Planning a night out in Paris? Veer away from the tourist hotspots and discover some of the city’s best-kept secrets. Tucked behind unmarked doors, through walk-in fridges or in unkempt buildings, these hidden bars are home to Paris’s best mixologists, cool décor and friendly crowds.
1. Moonshiner
Finding Moonshiner is an adventure in itself. Like a magical cupboard, you’ll walk through a pizzeria into a walk-in fridge and then out a connecting door into an uber-cool bar. Warmly lit and oozing with old-world charm, this hidden enclave specialises in lip-smacking cocktails and top-notch whiskies. Getting hungry? Slip back through the fridge into Pizza Da Vito and gorge on a seriously good pizza. Time for another drink? You know the deal.
Address: 5 Rue Sedaine, 75011 Paris
2. Candelaria
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With a reputation that is impossible ignore, Candelaria is a cosy, Mexican-tinged gem perfect for a date night in the city. Tucked behind an unmarked door at the back of a tiny taqueria, this candle-lit den is renowned for its Mexican-inspired cocktails and relaxed ambience. Don’t leave without tasting a Candelaria classic like Pisco Disco or the Guêpe Verte (the Green Wasp). Address: 52, rue Saintonge, 75003 Paris
3. Experimental Cocktail Club
The folks behind this joint are heralded as having kick-started Paris’s cocktail bar revival some years ago. Perhaps one of the worst kept secrets in Paris, the Experimental Cocktail Club is hidden behind a simple black door in the 2nd arrondissement and is all about a sultry interior, ultra-smooth cocktails and knowledgeable mixologists. Arrive early and you’ll be rewarded with a prime position on one of the comfy armchairs. A must-visit for any serious cocktail connoisseur. Address: 37 Rue Saint-Sauveur, 75002 Paris
4. Le Syndicat
This modern speakeasy is dedicated to bringing French labels back into the limelight with a self-imposed rule of only using French sprits like Cognac and Armagnac in their creations. Often missed due to its derelict-like façade, Le Syndicat serves up old classics alongside a hefty list of innovative concoctions. Experience the flavours of French alcohol in between casual chitchat and listening to a playlist of hip-hop beats.
Address: 51 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75010 Paris
5. L’Acte 3
Found in an old theatre in the Rambuteau neighbourhood, L’Acte 3 combines everything you’d expect from a must-visit hidden watering hole – it is discreet, fashionably imperfect and serious about serving up delicious drinks. If you’re after a side of entertainment with your cocktail, head down to the basement where a weekly-line up could include anything from stand-up comedy to a burlesque show.
Address: 94 Rue Quincampoix, 75003 Paris, France
(Featured image: Edsel Little)
