Great Bars for Expats in Paris

As a non-French living in Paris I am often on the look out for bars that are laid back and are different from the usual Parisian Café / Bistrot or for that matter from the typical ‘popular’ hangouts. So here is my list of some of the funnest bars I have discovered in Paris and why I love them. PS: I am also a little biased since I have a little dog and all these bars are very dog friendly J

Culture Rapide  $

Now this little treasure is not great because of the drinks – no way! In fact you are better off ordering beer or a simple Gin Tonic to be on the safe side. And neither do they have food or snacks. But, what they do have is a wonderful atmosphere with live bands and poetry jams. With a huge terrace on which one can spend a long summer evening with friends and some of that famous Belleville graffiti to boot. A very interesting piece of art is a teddy bear strung up on a light pole in the terrace.

Address – 103 Rue Julien Lacroix, 75020 Paris

Red House $

This very American bar close to Bastille run by an American is the kind of place where you go with friends and throw a few back to some great music. They have a pinball machine and nachos with an awesome hot sauce. They also have Movie nights on Mondays (free popcorn) and if you have no one to go with just sit at the bar and let the bar tenders entertain you. While there order the Old Torino – the best take on a Mojito I have had – spicy.

Address – 1 B Rue de la Forge Royale, 75011 Paris

Long Island Bar $

This little place at a corner in Pigalle is a precious little gem hidden away from the bustle of the typical popular bars. They have cheap cocktails, cartoons/football on TV, special deals every night and and and…candy in their cocktails! The food is rather good too albeit a bit expensive. This bar has a fun little terrace but you need to get in early to grab a place there.

Address – 24 Rue Pierre Fontaine, 75009 Paris

Melting Potes $

Okay, so technically this bar is not in Paris but just outside in the suburb of Les Lilas. A small neighbourhood bar owned by an old rocker who calls in some great artists to perform live regularly. The bar has decent platters of charcuterie and cheese by way of food and a good selection of alcohol (do not bother asking for cocktails though – the bar owner will ask you how to make it hehe). Also, if you have a dog feel free to bring Fido along, he can be let off the leash and sit on the couch with you.

Address – 32 rue Jean Moulin, 93260 Les Lilas

Très Honoré Bar $$$

Now this is my go to with girlfriends bar. The décor is to die for and so are the cocktails. It is the kind of bar you can go to in a jeans tee-shirt or get all polished p in heels and pearls. The terrace is great even in winters and the waiters know English. They do have a great restaurant as well though I never really go there to eat. I would suggest getting a reservation if you want to go in a biggish group. This is also perhaps the only bar I have been to where they not only welcomed my pooch but offered him a bowl of water without my asking for one!

Address – 35 Place du Marché Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris

Prescription Cocktail Club $$

I absolutely adore this bar! It is tiny and super cozy but can get very crowded, so get there early if you want to grab a table. They have some of the best cocktails and for sure one of the best whiskey sours I have had in Paris. The only negative is that they have no terrace and is definitely not dog friendly. It is a great place to go with a close group of friends and you can for sure meet new people since one is forced to sit in rather close quarters with strangers.

Address –  23 rue Mazarine, 75006 Paris, France