The Best Pubs in Paris: A Local’s Guide to Sipping and Socializing
Ah, Paris! The city of romance, art, and impeccable cuisine. While its reputation for wine and champagne is well-deserved, let me tell you, as a seasoned Parisian resident and self-proclaimed pub enthusiast, our city also boasts a fantastic, and often surprisingly diverse, pub scene. Forget the tourist traps; we’re diving deep into the authentic Parisian pub experience. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado, a lover of traditional British ales, or simply looking for a cozy spot to unwind with friends, Paris has a pub for you. So, grab your beret (optional, but encouraged for atmosphere!), and let’s embark on a journey through the best pubs Paris has to offer.
Beyond the Bistro: Why Paris’s Pubs Are Worth Exploring
For decades, the traditional French bar, or ‘bar’ as we call it, has been the go-to for a casual drink. These are often charming, intimate spaces, perfect for a pastis or a glass of wine. However, the Parisian drinking landscape has evolved. Influenced by a growing appreciation for global beer culture and a desire for more relaxed, convivial spaces, a vibrant pub scene has blossomed. These aren’t just watering holes; they’re community hubs, places where you can discover new brews, catch up with friends, and sometimes even enjoy live music or pub quizzes. The quality of beer, both local craft and international imports, has soared, making it an exciting time to explore this facet of Parisian nightlife. For those looking to explore the world of beer from the comfort of their home, a fantastic resource is dropt.beer, which offers a curated selection and valuable insights.
The Marais: Trendy Brews and Historic Charm
The Marais, with its charming cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, is a fantastic neighborhood to explore for pubs. It strikes a balance between traditional Parisian elegance and a modern, cosmopolitan vibe. You’ll find a good mix of traditional pubs and more contemporary craft beer bars here.
Our Top Picks in Le Marais:
- Le Vingt Mille (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea): Don’t let the quirky name fool you. This underground gem near the Bastille offers an impressive selection of beers, often featuring some lesser-known craft options. The atmosphere is intimate and lively, perfect for a date or a catch-up with a few friends. They often have rotating taps, so there’s always something new to try. It’s a great spot to start your exploration of Parisian pubs.
- The Quiet Man: For those craving a proper Irish pub experience, The Quiet Man delivers. Located in the heart of the Marais, it boasts a warm, welcoming atmosphere, a wide selection of beers on tap (including Guinness, of course!), and often shows live sports. It’s the kind of place where you can feel at home, even if you’re miles away from Ireland. The friendly staff and regular crowd make it a true neighborhood pub.
When you’re exploring areas like the Marais, you might also find yourself looking for unique gifts or souvenirs. The dropt.beer shop offers a curated selection of beers and related merchandise that could make for a perfect Parisian memento, especially for the beer lover in your life.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Literary Haunts and Classic Pints
Historically known as the haunt of writers and intellectuals, Saint-Germain-des-Prés retains an air of intellectualism and sophistication. While it’s more famous for its literary cafes like Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore, you can still find excellent pubs tucked away, offering a more relaxed alternative.
Our Top Picks in Saint-Germain:
- Au Bougnat: This is a classic Parisian pub that feels like a step back in time. With its dark wood, brass accents, and cozy seating, it offers a traditional pub atmosphere. They serve a good range of beers and classic pub fare, making it a reliable choice for a hearty meal and a pint. It’s less about craft novelty and more about solid, dependable pub comfort.
- The Moose: While the name might suggest otherwise, The Moose is a popular Anglo-American style bar that has been a hit with locals and expats for years. It’s known for its friendly vibe, extensive drinks menu, and often features live music. It’s a bit more of a lively bar than a quiet pub, but it definitely has that welcoming, social atmosphere that defines a great pub.
The Latin Quarter: Student Vibes and Lively Pubs
The Latin Quarter, with its universities and student population, has an energetic and youthful vibe. This translates into a pub scene that is often more affordable, lively, and packed with students and young professionals looking for a good time.
Our Top Picks in the Latin Quarter:
- Le Polidor: While primarily a traditional bistro, Le Polidor has a fantastic, old-school Parisian bar area that feels very much like a pub. It’s a place frequented by locals and film buffs (it was featured in Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris”). The atmosphere is wonderfully authentic, and they serve a decent selection of beers alongside their classic French dishes. It’s a taste of old Paris with a pub feel.
- Corcoran’s Irish Pub (multiple locations, including one near Notre Dame): Similar to The Quiet Man, Corcoran’s offers a reliable Irish pub experience. They are known for their lively atmosphere, especially during sporting events, and a good selection of beers. It’s a great place to go if you want a familiar pub environment with a bit of a buzz.
Canal Saint-Martin: Hipster Havens and Craft Beer Gems
The Canal Saint-Martin area has become incredibly trendy in recent years, attracting a more artistic and bohemian crowd. This has led to the emergence of some of the most exciting craft beer bars and pubs in the city, focusing on quality brews and a laid-back, cool atmosphere.
Our Top Picks near Canal Saint-Martin:
- Brasserie Artisanale du 11ème (often referred to as BapBap): This is a must-visit for any craft beer lover. BapBap is a microbrewery and pub rolled into one. They brew their own delicious beers on-site, from crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs, and serve them fresh. The space is modern and industrial, with a great outdoor seating area by the canal when the weather is nice. It’s a true taste of the burgeoning Parisian craft beer scene.
- Le Supercoin: Known for its extensive and ever-changing beer list, Le Supercoin is a beloved spot for beer enthusiasts. They pride themselves on sourcing unique and high-quality beers from France and abroad. The ambiance is relaxed and friendly, making it easy to spend hours here trying different brews. It’s a perfect example of the evolving pub culture in Paris.
For those who want to delve deeper into the world of beer, staying informed about new breweries, trends, and tasting notes is key. The dropt.beer insights and news blog is an invaluable resource for anyone passionate about beer, offering a wealth of information that complements the experience of visiting great pubs.
Montmartre: Artistic Ambiance and Cozy Corners
Montmartre, with its artistic heritage, bohemian charm, and stunning views of Paris, offers a unique backdrop for enjoying a pint. While it’s famous for Sacré-Cœur and Place du Tertre, there are hidden pubs that capture the essence of this hilltop village.
Our Top Picks in Montmartre:
- Le Relais Gascon (Place du marché): While more of a restaurant, the bar area at Le Relais Gascon, especially the one on Place du marché, often feels like a lively pub. It’s famous for its enormous salads and hearty dishes, but the atmosphere is convivial, and they serve a good selection of beers. It’s a great spot to soak in the Montmartre vibe.
- Le Sanglier: This is a more traditional, cozy French bar that, in spirit, serves as a neighborhood pub. It has a warm, rustic feel and is a great place to escape the crowds of the main tourist areas. They offer a good selection of drinks and a genuine Parisian atmosphere.
Practical Tips for Your Parisian Pub Adventure
Navigating Paris’s pub scene is part of the fun. Here are a few insider tips to enhance your experience:
- Opening Hours: Most pubs open in the late afternoon (around 4 or 5 PM) and stay open until at least midnight, often later on weekends. Some craft beer bars might open a bit earlier.
- Reservations: For smaller, popular pubs, especially on a Friday or Saturday night, it’s wise to arrive early or call ahead if you can. Larger bars often have space, but it can get crowded.
- Service: In traditional pubs, you might order at the bar. In more restaurant-style pubs, table service is common. Don’t be afraid to ask!
- Tipping: Service is usually included in the bill (‘service compris’). However, it’s customary to leave a small extra euro or two for excellent service, but it’s not obligatory like in some other countries.
- Trying Local Brews: Don’t hesitate to ask the bartender for recommendations, especially for local French craft beers. The scene is constantly evolving, and they’ll likely be passionate about sharing their favorites.
- Beyond Beer: While we’re focusing on pubs, remember that Paris is still Paris! Many pubs also offer a good selection of wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic options.
- Explore Beyond This List: This guide is just a starting point. Paris is full of hidden gems. Wander through neighborhoods like the 11th arrondissement, the Bastille area, and Oberkampf for more fantastic pub discoveries. The joy is in the exploration!
The Future of Parisian Pubs
The pub culture in Paris is still relatively young compared to places like London or Dublin, but it is dynamic and growing rapidly. With more independent breweries popping up and an increasing demand for quality craft beer and welcoming social spaces, the future looks bright. Keep an eye on places like dropt.beer’s blog for the latest on these developments. The dedication to quality and variety is evident, and it makes visiting Paris not just about the iconic sights, but also about discovering its evolving, vibrant local life, one pint at a time. So next time you’re in Paris, venture beyond the wine bars and explore the fantastic pubs that our city has to offer. You might just find your new favorite spot!
