1. Comptoir Général
A cosy, local bar set on an unassuming street in the 10th arrondissement, Comptoir Général is a great place to escape the tourist traps of more central Paris, while still feeling close to the action. Stripped woodentables and handwritten menus on huge chalkboards give the place the feeling of a rustic old brewery. Fitting then, that they brew their own beers (try the blonde beer, it’s delicious) and serve a limited menu of accompaniments to go alongside their homemade brews – cheeses, meats, to-die-for pâté and crusty French bread piled sky high.
Where? 10th Arrondissement (Bar close to Gare du Nord)
2. Le Lèche Vin
Despite the name, it’s the décor and not the wine that has people flocking to Le Lèche Vin near Place de la Bastille. Dozens of framed pieces of artwork and religious icons cover literally every inch of the walls in this trendy hipster bar. Aside from wine, the bar serves up tasty cocktails, a variety of beers and also has a happy hour. Try the house ‘punch’, you won’t be disappointed.
Where? 11th Arrondissement (Bar close to Place de la Bastille, Sainte Chapelle, Catedral Notre Dame, Jardin de Plantes)
3. Le Motel
If you’re looking for a bar with live music in Paris, Le Motel is the ideal place for fans of electro-pop-rock. Cosy seating centres around the DJ booth, where the resident DJs treat guests to electrifying sets that fill the dance floor every weekend without fail. If you’re looking for a more relaxed evening, go on a week night when you can take in the atmosphere as you enjoy cocktails and charcuterie, served by friendly staff.
Where? 11th Arrondissement (Bar close to Place de la Bastille, Sainte Chapelle, Catedral Notre Dame, Jardin de Plantes)
4. Bar Ourcq
If relaxing by the canal, drink in hand, after a long day of sightseeing appeals to you (and why wouldn’t it?) Bar Ourcq offers a shiny Oasis on the banks of the Bassin de la Villette in the 18th arrondissement. It’s a really affordable option too, with drinks starting from as little as €2.50. It’s the perfect haunt for a long, warm summer’s day.
Where? 19th Arrondissement (Bar close to Parc de Buttes-Chaumont)
5. Experimental Cocktail Club
This bar ticks all the boxes; it’s centrally located, quirky and fun and it serves great cocktails, as the name might suggest. The ‘experimental’ part of the bar’s name is no lie – expect to try cocktails with ingredients such as ‘organic floral honey’ and ‘crushed Indonesian pepper’ among other exotic ingredients. We’ll let you decide if the experiment was a success…
Where? 2nd Arrondissement (Bar close to the Louvre, Le Centre Pompidou)
6. La Famille
Montmartre is either the coolest or the comically seediest place in Paris depending on who you talk to, but one thing that no one can disagree on is that it’s one of the best places to go out in the city. The winding little streets around the stunning Sacre Coeur are packed full of quirky and original bars, including the restaurant/bar La Famille, located near the bottom of the Sacre Coeur steps. It’s hugely popular, and with just 12 tables gets extremely busy if you’re looking for food. However, if you’re prepared to wait at the bar, make sure you kill time with a taste of one of their insanely delicious cocktails whipped up by knowledgeable and friendly bar staff.
Where? 18th Arrondissement (Bar close to Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, Moulin Rouge)
7. Moonshiner
If you want to mingle with uber-cool Parisians in a ‘secret’ speak-easy bar, Moonshiner should be the first place you visit. Once again located in the trendy area around Place de la Bastille, the bar is hidden behind a fridge in an inconspicuous Italian restaurant called Pizza Da Vito. Push your way through the metal door of the fridge and find yourself transported to 1920’s New York. Don’t worry though, prohibition is not an issue here, where you can order a huge range of cocktails of varying degrees of potency.
Where? 11th Arrondissement (Bar close to Place de la Bastille, Sainte Chapelle, Catedral Notre Dame, Jardin de Plantes)
8. Le Kremlin
Enjoying this list but feel like none of the bars so far are really quirky enough for you? Well, Le Kremlin bar in Pigalle could really not be accused of not making an effort in the quirky stakes. It’s a Russian-themed bar in the heart of Paris with an incredible selection of imported vodkas (what else?) and a distinctly quirky soundtrack. It’s very close to the Moulin Rouge, so if you’ve come out of a dinner show and are looking for somewhere for a drink after, Le Kremlin is perfect.
Where? 18th Arrondissement (Bar close to Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, Moulin Rouge)
9. Bouillon Belge
A bar dedicated to Belgian beer? Sign us up! Belgian beer is some of the best in the world so it’s no surprise that this bar, selling over 100 different types, has been a huge hit with locals and tourists alike since it opened in 2011. Ask the knowledgeable staff to help you choose between the seemingly endless offerings, which are served at very reasonable prices on draught and in bottles.
Where? 20th Arrondissement (Bar close to Pere Lachaise cemetery)
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