It’s no surprise that Paris is home to many great bars, but when you find yourself in the City of Lights, settling for greatness simply won’t suffice. In a city whose street culture has created a see-and-be-seen atmosphere, you’ll want to uncover the coolest bars in Paris, where the most trendy and vibrant Parisians are sipping cocktails.
That’s why we’ve curated a list of the most sought-after establishments where you can indulge in a carefully crafted drink among the chicest crowds in the city.
The Coolest Bars in Paris:
Bambino
When talking about the coolest bars in Paris, Bambino always comes up. This establishment embodies the essence of cool, drawing inspiration from Tokyo’s Jazz Cafes. By day, it serves as a charming café, while transforming into a lively venue with DJ sets and dancing at night. It’s an absolute must-visit for audiophiles, with the DJs exclusively spinning vinyl records.
Their food menu offers a delightful selection of tapas, alongside an equally impressive drinks menu. They always have five expertly crafted cocktails on tap, including a Negroni that is simply perfection. With its impeccable ambiance, friendly patrons, and exceptional music you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience at Bambino.
Cravan
CRAVAN, right in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, is another must-visit cocktail bar. it’s housed across five floors of a stunning 17th-century building. With three cocktail bars and a bookstore co-designed with Rizzoli NY, the space is anything but traditional. The space, designed by Ramy Fischler, blends different architectural trends to create a relaxed yet cultural experience all centered around cocktails.
The ground floor is home to the first bar gives a nod to the “little” CRAVAN, the original spot in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. It’s got that Art Nouveau style, with a classic counter, Thonet furniture, and comfy quilted benches. A cool mix of Belle Epoque vibes against the 17th-century-style joinery that you’ll find throughout the rest of the floor.
On the next floor, the Drugstore spirit takes center stage, with its stylish marble bar and mirror blades that sporadically reflect the surrounding historic decor. You can grab a seat at the bar or relax on the benches that line the room, creating a theatrical atmosphere.
The third floor houses the fresco room, which offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Each cozy living room has its own dedicated fireplace. And make sure to check out the mineral and metallic bar, where you can enjoy the CRAVAN collection of bottles lit by candlelight.
Harry's bar
Harry’s Bar was born on November 26, 1911, they literally took apart a bar from 7th Avenue in Manhattan (during prohibition) and put it back together on Rue Daunou in Paris.
It wasn’t just any old bar. It brought a whole new concept: the Cocktail. Toad Sloan, the American jockey who moved this bar from New York, called on the famous bartender Harry MacElhone, who took over a few years later and turned it into the renowned Harry’s Bar. And that’s how the legend began in the early 20th century.
Over the years, this place has (claimed) to invent some of the classics that have stood the test of time, like the Bloody Mary, SideCar, Blue Lagoon, and White Lady, just to name a few. Sticking to the motto of being traditionally inventive, they continue to create new cocktails regularly.
Bar Sotto
Named after its Italian meaning “under,” Bar sotto lives up to its name as a hidden gem nestled beneath Carboni’s restaurant. With its limited capacity and no-reservation policy it’s a highly sought after place for drinks. It’s intimate setting makes it the perfect place for a romantic evening. To add to its charm, Bar Sotto frequently hosts live music performances, featuring talented local artists.
Le Bar Principal
Located in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, Bar Principal is a cool and laid-back establishment, perfect for those seeking a relaxed ambiance.
With exceptional cocktails and a menu inspired by the Brazilian “boteco,” owners Lucas Baur de Campos and Ninon Lecomte have created a true gem.
Following the success of their restaurant, Brutos, in 2017, they decided to open Bar Principal a few years later in the adjacent space, facing Square Gardette.
Enjoy their delicious snacks, like tapioca cubes and their famous “not smash burger.” And let’s not forget about the menu, which offers a carefully chosen variety of craft cocktails and natural wines. You won’t be disappointed spending an evening here, it truly is one of the coolest bars in Paris.
Le syndicat
Le Syndicat, nestled in the bustling 10th arrondissement has Saint-Denis in Paris, beckons you with its revolutionary approach to cocktail making that continuously lands them on the best bars in the world list.
Since its inception in 2014 by Romain Le Mouellic and the renowned bartender Sullivan Doh, this bar has carved a niche in the Parisian cocktail scene. Pioneering the resurgence of high-quality French alcohols, Le Syndicat proudly stands as an ‘organisation de défense des spiritueux français’ (organization in defense of French spirits).
As you step inside, you’ll find a menu that they exclusively celebrate cocktails crafted from French ingredients, a testament to their commitment to local producers and the rich diversity of French spirits, and one of the reasons this place is one of the coolest bars in Paris.
Andy Wahloo bar
Andy Wahloo in the 3rd arrondissement is the spot to go to for the start of an incredible night out in Paris. with a twist. This bar is a cool mix of Moroccan vibes and pop art. It’s part of a trio with the nearby 404 Restaurant and Derrière, giving it some serious foodie cred too. You’ll find a bunch of creative craft cocktails on the menu, alongside some tasty North African wines and small plates that are just as eclectic as the decor.
As the evening unfolds, the volume goes up with DJ sets that’ll get you moving. It’s the perfect spot if you’re in the mood to groove to some tunes, enjoy a unique cocktail, or just soak up the artsy, laid-back vibe. It’s a slice of Parisian nightlife that’s fun, funky, and definitely unforgettable.
Candelaria
If you’re strolling around the trendy Le Marais district, you might be curious about the buzz surrounding a seemingly regular Taqueria. But once you step through the back door of this taco joint, you’ll discover one of the coolest bars in Paris – Candelaria.
This speakeasy combines the vibrant flavors of a Mexican taqueria with the chic vibes of a fancy cocktail bar. It’s like a mini getaway into the world of expert mixology and cozy charm. Each cocktail is meticulously crafted with precision and creativity, plus you can get some pretty incredible tacos if you’re hungry.
Fréquence
Fréquence is one of the best bars in Paris, it brings together amazing vinyl music and even better cocktails. It was founded in 2018 by two friends, Matthieu Biron (from is Wahloo) and Guillaume Quenza (formerly of Sherry Butt). Fréquence has quickly become a top choice for those who love both great drinks and awesome music.
The bar’s vinyl collection focuses on Disco, Modern Soul, Reggae, Boogie, and hip-hop, creating a lively and culturally rich atmosphere. And their cocktail menu changes regularly to highlight seasonal ingredients and support small producers.
On Fridays and Saturdays, they have live DJ sets, and the kitchen stays open until 11, so you can enjoy delicious bites with your cocktails. Fréquence caters to everyone but draws a cool, artsy crowd with its fantastic mix of cocktails, vinyl, food, and weekend DJ sets.
Combat
In the trendy Belleville neighborhood of Paris, Combat is a cocktail bar that effortlessly blends historical charm with contemporary chic. Run by Elena Schmitt and Margot Lecarpentier, both alumni of the famed Experimental Cocktail Club, this bar is a testament to their skill and creativity. The interior, with its whitewashed stone walls and green boudoir, exudes a cozy yet stylish vibe, while the quaint terrace offers a charming spot to enjoy the bustling street life.
Combat’s minimalist design, complete with lush foliage and a striking neon-lit bathroom, creates an ambiance that is both inviting and Instagram-worthy. The bar’s façade opens up to the street, allowing for an engaging interaction between bartenders and passersby.
Here, each cocktail is a masterpiece, reflecting the owners’ commitment to quality and innovation. Combat is more than just a bar; it’s a delightful fusion of Parisian history and modern mixology, making it a must-visit spot for any traveler in search of the city’s best cocktail experiences.
Bar Nouveau
If you’re a fan of Art Nouveau, you this bar is a must-visit in Paris. It’s not just about the cocktails, it’s a whole immersive experience into an era of elegance. Led by the amazing mixologist Rémy Savage, Bar Nouveau turns cocktails into art.
The attention to detail in the bar’s decor is impressive. Every corner is adorned with exquisite Art Nouveau-inspired elements, from the intricately designed bar to the mesmerizing wooden adorned windows. The warm and inviting ambiance creates the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening in Paris.
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