Paris, a city renowned for its romantic ambiance, chic cafés, and world-class cuisine, is also home to an underground bar scene that offers a unique, intimate atmosphere for those in the know. While iconic cocktail bars and trendy rooftop spots are popular, the true magic lies in Paris’s secret bars – tucked-away gems that are concealed behind unmarked doors, hidden inside hotels, or masquerading as other businesses. These hidden spots offer not just great drinks but also a touch of mystery and adventure that adds an extra layer to your Parisian night out.
If you’re ready to explore some of Paris’s most secretive and intriguing bars, here’s a list of the best hidden gems where you can enjoy a drink and a unique atmosphere.
1. Le Syndicat
Located in the 10th arrondissement, Le Syndicat is one of Paris’s most well-known hidden bars. This speakeasy is located behind an unmarked door in a humble alley, making it feel like a true secret. The moment you enter, you’re greeted by a mix of modern and vintage décor, with dark lighting and stylish interiors that set the stage for a memorable night.
Highlights:
- Signature Cocktails: Le Syndicat prides itself on using French spirits and ingredients, offering an innovative selection of cocktails that celebrate French craftsmanship. Expect a refreshing twist on classic cocktails.
- Expert Mixologists: The bartenders here are incredibly skilled and knowledgeable, always happy to recommend something based on your taste preferences.
Tip:
Make sure to try the La Maison Blanche cocktail made with locally sourced spirits for a unique taste of Paris.
2. Candelaria
Hidden behind the unassuming door of a Mexican taqueria, Candelaria in the 3rd arrondissement is one of Paris’s coolest secret bars. The taqueria itself serves excellent tacos and margaritas, but behind a discreet door at the back of the restaurant, you’ll find a cozy cocktail bar with a laid-back vibe.
Highlights:
- Tacos and Tequila: While the bar is primarily known for its exceptional cocktails, the tacos and tequila selection also deserve attention.
- Intimate Atmosphere: Candelaria’s dimly lit interior and plush seating make it the perfect place for a relaxed evening of conversation and cocktails.
Tip:
Head here early, as the bar gets busy quickly. Order a mezcal-based cocktail for a smoky and unique twist.
3. Lavomatic
One of the most charming and elusive secret bars in Paris, Lavomatic is located inside a laundromat in the 10th arrondissement. Behind the washing machines lies a cozy cocktail bar that you won’t expect to find in such an unassuming location.
Highlights:
- Quirky Entrance: To get inside, you must walk through a laundromat and then slip behind a hidden door (which is actually disguised as a row of washing machines).
- Colorful Cocktails: Once inside, you’ll find a cozy space where you can enjoy fun, colorful cocktails with a playful vibe. The menu features creative concoctions with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Tip:
Look out for the bookcase door in the laundromat to find the entrance. The drinks are inventive, so be sure to ask the bartender for a personalized recommendation.
4. Prescription Cocktail Club
Situated in the 6th arrondissement, Prescription Cocktail Club is a sophisticated secret bar that combines stylish elegance with a laid-back atmosphere. It’s nestled in the heart of the trendy Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, and although it’s not hidden behind a false front, its understated exterior ensures it flies under the radar.
Highlights:
- Classic Cocktails with a Modern Twist: Prescription Cocktail Club’s talented mixologists craft innovative cocktails that blend tradition with contemporary techniques.
- Cozy Interior: The intimate setting features soft lighting, plush armchairs, and vintage décor, making it a perfect spot for a night out with friends or a romantic evening.
Tip:
The Prescription Old Fashioned is a must-try, crafted to perfection with a touch of innovation.
5. Moonshiner
Moonshiner is a speakeasy-style bar located in the 11th arrondissement, hidden behind the façade of a pizza restaurant. It’s one of the most beloved secret bars in Paris, known for its unique 1920s ambiance, featuring vintage furniture, dim lighting, and an extensive cocktail menu.
Highlights:
- Prohibition Era Vibes: With its vintage décor, jazz music, and expertly crafted cocktails, Moonshiner transports you back to the Prohibition era.
- Specialty Cocktails: The bar offers a creative menu with drinks that pay homage to the past, like their classic Negroni or Moonshine Mule.
Tip:
Look for the secret entrance, which is tucked behind a pizza oven. Make a reservation if you’re going on a weekend, as it can get packed quickly.
6. Little Red Door
Located in the Marais district, Little Red Door is an unmarked gem that can be easily missed if you’re not in the know. The bar is famous for its innovative drinks and intimate, trendy setting. The entrance, a small, inconspicuous red door, gives little away about the chic, sophisticated interior.
Highlights:
- Creative Cocktails: The bar’s menu changes seasonally, offering imaginative cocktails that often feature unusual ingredients like herbs, spices, and infusions.
- Intimate Setting: With its soft lighting and cozy seating, Little Red Door is perfect for an intimate night out with friends or a romantic evening.
Tip:
Ask the bartender to surprise you with one of their seasonal concoctions for a truly unique experience.
7. Le Bar Botaniste
Tucked inside the Hôtel Fauchon near Place de la Madeleine, Le Bar Botaniste is a hidden bar that transports guests into a lush, green paradise. With its plant-filled interior and focus on botanical-based cocktails, this bar offers a refreshing and serene escape from the usual Parisian nightlife scene.
Highlights:
- Botanical Cocktails: Le Bar Botaniste’s drinks are made with fresh herbs, flowers, and botanicals, offering a fragrant and refreshing twist on classic cocktails.
- Luxury Setting: With its chic, nature-inspired décor, the bar provides a more luxurious but still intimate atmosphere for a memorable night.
Tip:
Try the Signature Botaniste Cocktail, a mix of gin, herbs, and floral flavors that perfectly embodies the bar’s essence.
8. La Mezcaleria
A hidden bar behind a Mexican restaurant called Candelaria in the Marais, La Mezcaleria is a haven for mezcal lovers. It’s an intimate space with colorful décor and a laid-back vibe, offering a relaxed environment to enjoy some of the best mezcal cocktails in Paris.
Highlights:
- Mezcal Cocktails: Aimed at mezcal lovers, the bar features creative mezcal-based cocktails and a selection of pure mezcal varieties for sipping.
- Chilled Vibe: The space is small and cozy, perfect for enjoying drinks in a quiet and comfortable setting.
Tip:
If you’re new to mezcal, ask the bartender for a recommendation based on your taste preferences.
9. L’Avant Comptoir
Located in the 6th arrondissement, L’Avant Comptoir is a wine and tapas bar that has a secret charm all its own. While it’s not hidden in a traditional speakeasy sense, the bar is small and tucked away, offering a cozy, local experience away from the hustle and bustle of typical tourist spots.
Highlights:
- Amazing Wine Selection: The bar features an extensive list of French wines, from Bordeaux to Burgundy, and serves up delicious small plates of tapas-style dishes.
- Intimate Vibe: With its small space and standing bar, L’Avant Comptoir offers a casual but intimate atmosphere perfect for a relaxed evening.
Tip:
Grab a glass of Bordeaux wine and pair it with a delicious selection of charcuterie or cheeses for a true Parisian experience.
Conclusion: Discovering the Hidden Bar Scene in Paris
Paris’s secret bars offer a mix of mystery, creativity, and exclusive atmospheres that make for an unforgettable night out. From hidden speakeasies to discreet entrances and innovative cocktails, these hidden gems are perfect for those looking to explore a more unconventional side of Parisian nightlife. Whether you’re after a classic cocktail in a vintage setting or a quirky new concoction in an unexpected location, Paris’s secret bars promise an adventure that will leave you with stories to tell and a night to remember.
So, the next time you’re in Paris, step off the beaten path, find the hidden doors, and enjoy an unforgettable evening at one of the city’s secret bars. Cheers!
