Cocktail bars, our 5 favourite addresses in Paris
The Parisian cocktail scene has never been so effervescent. With its auteur bars, haute-couture mixology and hushed ambience, Paris has established itself as the cocktail bar capital of the world. And it’s no coincidence that several French establishments shine in the 2025 ranking of the world’s best bars. One in particular stands out…
Cambridge Public House: the Parisian pub on top of the world
It’s official: The Cambridge Public House has earned itself a dream position, coming in 19th worldwide in the ranking of the best bars of 2025. And it’s not just a performance: it’s a consecration. The ranking now makes it the best bar in Paris.
Halfway between an English pub and a contemporary lounge, the venue seamlessly combines creative cocktails, craft beers and natural wines. An explosive mix, designed to appeal to purists and the curious alike. The atmosphere, convivial without being noisy, contrasts with the clichés of posh bars: here, people come to have a good drink, a good chat, and to stay a little longer than expected.
📌 Address: 8 rue de Poitou, Paris 3rd arrondissement
Little Red Door: the cult speakeasy that still fascinates
For years, Little Red Door has been drawing crowds with its hushed ambience and enigmatic entrance at 60 rue Charlot. Recently under new management, the place has lost none of its superb character. This speakeasy remains an absolute reference on the Parisian cocktail scene.
Every detail, from the furniture to the recipes, contributes to an immersive experience. But be warned: it’s so busy that even on weekdays, you may have to wait to push open the (fake) door of this now cult venue.
📌 Address: 60 rue Charlot, Paris 3rd arrondissement
Frequency: funk vibes and sharp shakers
Located on rue Keller in the 11th arrondissement, Fréquence remains a must for those who like their cocktails just as much as the sound of eighties vinyl. Behind the counter, Matthieu Biron and Guillaume Quenza create a Japanese-influenced menu, combining aromatic subtlety and technical rigor.
Add to that shareable plates, a good vibes-only atmosphere and a loyal clientele: Fréquence is a total cocktail. And yes, it still works in 2025.
📌 Address: 20 rue Keller, Paris 11th arrondissement
Harry’s Bar: the legend intact
It’s impossible to talk about mixology in Paris without mentioning Harry’s Bar, located on rue Daunou in the 2nd district since 1911. Completely relocated from New York to Paris to escape Prohibition, it has become a mythical institution over the century.
This is the birthplace of the Bloody Mary, invented right here, just like the Sidecar. For lovers of whiskies and old-fashioned cocktails, it’s an essential pilgrimage. More than a bar, it’s a living page in cocktail history.
📌 Address: 5 rue Daunou, Paris 2e
Experimental Cocktail Club: school for the greats
Last but not least, there’s theExperimental Cocktail Club, a veritable incubator of talent. A precursor of the cocktail revival in Paris, this bar in the 2nd arrondissement is both discreet and powerful. The beginning of the week is quiet, almost confidential, but from Thursday onwards, the place electrifies.
It’s here that many of the bartenders who have made French mixology shine today were trained. It’s a place for training, but also a place to party, and a must-see if you want to understand the DNA of the Parisian cocktail scene.
📌 Address: 37 rue Saint-Sauveur, Paris 2e
Also read: 7 romantic addresses for a summer date in Paris
