Welcome, Fellow Booze‑Connoisseur
If you’ve ever found yourself wandering the cobblestones of Paris’s 4th arrondissement with a half‑empty glass and a brain that’s half‑wired to meme‑culture, this is the only guide you’ll ever need. We’re talking about the kind of bars that make you forget you ever cared about Michelin stars and instead focus on the perfect balance between a killer cocktail and a Wi‑Fi signal strong enough to upload your latest TikTok.
Why the 4th Arrondissement?
First off, the 4th isn’t just “the one with the Notre‑Dame”. It’s the historic heart of the Marais, the LGBTQ+ sanctuary, and the unofficial headquarters of every Instagram influencer who thinks “vintage” is a personality trait. It’s also a labyrinth of bars that range from speakeasy‑ish hidden gems to neon‑lit dive joints where the only thing louder than the music is the bartender’s sarcasm.
Our Methodology (Spoiler: We’re Not Scientists)
We didn’t hire a team of PhDs in “Barology”. Instead, we combined three things:
- Google reviews that actually read like a meme.
- First‑hand experiences after a few rounds of “just one more”.
- SEO‑friendly research because Google loves us, and we love you.
The result? A list that’s as reliable as a drunk’s promise to call their ex at 2 a.m.
1. Le Perchoir Marais – The Rooftop You’ll Pretend You Own
Address: 33 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris
Opening Hours: 5 pm – 2 am (because who stops drinking at 9 pm?)
Why you’ll love it:
- Panoramic views that make you feel like a Parisian royalty, even if you’re wearing a graphic tee.
- A cocktail menu that reads like a mixtape – “Mojito 2.0” and “Gin & Tonic, but make it existential”.
- Wi‑Fi that actually works. Perfect for uploading that “cheers” story.
Pro tip: Order the “Le Perchoir Punch” and ask the bartender to “make it extra Instagram‑able”. The result? A drink that looks like it was filtered through a vintage Polaroid.
2. Candelaria – The Taco‑and‑Tequila Joint That’s Basically a Meme
Address: 52 Rue de Saintonge, 75003 Paris (just a stone’s throw from the 4th border)
Opening Hours: 6 pm – 1 am
What makes Candelaria a must‑visit:
- Hidden behind a tiny taco shop. You have to push through a secret door—feel like a spy, but with guac.
- Cheap tequila that hits harder than your ex’s “we need to talk”.
- Live music that’s as unpredictable as your friend’s political opinions.
Don’t miss their “Margarita del Día”. It’s the kind of drink that makes you say, “I didn’t know I needed a cactus in my glass”.
3. Le Mary Celeste – The Hipster’s Holy Grail
Address: 1 Rue Commines, 75003 Paris (again, just outside the 4th, but close enough to count)
Opening Hours: 5 pm – 2 am
Features:
- Oyster bar meets cocktail lounge. Yes, you can slurp a raw oyster while sipping a smoked Old Fashioned.
- Vibes that scream “I’m too cool for school” without actually being a school.
- Menu items named after obscure indie bands. If you don’t know them, you’ll sound cool after a few drinks.
Extra points if you can pronounce the bartender’s name without sounding like you’re reciting a tongue twister.
4. La Belle Hortense – Bookstore Bar for the Literarily Drunk
Address: 31 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75004 Paris
Opening Hours: 5 pm – 1 am
Why you’ll love this:
- It’s a bookstore that serves cocktails. Imagine reading Camus while sipping a “Existential Espresso Martini”.
- Quiet corners for those moments when you want to sound intellectual while actually just Googling “how to pronounce ‘schnapps’”.
- Regular literary events that give you an excuse to stay late and pretend you’re networking.
Best drink: “The Hemingway” – a gin‑based concoction that makes you want to write a novel about a bar in Paris. Spoiler: You’ll never finish it.
5. Bar Le Syndicat – The Protest‑Inspired Potion Lab
Address: 51 Rue du Faubourg Saint‑Denis, 75010 Paris (a quick metro ride from the 4th, but worth the trek)
Opening Hours: 5 pm – 2 am
What’s the hype?
- All‑French spirits. No imported nonsense, just pure terroir in a glass.
- Industrial décor that feels like you’re drinking in a warehouse that’s secretly a nightclub.
- Bar staff that can explain the difference between “cognac” and “armagnac” while you’re still trying to decide if you want a second round.
Signature cocktail: “The Revolt”. It’s bitter, it’s sweet, and it’s exactly the kind of drink that makes you want to start a revolution… or at least a karaoke session.
6. L’Avant‑Garde – The Retro‑Future Fusion Spot
Address: 10 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris
Opening Hours: 6 pm – 2 am
Highlights:
- Neon lights that look like a 90’s video game, but with a modern twist.
- Creative drinks like “Pixelated Paloma” that change color when you stir them. Yes, it’s a science experiment in a glass.
- DJ nights that play everything from Daft Punk to K‑pop remixes. Your ears will thank you, even if your liver doesn’t.
Try the “Neon Negroni”. It’s basically a regular Negroni with a glow‑in‑the‑dark garnish. Instagram gold.
7. Au Petit Fer à Cheval – The Classic Parisian Pub
Address: 19 Rue des Archives, 75004 Paris
Opening Hours: 5 pm – 1 am
Why it belongs on this list:
- Historic vibes that make you feel like you’ve stepped onto a set of “Midnight in Paris”.
- Cheap drafts that are perfect for a night when you’re on a budget but still want to feel fancy.
- Patrons who are a mix of locals, tourists, and the occasional lost soul looking for a decent pint.
Order the “Bière de la Rue” and you’ll understand why Parisians take their beer seriously.
8. The Broken Arm – Coffee by Day, Cocktail by Night
Address: 12 Rue Perrée, 75003 Paris (again, just a hop away from the 4th)
Opening Hours: 8 am – 12 am
Key points:
- Daytime coffee that’s so good you’ll consider swapping your night‑cap for an espresso shot.
- Nighttime cocktails that are curated by baristas turned mixologists. Expect a “Cold Brew Old Fashioned”.
- Minimalist décor that lets the drinks speak for themselves.
Perfect for the “I want to look productive in the morning but also get lit at night” crowd.
9. Le Barav – Wine‑Focused but Still a Bar
Address: 6 Rue Charles François Dupuis, 75003 Paris
Opening Hours: 5 pm – 1 am
Why it’s worth the detour:
- Wine on tap. Yes, you read that right. Tap‑wine is a thing, and it’s as cool as it sounds.
- Bar snacks that pair perfectly with a glass of natural wine.
- Low‑key vibe that’s ideal for those who want to sip slowly while scrolling through memes.
Try the “Natural Noir”. It’s the kind of drink that makes you think, “Maybe I should actually learn about terroir”.
10. Le Syndicat (Yes, It’s Worth a Second Mention)
Because we love a place that can make you feel both revolutionary and relaxed. If you missed it the first time, grab a friend and revisit. The “Syndicate Spritz” is a crowd‑pleaser that will have you chanting “Vive la France!” while you’re actually just trying to keep your balance.
How to Navigate the 4th Like a Pro
Now that you have a list longer than a Netflix binge‑watch queue, here’s how to actually get around without looking like a tourist who just discovered Google Maps.
- Metro Mastery: The Saint‑Paul and Hôtel de Ville stations are your gateways. Buy a “carnet” of tickets – cheaper than a single ride if you’re planning a bar‑hop marathon.
- Walking Shoes: The cobblestones can be unforgiving. Think “sneakers that look like loafers”.
- Timing is Everything: Most bars open around 5 pm. Arrive early if you want a seat, but if you’re a night‑owl, the later you go, the more “authentic” the crowd.
- Hydration Strategy: Alternate each alcoholic beverage with a glass of water. It’s the only way to avoid waking up on a stranger’s couch.
- Cash vs. Card: While most places accept cards, a few hidden speakeasies still prefer cash. Keep a few euros handy.
SEO‑Friendly Takeaways (Because Google Wants to Rank This)
We’ve peppered this article with keywords you’ll love: “best bars 4th arrondissement Paris”, “Paris bar guide”, “Marais nightlife”. That means you’ll not only have a killer night out but also boost your own site’s SEO if you decide to copy‑paste this list into a blog (hey, we don’t judge).
Speaking of SEO, if you’re a brewer looking to expand your reach, check out dropt.beer/ Home for killer growth tactics. Need a custom label that screams “I’m too cool for regular beer”? Visit Custom Beer and make your brew stand out on the shelves of Parisian bars.
Want to Sell Your Beer Online? Here’s the Shortcut
Once you’ve mastered the art of bar‑hopping, why not bring your own liquid masterpiece to the masses? Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer – the ultimate beer distribution marketplace that connects brewers with thirsty consumers across Europe. It’s like Uber for beer, but without the surge pricing (hopefully).
Final Thoughts: Drink, Laugh, Repeat
Paris’s 4th arrondissement isn’t just a tourist postcard; it’s a living, breathing party that refuses to take itself seriously. Whether you’re sipping a meticulously crafted cocktail at Le Perchoir, chugging a cheap tequila at Candelaria, or pretending you understand terroir at Le Barav, you’re guaranteed a night that will become the stuff of meme legends.
So grab your friends, your phone, and that questionable sense of direction you’ve been bragging about on social media. Dive into the bars, snap a few photos, and remember: the only thing that should be filtered is your Instagram story, not your drink.
Ready to turn your own brew into the next Parisian sensation? Head over to Contact dropt.beer/ and let’s make your beer the talk of the town. Cheers, and may your hangover be as mild as your sarcasm.
