Finding the Perfect Speakeasy in Québec City

Inspired by New Orleans and named after a famous cocktail created there, Vieux Carré is a cozy, plush cocktail bar—the latest offering from Groupe La Tanière. The menu features classic cocktails made with local ingredients, along with a small array of delicious bites concocted by Sabrina Lemay, the chef and owner of neighbouring restaurant L’Orygine.

This speakeasy shares an address with Bleu Marine, a restaurant located below Auberge Saint-Louis in Old Québec. The name is a throwback to the Neptune Inn, a glam hotel that once stood just down the hill, at the bottom of Côte de la Montagne. The story of the inn’s illustrious, whisky-loving owner, Joseph Thomas Le Vallée, inspired mixologist Mathieu Poirier to create a cocktail list that would do him proud. It’s that seamless blend of past and present that makes the Neptune a total treat.

If you have a sharp eye, you may just spy Bijou along Rue Saint-Jean, towards Côte de la Fabrique. Tucked away inside Monsieur Jean Hotel in Old Québec, this sumptuous cocktail lounge will draw you in with its flamboyant décor and intimate feel. It’s the perfect place for a romantic rendezvous or a meet-cute with the love of your life. The fine cocktail list features a few original creations, and there’s a tasty tapas menu to peruse.

At the foot of the walls in Old Québec lies Justine, a speakeasy straight out of the 1920s. The soft lighting, hushed voices, stone walls, and jazz musicians all combine to create an intimate, mysterious atmosphere. The cocktail menu features new twists on old classics, done right, while the kitchen serves small plates and sharing platters. Space is limited, so we recommend booking in advance.

Although Clubby Bar isn’t quite a secret bar, it’s still one of Québec City’s best-kept secrets. Perched on the sixth floor of Le Capitole Hôtel, this exclusive watering hole boasts a spectacular view of Old Québec. Open every day starting at 4 p.m., it’s the perfect place for pre-dinner drinks or late-evening libations in a swish setting. For the full experience, we recommend the Champagne and caviar.

To enter jjacques, you’ll need to solve the following riddle: “To find the light, follow the saint to the city that opens the gates to the kingdom of angels.” If you aren’t feeling up to the challenge, simply follow the directions on Google Maps, which will take you to 341 rue Notre-Dame-des-Anges, in the alley behind Rue Saint-Joseph, in Saint-Roch. Enveloping and enigmatic, jjacques is an oyster bar, a restaurant, and a cocktail bar all rolled into one. It’s also one of the few places in town that’s open late every night—even on Mondays! Jjacques has been named one of Canada’s 50 best bars since 2022, and rightly so. This is one watering hole that never fails to impress.

Tiger Bar is tucked away under Miyagi, a restaurant on Limoilou’s 3e Avenue. With its soft neon lighting, signature cocktails, a nice selection of beers and a funky vibe, this Japanese-style speakeasy does not disappoint. To gain access, simply ask the staff at Miyagi, who will guide you to the mysterious “magic mirror” that hides the entrance to the bar. Hot tip: if you’re feeling peckish, Miyagi’s sushi rolls and Thai dishes are sure to satisfy those nighttime cravings.

Hidden above restaurant Santa Cruz in Sainte-Foy, Staff Only is “a place where time stands still, and where behind every detail lies a secret.” The speakeasy’s hushed, velvety vibe and eclectic décor make for a singular, intriguing experience. Expect high-calibre cocktails and a menu to match. If you’re the adventurous type, there’s a hidden drink to be found. We’ll just leave it at that, shall we?