At first I was, like, \"Whaa???\" But the tips are helpful: there are two listings and two similar businesses: one is for the restaurant and one is for the bar. If you know me by now, know that I'm reviewing the bar.\n\nOne step through the red door & curtains (look for the white rabbit; really, not really) and you're bound on an adventure. If there's such a thing as  Japanese speakeasy, this is it. I hadn't ever been to a place quite like Big In Japan and its history as a famous (right word?) drug dealer bar added to the allure (again... right word?). Its past firmly behind it, this bar is all about interesting cocktails either created from the menu or the whim of the bartender. Since I think it's important for mixologists to be able to let their freak flag fly, I  was all about trying whatever concoction sprang from the imagination banks our of very funny and personable bartender. \n\nFor my first drink, I tried a Gin Buck. This drink was a surprise for me because I'm not much of a gun fan. But the bartender's offer to make me something else if I didn't like it was guarantee enough for me to try it. It's a simple, classic cocktail and it's stood the ages for a reason. Refreshing (gin, lemon & ginger ale), tasty and uncomplicated, I've come to understand that cocktails like these are about precision. The measurements have to be correct and the ingredients must be better than what the average joe picks out of the supermarket. The drink skews sweet but not overly so. The next drink was a special creation. Staying with gin (what? I know!), I told the bartender what my flavor profile leans toward. I have no idea what I drank but a.) I'm here to tell the tale b.) it was delicious and c.) it fit my drink profile to a tee. If I knew what the heck I imbibed, I might have a new, signature cocktail that was individualized to me. You don't get that everyday.\n\nI love Montreal.