Marilyn's
Hidden beneath Mare restaurant in Old Montréal, Marilyn’s is an intimate private bar that takes a more understated approach to nightlife. Designed for approximately 55 guests, the space trades the energy of a packed nightclub for a setting centred on conversation, attentive service, and spending quality time with the people around you. Access is based on membership and invitation, reinforcing the discreet and exclusive character of the experience.
The bar occupies what was once a private dining room and has been transformed into a sophisticated yet comfortable space. Developed in collaboration with architect Marie-Philippe Bergeron, the interior brings together plush banquettes, red carpeting, marble surfaces, mirrored geometric details, and original stonework from the building. The result balances the historic character of Old Montréal with a polished, contemporary aesthetic.
Music also plays an important role in setting the mood. Soul, funk, and R&B provide the soundtrack, kept at a level that encourages conversation rather than overpowering it. Cards and board games available throughout the space add to the relaxed atmosphere and invite guests to settle in rather than simply pass through.
The bar program features a selection of signature cocktails alongside a concise wine offering. Food is also part of the experience, with elevated snacks such as a chicken burger topped with caviar, while guests looking for a more complete meal can order from Mare’s kitchen upstairs.
Marilyn’s also carries a personal connection for its co-founder, Zach Macklovitch. Its name references both Mare and his mother, whose handwriting was used as inspiration for the bar’s logo. From its intimate scale to its approach to music, food, and service, Marilyn’s offers an alternative to the traditional nightlife experience, one focused on hospitality, atmosphere, and connection.
For more details, please consult the business's website
Photo credits: Marilyn's







