip the line.
- Not drinking alcohol? Ask for a mocktail: several bars make non-alcoholic cocktails on request.
Saint-Roch: Mixology Steps from the Hotel
Saint-Roch is the liveliest Lower Town neighborhood at night. Rue Saint-Joseph and Rue Saint-Vallier Est are lined with bistros, microbreweries and cocktail bars within a few blocks, away from the Old Quebec crowds. Our hotel sits in the heart of this neighborhood, in the Nouvo St-Roch district. If you are also looking for a place to eat before your first drink, our guide to original restaurants to try in Quebec City pairs well with this section.
NouVO Cuisine & Mixologie, Our Bar on Rue de la Couronne
First, a quick disclosure: NouVO is our hotel bar, on the ground floor of Le Saint-Édouard at 330 Rue de la Couronne. We put it at the top of the list because it is the spot we know best, not because an independent ranking put it there.
NouVO Cuisine & Mixologie is an Italian-inspired bistro-bar with a Quebec twist. The menu focuses on signature cocktails and tapas to share. Mixologist Arthur Boissinot designs the drinks list, which alternates between bitter cocktails and fruit-forward creations, with wines and spirits for other cravings.
The bar opens every evening from 5 p.m. and the kitchen closes at 9 p.m. To book a table, call 418-649-1919. With its intimate atmosphere and polished decor, it makes a good first stop before you set out on foot to explore the other bars in Saint-Roch.
jjacques, a Hidden Oyster Bar near Rue Saint-Joseph
jjacques is tucked away at 341 Rue Notre-Dame-des-Anges, in the alley behind Rue Saint-Joseph Est. Finding the entrance is part of the fun: a riddle makes the rounds, but Google Maps will also take you to the right door. You have to ring the bell.
Once inside, jjacques brings together three concepts: oyster bar, restaurant and cocktail bar. The cozy decor and impeccable cocktails have made it one of the most talked-about bars in the city. Another plus: the bar is open every night, Mondays included, which is rare in Quebec City.
Maelstrøm, a Café by Day and a Cocktail Bar by Night
Maelstrøm, at 181 Rue Saint-Vallier Est, changes character throughout the day. In the morning, it is a neighborhood café where people work on their laptops. Around 5 p.m., the counter turns into a cocktail bar: classic cocktails, house creations and a menu to share for happy hour (the Quebec “5 à 7”).
Maelstrøm takes no reservations. Arrive early on Fridays. If you want to keep the evening going in the area, our page on what to do in Quebec City lists more ideas.
Book Direct and Spend the Evening in Saint-Roch
Sleep a few minutes’ walk from NouVO, jjacques and Maelstrøm. The best rate is always on our website.
One night in Saint-Roch, three bars and no taxi: it is doable from Rue de la Couronne.
Limoilou and Saint-Sauveur: Secret Bars off the Beaten Path
Not all of the most interesting secret bars in Quebec City are in Old Quebec. Limoilou, north of the Saint-Charles River, and Saint-Sauveur, west of Saint-Roch, draw a mostly local crowd. Both neighborhoods focus on Asian food and bold cocktails. They are worth the detour if you like spicy dishes. For more food ideas, see our list of the top foods to try in Quebec City.
Tiger Bar, the Speakeasy under Miyagi
Tiger Bar is located under Miyagi restaurant, at 442 3e Avenue in Limoilou. To get in, ask the Miyagi staff. They will guide you to the famous magic mirror that hides the entrance.
This Japanese-style speakeasy plays on soft neon lighting and a wild-cat vibe. The menu offers signature cocktails and a good selection of beers. Hungry late at night? The Miyagi kitchen serves its Thai specialties and sushi right to the bar.
Chez Tao, Original Cocktails and Asian Food
Chez Tao is at 104 Rue Saint-Vallier Ouest, in Saint-Sauveur. It is not a speakeasy in the strict sense. Even so, the restaurant has become one of the city’s most sought-after best-kept secrets.
The cocktail menu is inventive, and several original cocktails arrive in cat-shaped glasses. On the food side, Chez Tao serves Southeast Asian street food: bao, stir-fries and curries. People come for dinner, then stay for drinks until late.
Old Port: Classic Cocktails and a Prohibition-Era Vibe
The Old Port, between Rue Saint-Pierre and Rue Saint-Paul, is home to three of our favorite spots. The stone walls and vaulted cellars of its old buildings are a perfect fit for Prohibition-inspired bars. Here is a route you can walk in one evening:
- Start at Vieux Carré, on Rue Saint-Pierre near Place Royale, for a first classic cocktail.
- Head up to Justine, on Rue Saint-Paul, at the foot of the ramparts.
- Finish at Louise, on Rue Saint-Paul, with a glass of wine or one last cocktail.
Vieux Carré, Groupe La Tanière’s Cocktail Lounge
Vieux Carré, at 36 Rue Saint-Pierre, is the newest venture from Groupe La Tanière. Its name comes from a famous New Orleans cocktail, which loosely inspires this small, intimate and cozy cocktail lounge.
The menu revisits classic cocktails with local ingredients. To snack on, chef Sabrina Lemay, co-owner of L’Orygine restaurant at the same address, offers a short menu: oysters, tartare and small plates. Vieux Carré bills itself as the least hidden speakeasy in Quebec City.
Justine, the Hidden Bar on Rue Saint-Paul
Justine, at 303 Rue Saint-Paul, is a hidden bar that takes you back to the Prohibition era. Hushed voices, dim lighting, stone walls and jazz musicians set a cozy mood.
Justine’s menu revisits the great classic cocktails, and the kitchen serves small plates and sharing boards. Space is limited: book before you go, especially on weekends.
Louise Taverne & Bar à Vin, for a Drink in the Old Port
Louise Taverne & Bar à Vin is at 48 Rue Saint-Paul, in the heart of the Old Port. This elegant tavern is first and foremost a wine bar: much of the list comes from private imports. It also offers a well-crafted cocktail menu and quality beers.
Louise serves from breakfast to dinner, which makes it a good option for an early pre-dinner drink before you move on to the area’s cocktail bars.
Old Quebec: Drinks with a View of the River
In Old Quebec’s Upper Town, the best bars are found in historic hotels. Here, you come for the setting as much as for the cocktail: views of the St. Lawrence River, cozy lounges, period artifacts. Le Saint-Édouard is not inside the walls, but it is a hotel near Old Quebec, about a 20-minute walk away.
1608, the Bar at the Château Frontenac
1608 is inside the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, at 1 Rue des Carrières. Its name recalls the year Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City. The large circular bar and the tables overlooking the St. Lawrence offer a stunning view.
The 1608 menu showcases Quebec: local cheeses, wines, spirits and cocktails inspired by literary works from the province. In 2026, 1608 won the People’s Choice award for best bar from Canada’s 100 Best. It is the place to pick for an anniversary.
Le Bijou, the Intimate Lounge at Hôtel Monsieur Jean
Le Bijou is inside Hôtel Monsieur Jean, at 2 Rue Pierre-Olivier-Chauveau, between Rue Saint-Jean and Côte de la Fabrique. This intimate lounge welcomes you with flamboyant decor.
Le Bijou offers original cocktails, conceived as small works of art, and a tapas-style menu. Its jazz nights make it a good pick for a date.
Bar Neptune, the Whisky Speakeasy Hidden in Bleu Marine
Bar Neptune is hidden inside Bleu Marine restaurant, at 50 Rue Saint-Louis, behind a very discreet navy-blue door. This speakeasy pays tribute to the Neptune Inn, the city’s very first bar.
At Bar Neptune, the cocktails revolve around whisky, served in a setting filled with historic photos and artifacts. Take your time: this is not a place for a quick drink.
Rue Saint-Jean: Terraces, Jazz and Popular Bars
Rue Saint-Jean runs through Old Quebec and then the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. It is the main strip for popular bars: you will find a hidden terrace, a lounge perched on the 6th floor and a jazz institution. Saint-Jean-Baptiste has a bohemian, festive spirit that draws locals and visitors alike.
Clubby Bar, a Stunning View from the 6th Floor of Le Capitole
Clubby Bar is perched on the 6th floor of Hôtel Le Capitole, at 972 Rue Saint-Jean. It is not a speakeasy strictly speaking, but it is still a well-kept secret, with a stunning view over Old Quebec.
Clubby Bar is open every day. The signature cocktails are creative, and the Champagne selection suits celebration nights. The spot works as well for a chic pre-dinner drink as for an evening that stretches into the early hours of the morning.
Le Sacrilège, the Hidden Terrace of Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Le Sacrilège, at 447 Rue Saint-Jean, is a well-known meeting place in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. Its hidden terrace, behind the building, stays open year-round, and many consider it the most beautiful terrace in Quebec City.
Le Sacrilège serves cocktails, local beers and snack boards. On Thursday nights, a music trivia night livens up the room. It is a laid-back spot for drinks with friends.
Bar Ste-Angèle, Jazz and a Late-Night Vibe
Bar Ste-Angèle is tucked away on a small side street off Rue Saint-Jean, in the Upper Town. This small bar hosts jazz shows almost every night.
Once the music starts, Bar Ste-Angèle feels like a club from another era. Its cocktail menu pairs well with the sets. Go on the weekend to enjoy the live music.
Plan Your Quebec City Bar Crawl with 15% Off
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Where to Stay near the Best Cocktail Bars in Quebec City?
After a round of cocktail bars in Quebec City, it is best to sleep close to the action. Very close. Hôtel Le Saint-Édouard, formerly Best Western Plus, has been a member of the WorldHotels Distinctive Collection since May 1, 2026. It is located in Saint-Roch, halfway between the Lower Town bars and those in Old Quebec.
Le Saint-Édouard, a 20-Minute Walk from Old Quebec
Le Saint-Édouard is at 330 Rue de la Couronne. From the hotel, you can reach on foot:
- Old Quebec in about 20 minutes;
- Gare du Palais train station in 5 minutes;
- the Centre des congrès convention center in 10 minutes;
- NouVO, our cocktail bar, without leaving the building.
Our fully renovated rooms come with access to an indoor pool and a gym open 24 hours. The next morning, Le 330 restaurant serves breakfast on site. The hotel is also pet friendly.
Pubs and Live Music Bars: Fou-Bar and Pub L’Oncle Antoine
Not in the mood for a cocktail? Two institutions from the previous list are still open, but they are more pubs and live music venues.
Fou-Bar, at 525 Rue Saint-Jean, has hosted musicians for decades. Tuesdays are jazz nights. Pub L’Oncle Antoine, at 29 Rue Saint-Pierre, occupies the vaulted cellars of a historic house near Place Royale. It is the place for a microbrewery beer in a stone setting.
Book Direct at Le Saint-Édouard
Book direct to get our best rate and browse our current offers. Our team also answers at 418-649-1919.
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