In the last decade, Paris has evolved far beyond its wine bar roots. Today, the city boasts a thriving cocktail culture shaped by talented mixologists, French and foreign, whose bars regularly land on international best-of lists. The hunt for a great drink might lead you to a cocktail den masquerading as a taqueria, a queer bar with cowgirl trappings, a Jazz Kissa-inspired listening bar on a quiet corner, or an opulent hotel bar set within a centuries-old palace and some of the rarest bottles in town. Spanning from the ultra-polished on the left bank to the dives and edginess of eastern Paris neighborhoods, these are some of the French capital’s essential bars.
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How we choose the best bars in Paris
Every bar on this list has been selected independently by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has visited that restaurant. Our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries, and weigh stand-out dishes, location, and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials. We update this list as new bars open and existing ones evolve.
