The Best Speakeasies and Hidden Bars in Paris for Nightlife
Paris isn’t just about the Eiffel Tower and croissants-it’s got a secret nightlife scene that feels like stepping into a movie.
You walk down a quiet street in Le Marais, past a shuttered bakery, and notice a fridge door slightly ajar. You knock three times. A slot opens. A voice asks, "What’s your favorite cocktail?" You say "Old Fashioned." The door swings open. Welcome to Le Comptoir Général, one of Paris’s most legendary hidden bars.
Paris has over 120 speakeasies and hidden bars, and most tourists never find them. These aren’t just trendy spots-they’re immersive experiences. Some require passwords. Others need reservations months in advance. A few only open after midnight. But if you know where to look, you’ll find some of the best cocktails in the world, served in rooms that haven’t changed since the 1920s.
How to Find Hidden Bars in Paris (Without Getting Lost)
Forget Google Maps. Most hidden bars don’t show up on it. You won’t find signs. No neon. No menus on the door. The trick? Look for subtle clues.
- A door with no handle, just a knocker
- A phone number scribbled on a napkin at a nearby café
- A bookshelf that swings open
- A bar that looks like a regular restaurant but has no outdoor seating
Local bartenders often know the spots. Ask one at a normal bar-"Where do you go when you want to disappear?"-and you’ll get a real answer. Don’t ask for "speakeasies." Say "secret bars" or "hidden places." That’s the local term.
Reservations are non-negotiable at most. Book through their website, not TripAdvisor. Many only take bookings via email or Instagram DM. Don’t show up unannounced. You’ll be turned away.
Top 5 Hidden Bars in Paris You Can’t Miss
1. Le Comptoir Général - This isn’t just a bar. It’s a whole world. Tucked behind a thrift store on Rue de la Fontaine au Roi, it’s a mix of African artifacts, vintage furniture, and live jazz. The cocktails are made with rare spirits and house-made syrups. Try the "Maison de l’Exotique"-a blend of rum, passionfruit, and smoked vanilla. It’s open every night from 7 PM to 2 AM.
2. Little Red Door - Hidden behind a fridge door in a quiet alley near Montmartre, this place won Best Cocktail Bar in the World in 2023. The menu changes monthly based on seasonal ingredients. The bartender will ask you what mood you’re in, then craft a drink to match. No names on the door. No sign. Just a red light above the fridge. Go at 9:30 PM sharp-the first 12 guests get a free appetizer.
3. The Blind Pig - A 1920s-style jazz bar disguised as a laundromat. You enter through a washing machine door. Inside, velvet booths, dim lighting, and a live pianist. Their signature drink, "The Dry Clean," is gin, elderflower, and lemon peel served in a martini glass with a single dry cleaning tag. Reservations fill up 45 days in advance. Book on their website-no walk-ins.
4. Experimental Cocktail Club (ECC) - One of the first hidden bars in Paris, opened in 2007. It’s now split into two locations: one on Rue de la Roquette (the original) and another on Rue des Martyrs. The Roquette spot has a hidden back room with only six seats. You need to ask for "The Library" when you arrive. Their "Parisian Negroni" uses local vermouth and is stirred with a silver spoon from 1912.
5. Bar à Vin - Not a cocktail bar, but one of the most intimate hidden wine spots in the city. Hidden behind a bookshop in the 6th arrondissement, you enter through a narrow door marked only by a single candle. The owner, a retired sommelier, pours 12 rare French wines by the glass-none of them on any restaurant list. He’ll tell you the story behind each bottle. No menu. Just ask: "What’s interesting tonight?"
What Makes a Great Hidden Bar in Paris?
It’s not just about secrecy. It’s about craft.
Parisian hidden bars focus on three things: ingredients, atmosphere, and personalization. Most use local herbs, French spirits, and homemade bitters. You won’t find cheap vodka or pre-made mixers. Even the ice is hand-carved.
Atmosphere matters more than décor. These places feel lived-in. Leather chairs with worn edges. Books stacked on shelves. Old vinyl records spinning quietly. The lighting is low. The music is jazz, soul, or French chanson-not electronic.
And the bartenders? They’re storytellers. They remember your name. They know if you liked your last drink. They’ll suggest a new one based on your mood, your outfit, even the weather.
When to Go and How to Plan Your Night
Most hidden bars open between 7 PM and 10 PM. They’re not clubs. You won’t find dancing or loud music. This is slow, quiet, intimate nightlife.
Plan ahead. Book at least two weeks in advance for the top spots. If you’re visiting in December, don’t wait-holiday crowds fill tables fast. Some bars close for a week in August, others only open on weekends.
Wear something nice. Not formal, but not jeans and a hoodie. These places have an unspoken dress code: elegant casual. Think button-down shirts, dark jeans, a blazer. No sneakers. No baseball caps.
Bring cash. Many don’t take cards. The average cocktail costs €16-€22. A full night out-three drinks, maybe a snack-runs €50-€70. It’s worth it.
What to Avoid
Don’t post your location on Instagram. Most bars hate it. Some have banned guests who do. They’re not trying to be mysterious for clout-they’re protecting their space.
Don’t ask for "the best" cocktail. Ask for "something unexpected." You’ll get something better.
Don’t bring a group larger than four. Most bars are small. They’re not designed for parties. If you show up with six people, you’ll be turned away.
And never, ever ask for a shot. These are cocktail bars. Shots are seen as disrespectful.
What Comes After the Hidden Bars?
After you’ve tried the top five, go deeper. Explore the 13th arrondissement-there’s a bar hidden inside a vintage typewriter shop. Or head to the 11th, where a door behind a florist leads to a bar that only serves drinks made with foraged herbs.
Paris’s hidden bars aren’t just places to drink. They’re cultural artifacts. They’re the city’s way of saying: "There’s more here than what you see."
Do I need to speak French to get into hidden bars in Paris?
No, but knowing a few phrases helps. Most bartenders speak English, especially in the top spots. But saying "Bonjour," "Merci," and "C’est délicieux" goes a long way. The staff appreciate the effort. Don’t expect them to translate the whole menu-many drinks have poetic French names you’ll have to guess at. That’s part of the charm.
Are hidden bars in Paris safe?
Yes. These aren’t underground clubs or illegal spots. They’re licensed, regulated, and often run by professional mixologists with years of experience. The doors are closed for privacy, not secrecy. You’ll be greeted warmly, checked in politely, and never pressured. The only risk is getting so absorbed in the experience that you lose track of time.
Can I visit a hidden bar during the day?
Most don’t open until evening, but a few, like Le Comptoir Général, have daytime hours. They serve coffee, tea, and light bites from noon to 6 PM. The vibe is calmer, the lighting brighter, and you might even get a seat without a reservation. It’s a great way to experience the space before the night crowd arrives.
What’s the dress code for hidden bars in Paris?
Elegant casual. Think dark jeans, a nice shirt, a blazer or sweater. No hoodies, no flip-flops, no sportswear. Women often wear dresses or tailored pants. Men skip the sneakers. You don’t need a tie, but you should look like you made an effort. These places attract stylish locals who take pride in their appearance.
Are hidden bars in Paris expensive?
Yes, but you’re paying for quality, not just alcohol. Cocktails cost €16-€22 because they’re made with rare spirits, house-made syrups, and fresh ingredients. A single drink can take 15 minutes to prepare. It’s not a fast bar-it’s a slow experience. If you’re on a budget, order one great cocktail, share a snack, and savor it. It’s worth every euro.
How do I know if a hidden bar is legit and not a tourist trap?
Check the reviews on Google and Instagram-but only look at posts from locals. Tourist reviews often say "cool vibe" without mentioning the drink quality. Look for mentions of specific cocktails, bartenders’ names, or the type of music. If the bar has a website with a real email address and a history section, it’s real. If it only has a Facebook page with stock photos, walk away.