Bar Le Mal Nécessaire — Restaurant in Montreal

Visited on 6/10/2024, 9PM.

Overall enjoyed the specialty drinks and the ambiance of the new building. However, this experience was short lived when the server saw my 10% tip. He asked, "Was everything okay?" and when I responded with yes, he stared directly at me and said, "That's an incredibly low tip!" before storming off the table.

I later found him and apologized, and explained to him that I had a misunderstanding of Canadian tipping culture when it came to cocktails and bar drinks. He told me, "I wasn't trying to be rude, but if you did this somewhere else they would have said a lot worse things." I wanted to make things right so I gave him additional tip to match the customary "15-18% tip." No word of gratitude or apology for his rude behavior.

I felt guilty and humiliated, as he said it loud enough for people around me to hear. I don't plan on pursuing any disputes of charges/demanding money back, they can have it. However, I have some suggestions on how this can be prevented in the future:

I suggest that the owner would emphasize to the servers the fact that tipping, even in Canada, is still optional. No customer should experience passive-aggressive/rude comments and treatment because they didn't meet the servers' expectations of how they should tip.

Enforce mandatory gratuity of 15%. That way, the tension between servers and customers would be eliminated. I saw several other reviews of people having similar experiences, and I believe the owner's negligence to this issue may be the reason why the servers continue to show this behavior.

TLDR: The drinks are good, the vibes are nice, but if you don't tip at least 15%, be prepared for rude...

Finally decided to go check the place after hearing so many good things about Le Mal Nécessaire. The cocktails were really good and you can tell they are using quality ingredients, handmade and very original syrups as well as bold spices to make very unique drinks. 5 stars on that front.

What really ruined it for me was the service. The bartender is sociable and have great knowledge about alcohols and the intricate aspects of the drinks. So overall very enjoyable. That is when you have service. For some reasons the bartender left the bar after my second drink and never came back. Considering the time (8:30pm on a bloody sunday) the bar was mostly empty and I was the only one left at the bar after everyone else left. I had to wait a solid 15 mins to try and order another drink but at that point I just wanted to pay my bill and leave. Couldn't do that even since the rest of the staff for some reason did not want to talk to me or ask me If I was done with my drink that has been sitting far away from me this whole time. I supose my tab was punched by that now missing bartender and no one else though it would be a good idea to check on his clients while he was gone. Real shame because I was really looking forward to order more drinks but to do that I had to grab one of the random staff as they were walking around but that is a big nono in terms of bar etiquette.

Just sucks. This bar is apparently an establishment and is considered a gem among the thousands of bars in Montréal but sadly that was just not the case. Hope it's a staff issue and not how they run the place...

Mal Nécessaire is an absolute gem in the world of high-end cocktail bars. As soon as you step through the door, you’re transported to a luxurious tropical oasis that masterfully blends the fun, carefree vibes of a tiki bar with the sophistication of a premium cocktail experience.

The cocktails are nothing short of art. Yes, they may take a little time, but they’re absolutely worth the wait! Each drink is a perfectly balanced blend of creativity and craftsmanship, showcasing an impressive understanding of flavors and techniques. Let me just say—it’s hands-down the best Jungle Bird in the city!

What truly sets Mal Nécessaire apart, though, is the incredible staff and their respect for their craft, from the care they pour into each drink to their commitment to using natural ingredients. From the moment you arrive, you’re treated like family, making every visit feel special.

Insider tip: Bring an apple for the bouncer—it’s a secret gesture that adds a playful, memorable touch to the experience.

The bartenders are a breath of fresh air. No pretentious attitudes here—just passionate, approachable artists who love what they do and make you feel right at home. Their recommendations? Always spot-on.

Whether you’re celebrating, taking someone special on a date, or just looking to unwind, Mal Nécessaire is the perfect spot. They deserve all the love—this is the kind of place that reminds you why nights out matter: to laugh, make new friends, and experience something...