If you’re coming to Paris, you’ve probably already thought a lot about wine and perhaps even champagne, as the region isn’t far away. But if you stop there, you’d be selling yourself short. Paris has bustling craft beer, spirits, and cocktail scenes as well, and there are tons of places offering a fantastic experience that you won’t want to miss. There are spots on every corner you could swing into for a drink, and yes, we do recommend you park it on a sunny terrasse with a cheap pint at least once on your trip (or better yet, grab a pastis to feel truly French). That said, if you’re looking for something deeper, this is the blog for you. Here are some of our favorite spots; those bars that take the game to the next level.
How to Find Good Places to Drink in Paris
Again, finding places to drink in Paris is not difficult (hello, vendors on the Champs de Mars!). If you want a beer in the summer, you can literally sit on the side of the river and eventually someone will come up to you to sell you a bottle. It’s just the way it goes. And we’re not denying that’s a quintessential experience, but once you've done the river, if you're looking for some top notch drinks with vibes to suit, here are some of our top recommendations for finding the right place for the evening.
The Paris in My Pocket Travel Guide
Well yes, we’d be remiss not to send you directly to our own travel guide. Our founder Jay has lived in the city for over a decade, and has been around town trying all sorts of places and reporting back on them, so that you don’t have to do the research. As a result, we have hundreds of recommendations on places to drink. Whether you’re looking for a rooftop bar, a cozy cocktail, a rowdy pub, or a natural wine, you’ll find it in our guide, and you’ll know it’s tried and true.
Foodies
If you like to fall down various exceptional internet tangents, then you’ll want to check out some of Jay’s good friends and the work that they’re doing reporting on the food scene here in Paris.
Lindsey Tramuta
Lindsey is a journalist in Paris reporting not only on culture and politics, but the food and drink scene as well. She has a deep appreciation for the craft that goes into creating and understanding a menu, and won’t lead you astray when recommending a good place to get an exceptional drink.
Tanisha Townsend
Otherwise known as Girl Meets Glass, Tanisha is our favorite wine connoisseur of the Paris scene. She breaks down any stuffy and pretentious wine vibes and leaves you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the wine you’ll drink here. She also gives you tips on how to order and what to expect.
David Lebovitz
Basically the OG food and drink blogger of Paris, you can always trust David to send you to a local joint with a true Parisian feel. His taste never disappoints, and his dry humor makes you want to like, follow, share, and subscribe to every account he has to offer.
Word of Mouth
We're surrounded by amazing foodies from across cultures who are always pitching Jay great new restaurants to try - it can be a little overwhelming sometimes! But it's quite the blessing when cutting through the thousands of possibilities Paris has to offer. Listen to the people around you. If you have friends or family in the city, and trust them, go to their recommendations over any internet search. If not, head to one of our recommendations and ask the bartenders what places they would recommend. Someone working at a craft coffee shop will probably know a great natural wine bar. And someone at an intimate cocktail bar just might know where to send you for a low key whiskey tasting.
What is the Most Popular Drink in Paris?
AKA, what can you order to feel like a local? In the places we recommend, you’ll want to be more specific than this when you order but if you’re just grabbing a seat at any random, dreamy terrace, here’s what’s most popular.
Une Blonde
Order a blonde, and you’ll get a standard, no-nonsense draft lager. When you’re at a café and just want something cold, crisp, and easy to drink, this is a great choice. You might want to specify if you want a une pinte or a un demie - Otherwise you’ll end up with a pint!
Un Verre de Vin
In Paris, a glass of wine is pretty much a daily staple. Perhaps that’s shifting as society leans away from drinking alcohol, but something tells us France will be one of the last countries to truly embrace leaving that behind. You’ll need to specify blanc or rouge, and maybe sec (dry) or doux (sweet) and that will often be enough.
Pastis
Pastis is light and fresh, though heavy on the anise, so if you don’t like licorice, we’d stay away. It’s the ultimate afternoon cooler; plus, you get to play with it! It arrives as a shot of amber liquid in a tall thin glass, with a side pitcher of water and a long spoon. You’ll want to pour the water into the glass, give it a twirl. It’ll turn a pretty pale, cloudy color. Give it a sip - it tastes like summer!
Is Drinking in Public Legal in Paris?
Technically, no. Drinking in public is not legal, per se, not everywhere. However, it is highly tolerated. You do not have to worry about drinking in public - and please understand this is not legal advice! What you do need to think about is if you’re getting flat out drunk or unruly. If this happens, you might get a talking to, or told to wrap it up. Also, be sure never to leave your garbage behind.
If you are planning on having your apéro outside, here are some of the best places to do it in the warmer weather:
Along the Seine
Because it’s Paris, after all! Plus, if you’re looking for a short and sweet boat ride along the rivier, check out Vedettes de Pont Neuf. You can bring a bottle of bubbles on board and pop it as you watch the eiffel tower sparkle!
Canal Saint-Martin
In the high summer season it might be tricky nabbing a spot, but find space wherever you can, and claim it as yours. However, if there’s a bit of an empty patch, ask yourself why. Chances are there’s a public toilet, or lack of one, nearby. Take a look around and sniff before you get too excited.
Looking to wander this area of town even more? Jay has an audio tour that he created with Le Walk - access is reserved for people who grab the Guide+, so be sure to get yours here.
Buttes Chaumont
A great alternative to the more famous gardens in the center, Buttes Chaumont is off the beaten tourist path, out of the way in the 19th arrondissement, and has great, local vibes. We love the grass-covered slopes awash with picnickers. It’s great spot to hang out and share a bottle of wine.
Place des Vosges
This small, historical square has luscious grass and pockets of shade in the summer, making it the perfect spot for an evening drink with friends. Don’t be surprised if you’re only a few feet from your neighbors, as a grassy corner in Place des Vosges is considered prime real estate!
What do I Order Without Alcohol in Paris?
On a sunny afternoon on a sprawling terrace, it’s not unusual to see people chatting over a non-alcoholic drink. Here are some classic Parisian booze-free beverages you can order to feel like a local:
Grenadine - Flat water with grenadine, or any other flavored syrup they might have.
Diabolo - A grenadine, but even sweeter. This drink still uses syrup but is combined with a sweet, sparkling citrus soda. Another beloved drink is a diobolo menthe (mint!)
Coke with Lemon - Don’t be surprised if you order a coke and it comes with ice, and a slice of lemon.
Sparkling water - A cold, fresh bottle of eau pétillante goes a long way; also often served with lemon.
Where to Find Alcohol Free Beverages in Paris
If you’re looking to grab a casual alcohol-free drink, most cafés, restaurants, and bars will have these. Otherwise, here are three great places to find drinks that feel more special.
Dirty Lemon
While we’d happily send you for the food on its own, it’s time to try their killer mocktails. Dirty Lemon doesn’t mess around, with or without the alcohol. Their drinks range from savory to sweet to dry with flavor palettes to surprise and drink names to love. For example, their cocktail ZADDY ISSUES boasts tequila infused with pear and zaa’tar, a peppery alsacien white wine and black tea with cardamom. Talk about an experience for your taste buds! Get directions.
Déja Bu
Déja Bu is a completely non-alcoholic cave and bar. Whether you’re looking for something to sip on the spot or take to a picnic, this is a great option. Get directions.
La Paon qui Boit
This is strictly a non-alcoholic drinks shop, not a bar. Like the above, it’s a great place to go for something a little fancier than your go to soft drinks. Why not treat yourself? Get directions.
Where to Drink in Paris
If you’re here at Paris in My Pocket asking where to drink, then chances are you’re not simply looking to spend the night tripping up and down Rue de Lappe (not that we judge that - it’s a certain kind of fun). Instead, we’re going to share some of our favorite, local, high quality joints where you can grab a great drink in the City of Light.
And don’t forget - if you’re out and about drinking, you’ll want to be aware of pickpockets. Maybe it’s an occasion to wear your anti-theft jeans? Or your anti-theft backpack?
Great Wine Bars in Paris
Looking for a glass of wine? It’s Paris - welcome to the club!
Poney Club
Out of the way, but great after a day in Montmartre. The owner of the Poney Club really knows his stuff, and he has some unique wines and delicious cheese boards. Get directions.
Les Oeillets
Looking for local chaos? Check out this wine bar with small plates. A little hipster, super casual, but a lot of fun, les Oeillets might overwhelm you, but it doesn’t get much more local than this. Get directions.
Liquiderie Bar
… Or maybe it doesn’t get more local than this? Natural wine on tap? Always a great vibe, this is one of Jay’s favorite places to drink. Get directions.
Best Places for Craft Beer in Paris
Whether you’re looking to hang on an outdoor terrace or pick a corner of a rowdy beer hall, Paris has lots to offer.
Paname
They brew their own beer, they make their own pizza, and they have a terrace that is literally floating on the canal. You won’t be disappointed here. Get directions.
Bon Esprit
One of our favorites, and for good reason. The staff is awesome, the food is good, and the beer selection is on point. It’s a truly local vibe with French clientele from the neighborhood who are addicted to their trivia nights. Get directions.
La Binouze
A beer cave that specializes in micro-breweries and is also a bar. You can swing in here if you’re looking for a few bottles to take to go, or you can stay and chat and taste some of the unique brands they carry. They have a ton of good beer on tap, and their snacks don’t disappoint either. Get directions.
Where to Find Good Cocktails in Paris
There are more and more cocktail bars in Paris, ranging from speakeasies, to dives, to cocktail clubs, to casual… we have tons in our guide, but here are a few of our favorites to get you started.
Le Syndicat
A cocktail bar with a hip vibe and a good record always playing. Looking for something crisp and classic? This is a great place for that and more. Get directions.
De Vie
De Vie the newest of our selection, and is linked with their exceptional restaurant. You can visit the bar without eating, and we highly recommend it. They focus on sustainability and minimize waste as much as possible. At De Vie, you’re looking at a full cocktail experience. Get directions.
Castor Club
Giving old school energy with low lighting and wooden elements to the bar; we’ve not had a bad drink at Castor Club, and we always leave feeling a little classier than when we arrived. Get directions.
And remember, if you’re traveling in a group or solo, you’ll always want to be aware of your drink when you’re out and about. Alway cover your glass, read the posters in the toilets, and be sure you know your way home. If you’re traveling along and plan on drinking (it’s such a bit part of the culture here!), it can help to know where to stay and where to hang out to feel safest. Check out our blog on a solo trip to Paris here, it’ll have all the tips and tricks you need to stay safe in the City of Light.
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