The Best Bars in Paris

By Santorini Dave

The crowd at Le Baron Rouge wine bar in the 12th Arrondissement spills into the street.

12 Best Wine Bars in Paris

1. L’Avant Comptoir de la Mer • 6th

• Nearest Metro: Odéon
This fun, shoebox-sized wine bar is standing room only. The cramped quarters at the Odeon location encourage conversations with your neighbors while you nosh on small plates of Spanish-inspired fare. The menu hangs from the ceiling. If you want a table, head to the larger and newer location in the Marché Saint Germain. No phone; no reservations.

2. Freddy’s • 6th

• +33 1 43 54 34 50 • Nearest Metro: Mabillon
Low-key sister restaurant to the more refined Semilla next door. Casual and relaxed, with a focus on small plates alongside an excellent curated wine list. Welcoming bi-lingual staff. In a bustling part of Saint Germain. No reservations.

3. Frenchie Bar à Vins • 2nd

• +33 1 44 82 07 82 • Nearest Metro: Sentier
Most people know the wine bar as the place to go when you can’t score a reservation at the months-in-advance-booked Frenchie, but it stands on its own. Rotating menu, relaxed vibe, solid wine list. Go early to grab a table. In the 2nd arr., not far from the market street Rue Montorgueil.

4. Le Baron Rouge • 12th

• +33 1 43 43 14 322 • Nearest Metro: Ledru-Rollin
Lively and raucous in the evenings, or on Sundays after the nearby market winds down. Carafes of wine are poured directly from the large wooden barrels in the main room, or you can even bring your own empty bottles for wine to go. Its 12th arr. location ensures that the vibe is unpretentious and locals only.

5. Poney Club • 18th

• +33 1 43 43 14 32 • Nearest Metro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt
A cozy little bolt hole in Montmartre offering a thoughtfully curated menu of French natural wines. The sommelier/owner offers insightful recommendations and is a wealth of knowledge on regional wines. A perfect spot for a drink and light bite or to pick up a souvenir bottle to take home.

6. Coinstot Vino • 2nd

• +33 1 44 82 08 54 • Nearest Metro: Grands-Boulevards
Known for its natural wines, this bar/restaurant has a well-worn charm that attracts a mixed Parisian crowd of wine industry types, neighborhood locals, and the occasional tourist strolling through the historic Passages des Panoramas. After the gates to the Passage have been closed, the late night crowd skews younger and hipper.
Phone: +33 1

7. Legrand Filles et Fils • 2nd

• +33 1 42 60 07 12 • Nearest Metro: Bourse
One of the oldest wine cellars in Paris. With a stunning location in the beautiful Passages Vivienne in the 2nd arrondissement, its refined atmosphere is ideal for serious oenophiles. Great selection of wines by the glass.

8. Verjus Bar à Vin • 1st

• +33 1 42 97 54 40 • Nearest Metro: Pyramides
The wine bar of the much loved restaurant Verjus. Expect a rotating wine list and small plates which straddles the line between French and fusion. Steps from the Palais Royale in the 1st arrondissement.

9. Aux Deux Amis • 11th

• +33 1 58 30 38 13 • Nearest Metro: Oberkampf
Bare bones wine bar, popular with chefs on their night off and fashionistas from the nearby Marais. The mostly Parisian crowd goes for the hipster scene, rotating menu of small plates, and natural wines.

10. La Cave de l’Insolite • 11th

• +33 1 53 36 08 33 • Nearest Metro: Oberkampf
Cozy wine bar and bistro in the trendy Oberkampf district. Served well-executed bistro cuisine and good-value 2 or 3-course lunch menu.

11. Le Vin en Bouche • 6th

• +33 1 42 22 02 07 • Nearest Metro: Saint-Placide
Neighborhood wine shop serving small plates and wines by the glass. The vibe is local and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. It’s a great stop for a sip and a snack – but hey also have a small restaurant with a wider menu a few blocks away.

11. Juveniles • 1st

• +33 1 42 97 46 49 • Nearest Metro: Pyramides
No longer just a wine bar, Juveniles is now a revered bistro that’s a great choice for lunch or dinner. Still one of the best spots in Paris for unusual and hard to find vintages. Reservations recommended.

5 Best Bars in Paris with a View

La Terrasse at Galeries Lafayette • 9th

• +33 1 42 82 34 56 • Nearest Metro: Chaussée d’Antin-La Fayette
Rooftop bar of the Galeries Lafayette department store; touristy but worth it for a view of all the major monuments without having to pay an entrance fee or queue for hours. The bar is open all year round with a large terrace in the summer and heated “igloos” in the winter.

Terrasse de l’Hôtel Raphael • 16th

• +33 1 53 64 32 05 • Nearest Metro: Kléber
Exclusive rooftop terrace in the 16th with a panoramic view of both the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Drinks are pricey. Open from May – September.

Les Berges de Seine • 7th

• Nearest Metro: Invalides and Pont de l’Alma
A riverside greenspace between the Musee D’Orsay and Pont de l’Alma offers several outdoor bar options – or just bring your own bottle and lounge next to the gorgeous Pont Alexandre III with the Grand Palais just across. Popular hangout for summer picnics.

Le Perchoir Ménilmontant • 11th

• +33 1 89 71 14 62 • Nearest Metro: Rue Saint-Maur
Fun rooftop bar with a young, hip vibe in the un-touristy 11th . Solid cocktails, very popular in the summer (expect a line to get in) with views of northeastern Paris and Sacré-Coeur. Somewhat difficult to find and the door is unmarked – look for the velvet rope.

Georges • 4th

• +33 1 44 78 47 99 • Nearest Metro: Rambuteau
Panoramic view from the top of the Centre Pompidou. Swanky restaurant and café with a great outdoor terrace.

More Great Paris Bars

Dirty Dick • 9th

• +33 1 48 78 74 58 • Nearest Metro: Pigalle
Fun tiki dive bar in the Pigalle. Excellent drinks, always crowded. Get there early; after the 20 or so seats are filled, it’s standing room only.

Frog & Underground • 9th

• +33 1 44 82 04 72 • Nearest Metro: Grands Boulevards
The best of the 8 brewpubs in Paris owned and operated by the reputable Frog Brewery. All are ideal for catching football, rugby, and the NFL on TV; this one is spread over three floors, with cozy subterranean lounges that are great for groups.

The Honest Lawyer • 16th

• +33 1 45 05 14 23 • Nearest Metro: Victor Hugo
Unpretentious Irish pub in the 16th. Expect an older and local clientele, friendly and accommodating staff, and sports on the TV. Great burgers, too.