In the city where elegance and indulgence meet, Bars in Paris continue to enchant those who appreciate the artistry of a well-made drink. From candlelit speakeasies tucked beneath cobblestone streets to timeless hotel lounges that have hosted legends, the capital’s bar culture is a living testament to heritage, craftsmanship, and conversation. Every glass tells a story of passion and place. These seven unforgettable bars embody the spirit of classic drinking culture, where tradition is preserved with Parisian sophistication and flair.
1. Harry’s New York Bar: The Birthplace of Legends
Few places carry as much history as Harry’s New York Bar among the bars in Paris, the original home of timeless classics such as the Bloody Mary and the Sidecar. Established in 1911, this iconic establishment has hosted Hemingway, Coco Chanel, and F. Scott Fitzgerald, becoming a cornerstone of Parisian cocktail heritage. The polished mahogany, leather stools, and old-world warmth transport visitors back to an era when the cocktail hour was sacred. Harry’s remains a shrine for those who appreciate authenticity, craft, and storytelling in every sip.
2. Bar Hemingway at The Ritz Paris A Toast to Timeless Glamour
Tucked inside the Ritz Paris, Bar Hemingway pays homage to one of its most devoted patrons, Ernest Hemingway himself. With just a few intimate tables and walls lined with photographs and mementos, this bar captures the romance of literary Paris. Head bartender Colin Field, often hailed as one of the world’s finest mixologists, crafts cocktails that feel like poetry- elegant, balanced, and unforgettable. Sipping a martini here is more than indulgence; it is a rite of passage in the world of refined drinking.
3. Le Bar du Crillon- The Art of French Refinement
Inside the Hotel de Crillon, Le Bar du Crillon exudes quiet grandeur. Its marble interiors, shimmering chandeliers, and gentle lighting set the stage for a world-class experience. The bar celebrates French craftsmanship with a menu that honors tradition while embracing innovation. Guests enjoy reinterpretations of classic recipes, often infused with subtle floral or herbal notes that mirror the elegance of the surroundings. Every detail, from the glassware to the service, reflects the precision and pride that define Parisian luxury.
4. Little Red Door Where Creativity Meets Classic Spirit
Hidden behind an unmarked wooden entrance in the Marais district, Little Red Door blends contemporary artistry with respect for cocktail heritage. Frequently ranked among the World’s 50 Best Bars, it reimagines the classic cocktail experience through storytelling and local ingredients. Each menu is a concept in itself, merging design, flavor, and philosophy. Yet despite its modern edge, Little Red Door remains grounded in the essence of hospitality- a place where curiosity and community meet under the dim glow of creativity.
5. Le Bar Botaniste – One of the Best Bars in Paris
Nestled within the Shangri-La Hotel, Le Bar Botaniste celebrates the natural world through its apothecary-inspired design and herbal-focused menu. The bar draws inspiration from Prince Roland Bonaparte, a passionate botanist whose spirit lives on in every infusion and tincture. The cocktails balance botanical purity with timeless technique, offering a sensory experience that feels both modern and ancient. It is a quiet retreat for those who seek intimacy and authenticity in the heart of the city.
6. Experimental Cocktail Club Paris: The Vanguard of the Revival
When Experimental Cocktail Club opened in 2007, it sparked a new wave of mixology in Paris. Founders Olivier Bon, Romée de Goriainoff, and Pierre-Charles Cros revived interest in cocktail culture with a return to precision and spirit-driven creations. The bar’s relaxed yet refined atmosphere reflects a balance of innovation and tradition. From perfectly stirred Negronis to expertly balanced sours, every drink here honors the craft that redefined Parisian nightlife for a new generation.
7. Le Syndicat: A Modern Ode to French Spirits
At Le Syndicat, classic drinking culture meets cultural rebellion. Located in the 10th arrondissement, this graffiti-covered bar champions 100 percent French spirits, bringing national pride to the forefront of cocktail creation. Inside, the industrial-chic décor contrasts with the warmth of its bartenders, who transform Cognac, Calvados, and Armagnac into daring modern masterpieces. Le Syndicat proves that honoring heritage can also mean reinventing it- a reflection of Paris’s evolving identity and fearless creativity.
Paris, The Eternal Capital of Classic Drinking
What unites these seven remarkable destinations is more than history or prestige. Each bar reflects the Parisian art of living, where time slows, conversations linger, and every pour carries meaning. In a world rushing toward modernity, Paris remains a sanctuary for authenticity and elegance. To drink here is to participate in a ritual that celebrates the past while embracing the future- proof that the city’s classic drinking culture will never fade, only evolve.
At Barlist, we live and breathe the art of spirits. Every bottle, every glass, every drop carries a story waiting to be told. With Barlist, we bring those stories to life- a place where flavours meet histories, and where true craftsmanship shines through tens of thousands of spirits and distilleries worldwide.
