Best bars in Paris: speakeasies, hidden spots, and secret rooftops in 2025
Discover Paris's best hidden gems: speakeasies tucked behind coin-laundries, secret bars with no signs, and hidden rooftops with incredible views. Here are 15 unique spots, complete with price guides, vibes, and Google Maps links.
Best bars in Paris: speakeasies, hidden spots, and secret rooftops in 2025
Paris is packed with bars that do so much more than just serve cocktails: they tell a story, whisk you away to another world, or hide behind a clever disguise. From speakeasies hidden behind secret doors to rooftops tucked away high above the capital, not to mention some incredibly quirky themed bars, the Parisian nightlife scene has plenty of surprises in store, even for the most seasoned night owls.
This guide brings together 15 unusual bars in Paris that are well worth the detour for their concept, vibe, or unique setting. We’ve handpicked spots that are budget-friendly (no 25-euro cocktails here; most drinks stay under 15 euros) because a memorable night out shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg. If you're looking for a bite to eat before heading out, check out our guide to cheap eats in Paris or our unusual restaurants in Paris for a dinner that's just as adventurous as your drinks.
A quick tip before you go: many of these spots are victims of their own success. Aim for weeknights (Tuesday to Thursday) to fully enjoy the vibe without having to squeeze through the crowds. And as for the speakeasies, have fun with them: finding the entrance is half the adventure. Don't forget to use Google Maps (links included for each spot) or our selection of the best travel apps so you don't get lost along the way.
Paris's best secret speakeasies
Speakeasies, those hidden bars inherited from American Prohibition, have taken Paris by storm. The concept is simple: an unassuming storefront (a laundromat, a pizzeria, a barbershop) conceals a secret bar where cocktails are crafted with care in an intimate, cozy atmosphere. The whole charm of these places lies in the thrill of discovery, a bit like stumbling upon a hidden local restaurant during your travels.
1. Lavomatic ⭐ 4.2/5
Paris's most famous speakeasy, and with good reason: the concept is brilliant. You walk into what looks like a completely ordinary laundromat in the 10ème arrondissement. A few washing machines, a detergent dispenser, nothing suspicious. Then you open the right door and discover a cozy two-story bar, serving up well-crafted cocktails in a warm atmosphere. The interior decor is stylish and colorful, with plants, velvet, and soft lighting that contrasts beautifully with the deliberately austere entrance. The cocktails are creative and perfectly mixed, ranging from 10 to 14 euros.
Cocktails: 10-14 euros · Entrance through the laundromat · 10ème arrondissement 📍 Google Maps
2. Le No Entry ⭐ 4.4/5
A hidden speakeasy tucked away in the basement of a pizzeria. Finding it is half the fun—you'll need to spot the clue in the cold room to figure out how to get to the backroom bar. Once inside, you're greeted by a cozy, dimly lit vibe, walls lined with botanical jars, and a cocktail menu that is anything but ordinary. It’s a spot where mixology is truly an art form. The bartenders are incredibly passionate and love taking the time to guide you through their creations.
Cocktails: 15 euros · Secret entrance · Art & mixology 📍 Google Maps
3. Le 153 ⭐ 4.3/5
This hidden gem in the 18ème arrondissement is reached through a discreet, unassuming door. Inside, you'll find a cozy little cocktail oasis (fitting about thirty people max) run by a bartender who genuinely knows his craft. The drinks are crafted with fresh ingredients and homemade syrups, with a menu that changes regularly to match the seasons and creative whims. It's exactly the kind of spot you'll want to keep to yourself, sharing it only with your favorite people.
Cocktails: 10-13 euros · Cozy vibe · 18ème arrondissement 📍 Google Maps
Themed bars and unique hangout spots
Beyond the usual speakeasies, Paris is home to bars with concepts so unique they are worth the trip all on their own. Immersive decors, unexpected themes, and interactive experiences—these spots turn a simple drink into a real night-out adventure. If you love quirky concepts, check out our guide to unusual restaurants in Paris for dinners that are just as surprising.
4. Le Comptoir Général ⭐ 4.4/5
You can't miss this one-of-a-kind spot tucked away along the Canal Saint-Martin. Behind a discreet carriage entrance lies a massive space that feels just like an Afro-Caribbean cabinet of curiosities: secondhand furniture, tropical plants, ethnic artifacts covering the walls, soft lighting, and world music. The bar serves up tropical cocktails and craft beers at very reasonable prices for the area. They regularly host concerts, film screenings, and vintage markets. It's as much a vibrant cultural hub as it is a bar, and absolutely unique in Paris.
Bières : 5-7 euros · Cocktails : 9-12 euros · Canal Saint-Martin · Événements culturels 📍 Google Maps
5. Andy Wahloo ⭐ 4.2/5
This bar features a completely quirky Moroccan pop-art decor. The walls are lined with stacked, colorful tin cans, the seating is made of Berber fabrics, and the music sways between Middle Eastern electro and hip-hop. The cocktails are inspired by North African flavors (mint, orange blossom, spices), mixed with modern precision. The place really heats up as the night goes on, especially on weekends when the DJ spins. There is simply nothing else like it in Paris.
Cocktails : 10-14 euros · Décor pop-art marocain · 3ème arrondissement 📍 Google Maps
6. Le Calbard ⭐ 4.3/5
An intimate little cocktail bar with high ceilings and a beautiful glass roof that lets the daylight filter through. Come evening, the dimmed lighting creates a romantic, mysterious vibe. The cocktail menu is short but beautifully crafted, with a real focus on seasonal ingredients and craft spirits.
Cocktails : 12-16 euros · Lieu intimiste 📍 Google Maps
7. Académie de la Bière ⭐ 4.3/5
For craft beer lovers, this historic bar is a true temple: they stock over 150 bottled beers and keep about twenty craft brews on tap on constant rotation. From Belgian abbey beers and French craft IPAs to Irish stouts and experimental sours, there’s something here for every palate. The staff is incredibly passionate and great at helping you choose based on your tastes. The vibe is friendly and unpretentious, complete with wooden tables worn smooth by years of service. Prices remain quite reasonable considering how rare some of their selections are.
Bières : 5-9 euros · 150+ références · Conseils personnalisés 📍 Google Maps
Secret rooftops and hidden terraces
Parisian rooftops are often associated with luxury hotels and 20-euro cocktails. However, there are plenty of accessible, budget-friendly rooftop terraces that offer breathtaking views over the city's roofs. If you love the rooftops of Lisbon or the ruin bars of Budapest, you are going to love these Parisian alternatives.
8. Les Piaules Rooftop ⭐ 4.3/5
The rooftop of this trendy youth hostel in the 11th arrondissement is one of the best-kept secrets of Paris nightlife. Perched on the 7th floor, it offers a spectacular panoramic view over the Parisian roofs, from the Sacré-Cœur to the Eiffel Tower. The vibe here is young, international, and totally laid-back. Beers are priced like a hostel (around 5-6 euros) and cocktails stay under 12 euros. Open to everyone (no need to be a guest), it fills up quickly on summer evenings, so make sure to get there early. The sunsets here are truly unforgettable.
Beers: 5-6 euros · Cocktails: 10-12 euros · Panoramic view · 11th arrondissement 📍 Google Maps
9. Le Perchoir Ménilmontant ⭐ 4.1/5
One of the absolute pioneers of Parisian rooftops, set on top of a building in Ménilmontant. The view over eastern Paris and the skyline is beautiful, especially at sunset when the golden light bathes the classic zinc rooftops. The vibe is trendy yet welcoming, the music is spot-on, and the cocktails are top-notch. Prices are a bit higher than a standard bar but stay very reasonable for a Parisian rooftop with this kind of view. No reservations needed during the week.
Cocktails: 12-15 euros · Pioneer rooftop · View over eastern Paris 📍 Google Maps
Natural wine bars: the Parisian alternative
Paris has become the natural wine capital of the world, and wine bars offering it have popped up everywhere. Far from the stuffy image of the traditional wine merchant, these spots are friendly, laid-back, and offer surprising wines at prices that are often more affordable than cocktails in standard bars. Natural wine is an integral part of France's culinary heritage, as we mentioned in our article on French gastronomy and its history.
10. Les Darons Wine Bar ⭐ 4.4/5
A natural wine bar with a welcoming atmosphere and a name that translates to "The Parents" in French slang. The wines here are carefully curated by true enthusiasts who champion small organic and biodynamic producers. The menu changes regularly depending on new discoveries and the seasons. The charcuterie and cheese boards are top-notch—no factory-packaged goods here, only authentic artisanal products. With its reclaimed wood, candles, and vinyl soundtrack, the cozy setting is just perfect for good conversation.
Glasses of wine: 6-10 euros · Natural wine · Artisanal boards 📍 Google Maps
Music bars and live vibes
For those looking for a night out where music is the main event, Paris has a handful of bars where live gigs and DJ sets are part of the venue’s absolute DNA. Just great sounds to go with your drink. If you love exploring Europe's nightlife, you should also check out our guide to Berlin's nightlife for a different vibe.
11. La Java ⭐ 4.0/5
A legendary venue in the 10th arrondissement where Edith Piaf made her debut, La Java is now a bar-meets-concert-hall featuring electro, hip-hop, cumbia, and incredibly eclectic club nights. The space is raw and authentic (built in a former 1920s dance hall), the acoustics are excellent for its size, and entry is often free or pay-what-you-want early in the week. It’s one of the rare spots in Paris where you can dance and grab a drink without breaking the bank.
Beers: 5-7 euros · Often free entry · Live music and DJs · Historic venue 📍 Google Maps
Our latest favorite spots to hit after dark
12. Le Speechless ⭐ 4.9/5
A true local favorite for top-notch cocktails right by Place de la Nation, Le Speechless isn't strictly speaking a quirky bar, but its unique vibe makes it an absolute must-visit on a Paris night out. Featuring a small terrace, it’s the go-to spot for LGBTQ+ events in the 12th arrondissement, perfect for a post-work drink or a lazy Sunday afternoon. The prices are friendly, the atmosphere is incredible and laid-back, and the nightly events are always worth checking out. Our personal FAVORITE!
Cocktails: 10-15 euros · Excellent cocktail · LGBTQ+ Institution 📍 Google Maps
13. Le Syndicat ⭐ 4.5/5
A fabulous cocktail bar that crafts its drinks exclusively with French spirits: cognac, armagnac, calvados, chartreuse, absinthe, and genièvre. This passionate concept aims to showcase the rich heritage of French local spirits, and the result is absolutely stunning: inventive, complex, and beautifully balanced cocktails that easily rival the world's best craft bars. From the outside, you might walk right past it (expect a graffiti-covered metal shutter and no sign whatsoever), which only adds to the speakeasy charm. Inside, you'll find a sleek zinc counter, cozy dim lighting, and talented, tattooed bartenders who truly know their craft. It's a gold standard that beautifully reflects the global influence of French culture, just as we explore in our dedicated article.
Cocktails: 12-15 euros · 100% French spirits · Hidden storefront 📍 Google Maps
A responsible night out: our tips for a sustainable evening
Enjoying Parisian nightlife can definitely be done responsibly—here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
Your best bet is to get around on foot, by bike, or using public transit. The Paris metro runs until about 1:00 AM on weekdays and 2:00 AM on weekends, but don't worry—the Noctilien night buses take over the main routes all night long. It's much greener and cheaper than grabbing an Uber, plus it completely rules out any drink-driving worries.
Many of the bars in this guide partner with craft breweries and organic winemakers. By choosing these spots over chain bars serving mass-produced brands, you're directly supporting local businesses and sustainable producers. Natural wine bars like Les Darons are especially dedicated to this approach.
Lastly, just keep an eye on your volume when stepping outside. Showing a little respect for the neighbors goes a long way in keeping these local neighborhood spots alive and well for everyone.
