Bars in Paris 🍸

Most speakeasy bars in Paris charge between €15 and €19 for a cocktail. Beer is rarely the focus here, but you might find a craft bottle for €8. It's not the cheapest night out, so check the Seeker Social app (Android / iOS) to compare menu prices before you head out.

Many spots don't take bookings at all. They prefer the mystery of a first-come, first-served line. Places like Little Red Door in the Marais get packed quickly after 10 PM. If you're with a group of more than four, your chances of getting in without a call ahead are slim to none. Show up early.

The 10th is a hotspot for this category. You'll find bars hidden behind unassuming pizzeria doors or down basement stairs near Canal Saint-Martin. It is a much more local vibe than the tourist-heavy center. For a different vibe nearby, you can also look into afterwork bars in Paris which are usually livelier around 7 PM.

Parisian speakeasies aren't usually formal, but looking intentional helps. Avoid gym clothes or heavy tourist gear. A clean shirt and dark jeans will get you through most doors. The bouncers at secret entrances are looking for people who fit the mellow, refined vibe of the room inside. Don't be the loudest person in the queue.

Most speakeasies are for sitting and sipping, but some have basements that turn into dance bars in Paris later in the night. Look for venues in the 11th arrondissement if you want that transition. You can use Seeker Social (iOS) to filter for spots that stay open until 4 AM.

You don't need a code, but you do need to walk through the back of a small taco shop. Candelaria is a classic example of the Paris speakeasy scene. It gets incredibly crowded on weekends, so aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday night to actually get a seat and enjoy their agave-based spirits without a elbow in your ribs.

Closing times vary, but 2 AM is standard for weeknights. On Fridays and Saturdays, many will push through until 4 AM. Be aware that the last entry is often an hour before the lights go up. If a place is truly hidden, they won't have a big sign, so double-check the address on a map before you start wandering the streets at 1 AM.