Sample Montréal Is Redefining Nightlife One Record at a Time
Montreal has never been short on great cocktail bars. But every so often, a venue comes along that completely changes how we think about going out.
Opening in Old Montréal, Sample isn’t simply another destination for expertly crafted cocktails, it’s one of the city’s first true hi-fi listening bars, where vinyl records become the evening’s soundtrack and conversation once again takes priority over screens.
Created by the hospitality group behind The Coldroom, El Pequeño Bar, Bar Bello, Bisou Bisou and Montréal Cocktail Fest, Sample is built around one simple philosophy: Hi-Fi & Highballs. Guests are encouraged to slow down, disconnect and immerse themselves in carefully curated music, exceptional drinks and meaningful moments.
A Listening Bar Inspired by Vinyl Culture
Unlike traditional cocktail bars where playlists quietly fade into the background, music is the reason Sample exists.
Every vinyl record has been intentionally selected to shape the atmosphere throughout the evening. Rather than overwhelming conversations, the sound system invites guests to appreciate every note while creating an environment where people naturally connect.
Helping curate the musical direction is Modibo Keita, whose work with the Montréal International Jazz Festival brings an added layer of cultural depth to the listening experience.
It’s less about chasing trends and more about rediscovering what made music special in the first place.
Cocktails Designed to Complement the Music
Sample’s cocktail philosophy mirrors its approach to music: intentional, refined and free from unnecessary distractions.
Instead of elaborate presentations designed for social media, the bar focuses on expertly executed highballs, stirred classics and precision-built cocktails that support the experience without stealing the spotlight.
Managing Partner Jama Joachim describes Sample as “a listening experience with great drinks,” where the soundtrack always comes first.
For cocktail enthusiasts, it’s a refreshing reminder that great hospitality isn’t always loud.
Every Detail Has Been Carefully Considered
From the custom lighting to the warm wood finishes, vintage audio equipment and shelves lined with vinyl, every corner of Sample feels thoughtfully curated.
The room has the atmosphere of a private listening lounge, inviting guests to settle in, order another drink and stay a little longer.
It’s the kind of space where an album becomes the evening’s entertainment rather than background noise.
A Menu That Lets the Experience Shine
Even the food follows the same philosophy.
Rather than offering an extensive kitchen menu, Sample serves a concise selection of elevated late-night bites designed to pair naturally with the cocktail program without interrupting the rhythm of the room.
Simple. Refined. Intentional.
A Best Kept Montreal Selection
As listening bars continue gaining popularity in cities like Tokyo, London and New York, Sample introduces the concept to Montréal with its own distinctive identity.
This isn’t a venue built around Instagram moments or loud nightlife.
It’s a place for music lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, creatives and anyone looking to experience a different side of Montréal after dark.
Sometimes the best nights aren’t the loudest—they’re the ones where the music sounds better, conversations last longer and you leave feeling like you’ve discovered something special.
That’s exactly what Sample promises to deliver.
Visit Sample Montréal
📍 Sample
101 De la Commune Ouest, Old Montréal
📅 Opening: July 13
🎵 Concept: Hi-Fi Listening Bar & Cocktail Lounge
Best Kept Montreal Tip
Request a seat close to the record shelves, order one of their signature highballs and let the evening unfold naturally. At Sample, the playlist isn’t background music—it’s the main event.
