Paris: Cocktail Bars & Speakeasies

Need a break from wine? This is a map of 15 cocktail bars and 6 speakeasies on Paris’s Right Bank (Rive Droite). I've been to most of these and loved them; the remaining bars, I’ll visit personally soon! FREE for now, at least until I add my personal notes for each place. Tips welcome! FYI: The average price of a (good) cocktail in Paris is between 12-15 EUR. Sometimes you can find happy hour deals for 8-10 EUR.

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Cocktail Bars

Abricot

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Le Mary Celeste

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Bisou.

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Musa Oberkampf

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Fréquence

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Cafe Moderne

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Les Justes - Pigalle

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A fantastic cocktail bar (not a speakeasy) in Pigalle. I love coming here whenever I'm in the area. They have some inside seating as well as some terrace seating when it's nice out.

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Le Carlie

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Divine

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Shake n' Smash

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Dirty Lemon

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A bar run by a proudly queer Palestinian woman, and there's a lot of Mediterranean flare to it (fun fact: they also do a boozy brunch here). Cozy lighting, good music that's not too loud, and some really fun drinks at reasonable prices (12-13 EUR) make this a fun stop. I got the vodka strawberry chocolate situation and it was a perfect not-too-sweet yet dessert-y night cap!

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Harry's New York Bar

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Famous for claiming the creation of iconic cocktails including the French 75, the Bloody Mary, and others, this Parisian classic has drawn many Americans and celebrities over the years, and is a fun spot to visit.

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Bar Hemingway

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Get ready to pay *for the experience*. 38 EUR for a cocktail... and the ambiance, exclusivity, small snacks served with the drinks, and stunning white roses for all the ladies' drinks. This place is famous, glitzy, expensive, and a fun splurge for a special occasion (or just because!). I definitely took my rose home and it brought me joy for several days so, you know, it was the gift that kept on giving...!

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Bar De Vie

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LES PLANQUES

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Combat

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Speakeasies

Little Red Door

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On several lists of "World's Best Bars", the hype for "LRD" is well-deserved. In the heart of the Marais (and actually very close to Candelaria), there is a... little red door set in from the sidewalk a little bit. You might walk straight past it unless you know it's there... or unless there is a line outside (which there usually is). I recommend going early-ish or being OK with waiting a few minutes. Usually, the wait isn't too bad. One thing this speakeasy is known for is its super cute menus. They change periodically, but normally they use old children's books and create the menus on pages inside. This is another Paris classic that I absolutely adore. Mid-2024 update: I've heard some of the main, iconic bartenders have left LRD and it's under new direction. I haven't been back since the management changed over.

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La Mezcaleria Paris

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Watch linked video for how to get in! If you love mezcal and funky, spicy menus (you'll see what I mean), this is the place for you. FYI: I find this place to be a little loud and hard to hear conversations except those that you're sitting right next to.

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Experimental Cocktail Club

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The unassuming entrance is directly on the street, but you'll walk right past it if you don't know it's there. Dimly lit, moody vibes and great cocktails make this a great place to come with a date or a small group. They have a nice wait staff that's OK to speak English if needed.

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Le Syndicat

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Hidden in plain sight on a busy street is this wonderful cocktail bar. There is no code to get in or secret passageway, but the first question they asked us when we sat down was, "How did you find us?!" This bar *only* serves French spirits, so lots of their drinks are classics with a French twist, or very unique drinks in combinations you've probably never thought of. They have an interesting and changing menu, fair prices (most were 15 EUR), the staff is very comfortable in English, and they take reservations online. One note: We were sitting under a speaker and it was a little loud, but they do have seating in the back and some seating outside as well.

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Lavomatic

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ALWAYS a line, this speakeasy is in a working laundromat and is famous for accessing the bar through a washing machine. To be honest, I've never braved the line... but this is on every list of great Paris cocktail bars.

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L'Épicier

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hilary Matson | @hilaryinparis

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Hello et bonjour ! I'm (another) American in Paris. I've lived in France since 2016 and I loooove sharing my Paris & France recs in hopes I can help others love this city and country as much as I do. I'm quite confident I've seen more of France than most French people, so no matter what you're looking for, I've (probably) done it! ✅ What I'm a great fit for: Mature travelers, couples, solo travelers, and families who enjoy soaking in authentic experiences, great food and wine, off-the-beaten-track gems, classic sites, and sustainable travel. 🌱 What's sustainable travel about? Traveling in a way that is kind to the environment, respectful of local culture, & supportive of the local economy. My trip-planning services are always through a sustainable lens. ❌ What I'm not a great fit for: Travelers focused on bars/clubbing or high-end shopping. ➡️ Follow me on TikTok, Instagram & Pinterest @hilaryinparis for Paris & France recommendations, tips, personal stories, and more. 🌍 PS: I'm on Thatch because I genuinely love sharing France with folks. My day job is running Yugen Earthside, a booking platform for responsible package trips primarily catering to groups of mature American travelers. My company's website is linked below.

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