The Best Cocktail Bars in Paris Right Now: Speakeasies to Iconic Spots

Paris doesn’t just do wine—it excels at cocktails too. From historic haunts to secret speakeasies, the Paris cocktail scene is as creative and stylish as the city itself. From historic venues to hidden speakeasies, the City of Light offers a dazzling array of spots to sip creative concoctions.

Whether you want to sip a perfectly stirred Martini in a velvet-clad lounge or hunt down a hidden speakeasy, these are the cocktail bars Parisians (and those in the know) are heading to right now.

Speakeasies & Hidden Gems

Discover Paris’s most elusive cocktail bars, where the thrill begins with finding the entrance. Behind unmarked doors and taquerias lie some of the city’s most inventive drinks.

1. Prescription Cocktail Club

Address: 23 rue Mazarine, 75006 Paris
Iconic Left Bank institution, the Prescription Cocktail Club, recently underwent a cosmic transformation. Designer Dorothée Meilichzon has reimagined the space with draped fabrics, upholstered walls, and theatrical decor that makes every corner feel like a hidden stage. The bar, the centerpiece of this celestial setting, invites guests to explore an imaginative cocktail menu crafted by Maxime Potfer. Standouts include the “Thyme of My Life” with Fino sherry, pink grapefruit, and thyme, and the refreshing “Green Day,” a matcha-infused gin cocktail with cucumber and lemon.

Insider Tip: Keep an eye out for Zoltar, the fortune-telling machine hidden behind the DJ booth.

2. Little Red Door

Address: 60 rue Charlot, 75003 Paris
This celebrated speakeasy may have changed ownership in 2024, but its reputation for cocktail excellence remains intact. Hidden behind a red door that doesn’t actually open, Little Red Door serves creative, high-quality cocktails that attract a global crowd.

Insider Tip: Arrive early to avoid the long queues that form later in the evening.

3. Candelaria

Address: 52 Rue de Saintonge, 75003 Paris
Hidden behind a small taqueria, Candelaria is a pioneer of the speakeasy scene in Paris. The cozy bar offers a robust menu of creative cocktails, from the spicy “Guêpe Verte” (tequila, chili, and coriander) to the herbal “Original Sin” with shiso tequila and green apple.

Insider Tip: Pair your drink with tacos or quesadillas from the front taqueria for the full experience.

Iconic & Historic Bars

Step into the past at these legendary Paris cocktail bars. Rich in history, these spots serve timeless drinks in settings that echo the city’s glamorous past.

1. Harry’s Bar

Address: 5 rue Daunou, 75002 Paris
A true institution, Harry’s Bar has been a Parisian staple since 1911. Originally transplanted from New York, this bar became a pioneer of mixology in France. It’s the birthplace of classics like the Bloody Mary and the Sidecar. With its cozy wooden interiors and impressive whisky collection, Harry’s is perfect for cocktail lovers who appreciate a bit of history with their drink.

Signature Cocktail: Try their iconic Bloody Mary or Sidecar to sip a piece of cocktail history.

2. Bar Hemingway – Ritz Paris

Address: 15 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris
A visit to Bar Hemingway at the Ritz is like stepping back in time. With only 25 seats, this intimate space offers plush armchairs, warm wood paneling, and an air of timeless elegance. The bar pays homage to its namesake, Ernest Hemingway, and serves up legendary cocktails like the Serendipity (calvados, apple juice, mint, and champagne).

Fun Fact: The Dry Martini, James Bond’s favorite cocktail, was reportedly invented here.

3. Rosebud

Address: 11 Rue Delambre, 75014 Paris
With its retro charm and storied past, Rosebud is a timeless American-style bar in Montparnasse. Since 1962, it has attracted iconic figures like Jean-Paul Sartre and Marguerite Duras. The vintage décor and intimate atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a relaxed evening.

Insider Tip: Don’t leave without trying the house chili con carne or their classic cocktails.

Luxury Hotel Bars

For those who prefer their cocktails served with a side of opulence, these hotel bars blend exceptional mixology with Parisian elegance.

1. Les Ambassadeurs – Hôtel de Crillon

Address: 10 Place de la Concorde, 75008 Paris
Nestled inside the prestigious Hôtel de Crillon, Les Ambassadeurs is a stunning bar with an 18th-century aesthetic. Marble, gilded mirrors, and intricate details create a glamorous ambiance worthy of royalty. The cocktail menu is just as opulent, featuring inventive drinks like “Pumpkin,” a cozy riff on a Sidecar with cognac and pumpkin, and “Porcini Mushroom,” an umami-rich twist on a Negroni Sbagliato. Non-alcoholic twists are available for many of the cocktails, making it an inclusive choice for everyone.

Insider Tip: The bar’s view of Place de la Concorde adds a touch of magic to any evening.

2. Bar Joséphine – Hôtel Lutetia

Address: 45 Boulevard Raspail, 75006 Paris
Located in the heart of the Left Bank, Bar Joséphine is a glamorous homage to Art Deco and the Roaring Twenties. Inspired by the legendary performer Joséphine Baker, the menu features unique creations like “J’ai Deux Amours” (vodka with smoked essence and clarified mango) and “You’re Driving Me Crazy” (gin with apricot, chamomile, and Chartreuse). The bar’s elegant atmosphere and historical charm make it a standout.

Insider Tip: Pair your cocktail with live jazz for an unforgettable experience.

Trendy & Contemporary Spots

These modern cocktail bars are where Parisian mixology pushes boundaries. Expect creative combinations, sleek decor, and a stylish crowd.

1. Les Bains – Roxo Bar

Address: 7 Rue du Bourg l’Abbé, 75003 Paris
Once a legendary nightclub, Les Bains is now a chic hotel and home to the Roxo Bar. The dramatic burgundy ceiling and black-and-white tiled floors set the stage for inventive cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists. Highlights include the “Stockholm Syndrome,” a vodka-based cocktail with aquavit, cumin, and dill, and the “Roxo Tonic,” a refreshing blend of gin, Suze, and Timut pepper.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss the late-night vibe, which transitions from tranquil to lively as the evening progresses.

2. Cravan

Address: 165 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
Opened in 2023, Cravan has quickly become one of the largest and most ambitious cocktail bars in Europe. Spread across four floors, it offers a variety of spaces and moods, all adorned with maximalist decor. The minimalist cocktails, however, remain the true highlight.

Insider Tip: Explore each floor for a different ambiance and unique cocktail menu.

3. Bar Saka

Address: 6 Rue de Montfaucon, 75006 Paris
Bar Saka offers a serene Japanese-inspired retreat in the heart of Paris. Under the guidance of mixologist Frédéric Paolini, the bar delivers meticulously balanced cocktails in an understated, elegant setting.

Signature Cocktail: Try their creations infused with Japanese ingredients for a unique twist.

Final Sip

Paris’s cocktail bars offer something for every taste—whether you’re in the mood for a hidden speakeasy, a historic haunt, or a glamorous hotel lounge. Craving more Paris nightlife? Explore my guide to the best rooftop bars in Paris for cocktails with a view—or save this list for your next stylish night out.

Craving more Paris nightlife? Explore my guide to the best rooftop bars in Paris for cocktails with a view—or save this list for your next stylish night out in the city.