Top Paris, France Bars
Browse our list of our favorite bars in Paris.
1. Best Bar to Have Fun Without Breaking Your Budget- Footsie
If you are looking for a night out without having to break the bank, Footsie is the place to go. The name is a play on the London Stock Exchange (the FTSE) and there are 3 boards above the bar with the prices of most drinks listed. Every 4 minutes, those prices will change – going up or down – based on the “market” consumption of the patrons. We’ve watched beer drop down to less than water - and don’t forget this includes all drinks even the top shelf liquors. 10-12 rue Daunou, 2e.
2. Best Bar for Midnight Margaritas- Esmerelda's
A surreal scene - Drinking margaritas in one of the oldest buildings in Paris - in the heart of the Latin Quarter. Fun atmosphere in a building so ancient that it doesn't contain a freezer. If there's a run on margaritas (which happens frequently - they are so YUMMY), the staff jogs down the street to bring in more ice. Rue Xavier Privas, 5e.
3. Best Bar if You're Homesick - Harry's Bar
The only place in Paris where we’ve been told “I’m sorry but we don’t serve wine here”. What they have been serving for almost 100 years are wickedly strong drinks to a large crowd of expatriates. If you are looking for a little taste of home in the heart of Paris (check out the US college pennants on the wall) this is the place for you. 5 rue Daunou, 2e.
4. Best Bar to Experience a Parisian Cocktail - Mondrian
Sip one of their signature cocktails while watching the ultra-hip bartenders mix drinks by tossing bottles ala Tom Cruise in Cocktail while dancing to the Grease soundtrack on the bar. In Caribbean style with a Paris twist, drink Parisian cocktails (named after famous islands - Le St. Martin, Le Bora Bora) out of conch shells with straws or sample the divine Kir Royales poured at your table. The party goes on all night at this 24-hour café/club. 148 blvd St-Germain, 6e.
5. Best Bar for "Retro-Chic" - Chez Prune
The first bar renovated in the "up and coming" Canal St. Martin area, Chez Prune is a fun stop off of the tourist track. Mingle with the local art-house/designer crowd and sample the reasonably priced retro drinks. The dinner specials are a deal. 36 rue Beaurepaire, 10e.
6. Best Bar for a View of the Paris Skyline- Altitude 95 in the Eiffel Tower
For a sublime experience, find a table by the large plate glass windows, sip a glass of champagne, and take in the breathtaking panorama of Paris at night from the second stage of the Eiffel Tower. It doesn't get any better than this.
7. Best Bar to Browse Books While Drinking Wine - La Belle Hortense
An unpretentious Parisian mix of wine and books in this combination bar and bookstore in the Marais. Browse the shelves and order from the reasonably priced French wine list. You can sit at the zinc bar and chat with the patrons, or read in the leather chairs scattered about the bookstore. 31 rue Vieille du Temple, 4e.
8. Best Bar for a Shopping Break - Le Bar à Bulles, Main Store/Galeries Lafayette
If you're in the mood to shop, but need a little convincing to buy those adorable, unique designer shoes that will cost you dearly, stop at this trendy champagne and water bar on the main floor of the Galleries Lafayette. Choose from 10 different French champagnes by the glass ranging from 9.5€ to 26.5€ for Dom Perignon or Krug. You'll loosen up enough to take the plunge and make your dream purchase. First Floor, Main Store, Galeries Lafayette.
For male shoppers, sample wines by the glass in the World Wines bar on the Third Floor of the Men's Store, Galeries Lafayette. 40 Blvd. Haussmann, 9e.
9. Best Bar for Left-Bank People Watching - Le Bar du Marchè
Bustling bar/cafè in the heart of St. Germain des Pres at the busy intersection of Rue de Seine and Rue de Buci. A great place to hang out and watch chic Parisians go about their day at the Cours de Halles fruit and vegetable market, the famous Paul's bakery, and the fresh seafood and flower markets on this street that is the epitome of Paris life. The waitstaff is flirtatious and charming in their French country-style t-shirts, brown and blue overalls, and trademark caps. 75 rue de Seine, 6e.
Author: Cheryl Montgomery
