Why Paris Is the Ultimate Playground for Bar Hoppers
Picture this: You’re in Paris, the city of love, art, croissants, and—wait for it—barbecue? No, no. Let’s be real. Paris is where you go to sip expensive wine, pretend you’re in a rom-com, and accidentally spend 300 euros on a cocktail you don’t even like. But hey, at least you’re *trying*, right?
If you’re a drinker, Paris is your playground. From cozy speakeasies to clubs that make you question your life choices, the city has it all. So grab your friends (and maybe a map), and let’s dive into the best bars and clubs in Paris. Spoiler: None of them are in Disneyland.
The ‘I’m Not a Snob, Just a Connoisseur’ Bars
If you’re the type of person who says “I’m not a snob, just a connoisseur” while sipping a $150 glass of wine, Paris has your back. These are the bars where the bartender knows your name, the menu is written in French, and the bill makes you question your life choices.
1. Le Jardin du Ritz Paris
Think of this like the bar where James Bond’s exes go to cry. Located in the iconic Ritz Paris hotel, this place is where the rich and famous come to sip champagne and feel important. The vibe? Think “I’m here to relax, not because I can afford it.” The catch? The champagne is so good, you’ll forget it’s 200 euros a glass. Pro tip: Order the “Parisian Sunset” cocktail—it’s basically a neon pink slushie that costs as much as a month’s rent in your hometown.
2. La Réserve Paris
This is the bar for people who say “I’m here for the ambiance.” Located in the 16th arrondissement, La Réserve Paris serves cocktails that look like they belong in an art museum. The waitstaff is so polite, they’ll probably carry your drinks *and* your dignity out of the door. Bonus: The view of the Eiffel Tower is so good, you’ll forget it’s not your actual living room.
The ‘Let’s Get Lost in the Marais’ Bars
The Marais is Paris’s answer to “What if Banksy and a barista had a baby?” It’s trendy, artsy, and full of people who take their coffee seriously. These bars are perfect for when you want to feel like you’re part of a hipster subculture but still want to order a Negroni without feeling judged.
1. Le Baron
If you’ve ever seen a movie where someone gets into a bar fight over a spilled drink, this is the place. Le Baron is the original Parisian club where the music is loud, the crowd is louder, and the drinks are so strong they come with a warning label. The entrance? Think “You can’t just walk in, but if you wear the right jeans, maybe.” Pro tip: Go on a Tuesday. The bouncer might be your actual friend.
2. Le Comptoir Général
This is the bar where you go to pretend you’re in a Bond movie. The drinks are crafted by bartenders who treat your order like it’s a chemistry experiment. The menu is written in French, and the bartenders know *everything* about whiskey. Even if you just want a beer, they’ll make you feel like you’re ordering a five-course meal. The catch? The line is as long as your Instagram feed.
The ‘I Will Survive’ Clubs
Paris’s clubs are where you go to forget your life and dance until the cows come home. These are the places where the music is so loud it could wake up the dead, and the crowd is so into it, they might just steal your shoes.
1. Le Trianon
If you’ve ever wanted to dance next to a celebrity, Le Trianon is your spot. The music? A mix of electronic and pop that makes you question why you ever liked anything else. The crowd? A mix of tourists, influencers, and people who really, really like to dance. The catch? The cover charge is as high as your expectations. But hey, at least you’ll be dancing with a view of the Seine.
2. Les Caves du Louvre
This is the bar where you go to pretend you’re in a speakeasy. Located near the Louvre, the drinks are as classy as the art. The vibe? Think “I’m here to listen to jazz and feel sophisticated.” The catch? The bartenders are so good at their job, you’ll forget you’re in Paris and not in a movie set.
The ‘I’m Here for the Vibe’ Bars
Some bars in Paris are just there to make you feel like you’re in a rom-com. These are the places where the lighting is dim, the music is just right, and the drinks are so good they could make you forget your ex ever existed.
1. Le Foyer de la Madeleine
This is the bar where you go to sip champagne and feel like you’re in a Parisian palace. The architecture is so grand, you’ll forget you’re not in Versailles. The menu? A mix of classic cocktails and modern twists that make you question your life choices. Pro tip: Order the “Madeleine Sunset”—it’s a cocktail so good, it might just make you forget you’re in Paris.
2. Le Jules Verne
This is the bar where you go to pretend you’re in a 19th-century train station. Located in the Eiffel Tower, Le Jules Verne serves drinks that are as iconic as the view. The menu is written in French, and the waitstaff is so polite, they’ll probably carry your drinks *and* your dignity out of the door. The catch? The view is so good, you’ll forget to order anything.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions About Paris Bars
1. Is it hard to get into these bars?
Depends on your outfit. If you’re wearing jeans and a t-shirt, you’ll probably get in. If you’re wearing a suit, you’ll definitely get in. If you’re wearing a tracksuit, you’ll probably get in. Paris bars are all about vibe, not dress code. Just don’t show up wearing Crocs. That’s a no-go everywhere.
2. Do I need to speak French?
Nope. The bartenders are used to tourists who say “bonjour” and then order a beer. Just smile, point at the menu, and pretend you know what you’re doing. They’ll probably just nod and say “Bien!” even if you don’t.
3. Can I use credit cards?
In Paris? Of course. But if you’re using a foreign card, be prepared for the bill to triple in size. Pro tip: Bring cash for the smaller bars. It’s faster, and the bartenders appreciate it.
Why You Should Trust Us
We’re not just some random bloggers with a passion for Paris. We’re the team behind Strategies.beer, your go-to source for all things beer-related. Whether you’re a homebrewer or just someone who likes to drink, we’ve got the tips, the gear, and the *vibes* to keep you sipping like a pro.
Need to make your own beer? Check out our Make Your Own Beer guide. Looking to sell your brew? Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer and reach customers across Paris and beyond!
Final Thoughts: Drink Like a Local, Not a Tourist
Paris is full of bars and clubs that cater to every type of drinker. From cozy speakeasies to clubs that make you question your life choices, there’s something for everyone. Just remember: The key to enjoying Paris is to go with the flow, order what the locals order, and never, ever drink on an empty stomach.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your friends, your wallet, and your inner Parisian, and start exploring. And if you’re ever in Paris, don’t forget to stop by our contact page for more tips. We’re always happy to help you find the best bar in the city—even if it’s just the one right around the corner.
