Despite what Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald might have you believe, Paris has not historically been a cocktail-drinking town. Even today, the traditional pre-dinner drink—the apéritif or more familiar “apéro”—usually takes the form of a glass of champagne, a kir (white wine with a splash of cassis), or a pastis (an anise-flavored liqueur favored by pétanque-playing French gentlemen of a certain age).
This is beginning to change, especially among Paris’ young branchés (scenesters). Just as “speakeasies” are cropping up all over downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn, drinking holes that serve serious mixed drinks are on the rise in Paris. Skilled “mixologists” are at the helm of both renowned institutions and newer establishments, and they continue to raise the bar on both the quality and inventiveness of the cocktails they pour.
Nonetheless, one must know where to go. We know how seriously Paris takes its food, but unfortunately, the same rigorous standards are not always applied to mixed drinks. If you take a wrong turn, you can easily end up with a sugary concoction that evokes kindergarten rather than the Jazz Age.
Luckily, we’ve done the work for you. Here’s our short list of the best places to score real cocktails in Paris. In no particular order:
This is beginning to change, especially among Paris’ young branchés (scenesters). Just as “speakeasies” are cropping up all over downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn, drinking holes that serve serious mixed drinks are on the rise in Paris. Skilled “mixologists” are at the helm of both renowned institutions and newer establishments, and they continue to raise the bar on both the quality and inventiveness of the cocktails they pour.
Nonetheless, one must know where to go. We know how seriously Paris takes its food, but unfortunately, the same rigorous standards are not always applied to mixed drinks. If you take a wrong turn, you can easily end up with a sugary concoction that evokes kindergarten rather than the Jazz Age.
Luckily, we’ve done the work for you. Here’s our short list of the best places to score real cocktails in Paris. In no particular order:
Le Murano
13, Boulevard du Temple
75003 Paris
Opened a few years ago, not far from the unexciting Place de la Republique in a former Renault garage, the Murano's bar has fast become one of Paris' hippest. Boasting … the largest selection of vodkas in the city, a colorful, minimalist design ethic, and a cool DJ-fueled ambiance, this lounge draws bright, young bobos from the surrounding gentrifying neighborhoods. Ask Sandrine, the head bartender, to prepare you a test-tube tasting of multi-flavored vodkas.[link]
13, Boulevard du Temple
75003 Paris
Opened a few years ago, not far from the unexciting Place de la Republique in a former Renault garage, the Murano's bar has fast become one of Paris' hippest. Boasting … the largest selection of vodkas in the city, a colorful, minimalist design ethic, and a cool DJ-fueled ambiance, this lounge draws bright, young bobos from the surrounding gentrifying neighborhoods. Ask Sandrine, the head bartender, to prepare you a test-tube tasting of multi-flavored vodkas.[link]
Kube Hotel
5, Passage Ruelle
75018 Paris
Although located in one of the grungiest sections of Paris near the former gangster's paradise of the Porte de la Chapelle, the Ice Kube is located on the upper level of … the hotel of the same name and has the distinction of being the city's only ice bar. For €38 you get a half hour of access to the bar, and all the Grey Goose vodka you can drink. Remember to reserve in advance.[link]
5, Passage Ruelle
75018 Paris
Although located in one of the grungiest sections of Paris near the former gangster's paradise of the Porte de la Chapelle, the Ice Kube is located on the upper level of … the hotel of the same name and has the distinction of being the city's only ice bar. For €38 you get a half hour of access to the bar, and all the Grey Goose vodka you can drink. Remember to reserve in advance.[link]
Pershing Hall
49, Rue Pierre Charron
75008 Paris
A former American Legion hall, the Pershing was the former residence of the general of the same name, and is one of the city's most sought-after boutique hotels. Designed … by French architect superstar, Andrée Putman, the hotel is awash with cutting edge furniture, lighting effects, and a surprising vertical garden fabricated by scientific Renaissance man, Patrick Blanc. Service is gorgeous and the prices high, but this remains a staple on the Parisian avant-club scene. Try out their new Champagne bar.[link]
49, Rue Pierre Charron
75008 Paris
A former American Legion hall, the Pershing was the former residence of the general of the same name, and is one of the city's most sought-after boutique hotels. Designed … by French architect superstar, Andrée Putman, the hotel is awash with cutting edge furniture, lighting effects, and a surprising vertical garden fabricated by scientific Renaissance man, Patrick Blanc. Service is gorgeous and the prices high, but this remains a staple on the Parisian avant-club scene. Try out their new Champagne bar.[link]
Hemingway Bar
Hotel Ritz 15, Place Vendôme
75001 1 Paris
Cliché, yes, but this old-school bar is still the gold standard in Parisian mixology and has been considered a go-to spot since Hemingway’s “Lost Generation” frequented it in the ‘20s. Today, it is inhabited by a considerably more swanky set. Colin Field, the head bartender, has become somewhat of a celebrity among cocktail aficionados for his perfectly mixed drinks. Though they are stellar, they don’t come cheap. A Manhattan will run you 26 Euros, so save this place for when your sugar daddy is in town..[link]
Hotel Ritz 15, Place Vendôme
75001 1 Paris
Cliché, yes, but this old-school bar is still the gold standard in Parisian mixology and has been considered a go-to spot since Hemingway’s “Lost Generation” frequented it in the ‘20s. Today, it is inhabited by a considerably more swanky set. Colin Field, the head bartender, has become somewhat of a celebrity among cocktail aficionados for his perfectly mixed drinks. Though they are stellar, they don’t come cheap. A Manhattan will run you 26 Euros, so save this place for when your sugar daddy is in town..[link]
Prescription cocktail club
23, rue Mazarine,
75006 Paris.
The founders of these three bars seem to keep outdoing themselves. Starting with Experimental, they migrated to the left bank to open the other two. Inspired by the speakeasies of the prohibition you could easily walk by and miss the place. But once you know the nightlife gem that lies behind the closed doors and heavy drapery you’ll treck clear across the city in rain or snow to go there. Once inside exposed brick walls, chandeliers, and taxidermied curiosities await you. Oh and so does Paris’ most delicious cocktail menu. Great during the week or earlier in the night to share a drink with a friend or stay later and dance after they turn up the music
23, rue Mazarine,
75006 Paris.
The founders of these three bars seem to keep outdoing themselves. Starting with Experimental, they migrated to the left bank to open the other two. Inspired by the speakeasies of the prohibition you could easily walk by and miss the place. But once you know the nightlife gem that lies behind the closed doors and heavy drapery you’ll treck clear across the city in rain or snow to go there. Once inside exposed brick walls, chandeliers, and taxidermied curiosities await you. Oh and so does Paris’ most delicious cocktail menu. Great during the week or earlier in the night to share a drink with a friend or stay later and dance after they turn up the music
Harry's bar
5, Rue Daunou
75002 Paris
One of Paris’ classic “American bars,” Harry’s has been open since 1923 and is considered a Paris landmark. It’s the kind of place your grandfather probably came for drinks when he was in Paris, but it has proudly stood the test of time and continues to attract a diverse, international crowd. With its dark wood paneling and American college penants adorning the walls, its friendly atmosphere makes you want to settle into a corner table for a night of swilling and story-swapping.
5, Rue Daunou
75002 Paris
One of Paris’ classic “American bars,” Harry’s has been open since 1923 and is considered a Paris landmark. It’s the kind of place your grandfather probably came for drinks when he was in Paris, but it has proudly stood the test of time and continues to attract a diverse, international crowd. With its dark wood paneling and American college penants adorning the walls, its friendly atmosphere makes you want to settle into a corner table for a night of swilling and story-swapping.
