When we travel around the world, one of the coolest Adventure Activities and Experiences, we love is finding a local speakeasy! Perhaps this is because of Darcee’s love for the roaring 1920’s or Eric’s love of cocktails, but there is something cool about finding a secret entrance to a hidden bar!
But what is a Speakeasy?
Back in January of 1920, the United States underwent a major change known as Prohibition. Now, suddenly, drinking alcohol became illegal. No longer could you walk down to your local bar and purchase a cocktail or a beer. But the result of Prohibition led to a major creation, the Speakeasy. Also called a blind pig or blind tiger, hidden spots to get a drink suddenly popped up where you would have to have a secret password to gain entry. On top of that, major crime organizations led by Al Capone in Chicago or Sherman Billingsley in New York City opened up secret bars to entertain their guests.
But all of the changes of Prohibition in the United States, never really hit Europe. That was until recently where major cities in Europe fell in love with the idea of these secret bars. This can especially be seen in Paris where you can now find unbelievable cocktails at secret bars hiding behind unassuming doors.
So buy flight tickets from New York to Paris or book a flight from Chicago to Paris, and discover the 12 Best Speakeasies in Paris!
1) Le Syndicat
What to drink
If you are looking to explore all things French, then cognac is a must to try here at Le Syndicat. But, their menu also includes variations on the French classics like a Raspberry Negroni or the Calvados based C4 Cocktail.
How to Find Le Syndicat Speakeasy in Paris
Easily accessible by the Château d’Eau Metro Station, Le Syndicat, is at 51 Rue Faubourg Saint-Denis. Head down this street to the rundown storefront that is plastered with old posters where you will be greeted by a doorman who will grant you entry. Le Syndicat is open daily from 6pm-2am and opens at 7pm on Sunday.
To Learn more visit their website: www.SyndicatCocktailClub.com
2) The Lavomatic
What to drink
Though stocked with typical beers and wines, it is in fact, mixed cocktails that are the specialty of the Lavomatic speakeasy. Perhaps start off with a tequila based Green Lantern or if you love a good Bloody Mary, order The Healthy Mary Detox which mixes in Laphroaig whisky and vodka.
How to Find Le Lavomatic Speakeasy in Paris
Located by the Renaissance Paris Republique hotel, Le Lavomatic, is at 30 Rue René Boulanger, near the Republique Metro station. When you arrive at the laundromat, you will first be greeted by a bouncer. Then, once inside the laundromat, find the rightmost washing machine and press the start cycle button to open up the secret doorway behind the machine. You will then head down an old spiral staircase until you reach the hidden bar below. Le Lavomatic is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6pm-2am.
To Learn more visit their website: www.Lavomatic.paris
From secret doors hiding in a Laundromat to walking through unassuming freezer doors, discover the 12 Best Speakeasies in Paris! #ParisSpeakeasy #SpeakeasiesInParis #HiddenBars
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3) Candelaria
What to drink
When at a Mexican restaurant, it is no shocker to see an agave focused cocktail menu. So definitely get ready for several Mezcal or Tequila based drinks like classic margaritas. Or if you need a little spice in your night, order their Mexican beer based Michelada or their signature spicy tequila cocktail, La Guêpe Verte.
How to Find the Candelaria Speakeasy in Paris
Located by the Filles du Calvaire ou République metro station, the Candelaria is at 52 Rue de Saintonge. When you arrive at the taqueria, if you can make it past the tacos, then head to the back. In the back of the restaurant, you will find a secret doorway that leads through a curtain to small hidden bar. The Candelaria Speakeasy is open everyday at 12 noon until 2am everyday but you may have to make a reservation to get into the bar due to it’s size. Also, fair warning, that Tuesday is Taco Tuesday so wear your stretchy pants!
To Learn more visit their website: www.Quixotic-Projects.com/Candelaria
4) The Moonshiner
What to drink
They have a great selection of cocktails but with over 83 whiskies listed on their menu, you may want to sip a dram or two. But if you are adventurous, try one of their traditional recipes mixed with a modern twist or test out their seasonal punch! Perhaps, their most popular signature drink is the Smokey Island which blends old Havana cuban rum with vodka, and gin.
How to Find the Moonshiner Speakeasy in Paris
The Moonshiner can be found in the back of Da Vito Pizzeria at 5 Rue Sedaine, near the Bréguet-Sabin ou Bastille Metro station. When you arrive at Da Vito, head to the back of the restaurant to the metallic fridges. When you find the right fridge door to enter and walk through the dark passageway to the hidden bar in the back. Be warned, it is told to be cold in this Paris Speakeasy, so bring a sweater. The Moonshiner is open daily from 6pm-2am.
To Learn more visit their website: www.Facebook.com/Moonshiner-390791131035525
5) La Mezcaleria
What to drink
Order a flight of Mezcal! Seriously, this bar a mezcal lover’s heaven. If sipping tequila’s smoky cousin is a bit much for you, try their various mezcal variations on classic cocktails. There are tons to choose off of their signature DYKIL menu like the Ortega Sister which combines Mezcal with Gin & Violet Liquer with grapefruit juice for a seductive cocktail.
How to Find La Mezcaleria Speakeasy in Paris
Hidden behind Restaurant Inka within the Hotel 1K Paris, La Mezcaleria, is at 13 Boulevard du Temple, near either the Filles du Calvaire or Oberkampf Metro stations. When you arrive at the hotel, head into Restaurant Inka and head to the back. You will then walk through the kitchen until you reach secret door to enter speakeasy bar. La Mezcaleria is open Tuesday through Sunday from 6pm-12am.
To Learn more visit their website: www.Facebook.com/LaMezcaleriaParis
6) Little Red Door
What to drink
Get ready to build something because all of the cocktails on the menu are inspired by different architectural periods throughout history. But if you don’t know what to order off of their impressive menu, then ask. The bartenders at the Little Red Door are renown for their great knowledge of cocktails and are actually pretty good about helping you find a perfect drink based on your tastes. Just be respectful and understanding if they are slammed!
How to Find the Little Red Door Speakeasy in Paris
The Little Red Door is located at 60 rue Charlot near the Filles du Calvaire Metro station. In reality, it really isn’t hard to find at all. Just walk down rue Charlot until you literally see a little red door and enter. With that said, being one of the best speakeasies in Paris and even the world, you may consider getting their early so you don’t have to wait in line. The Little Red Door Speakeasy is open daily from 6pm-2am.
To Learn more visit their website: www.LrdParis.com
7) Le Fitzgerald
What to drink
The speakeasy is famous for the Zelda Martini which mixes Vodka and St Germain or it’s namesake Fitzgerald cocktail which blends Gin with a Rosemary liqueur with a Verjus blend. But there is also has an extensive wine and champagne menu to fit anyone’s tastes.
How to Find the Fitzgerald Speakeasy in Paris
Located by the La Tour-Maubourg Metro station , the Fitzgerald can be found at 54 Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg. When you arrive, walk through the restaurant and push the unmarked padded blue door to enter the secret bar. Le Fitzgerald is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6pm-2am.
To Learn more visit their website: www.Fitzgerald.paris
8) Baranaan
What to drink
The bar specializes in fun herbal cocktails with an Indian twist. But their menu can change often. However, if possible, make sure you try their signature Tajma cocktail which they mix four rums with pineapple juice and then serve it in a fresh coconut.
How to Find the Baranaan Speakeasy in Paris
Baranaan is at 7 rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, near the Strasbourg-Saint-Denis Metro station. When you arrive at enter what looks like an Indian food dive restaurant. Once inside are you directed to a back door which opens up into the bar where you will board the train. Baranaan is open Tuesday through Sunday from 6:30pm-2am.
To Learn more visit their website: www.Baranaan.com
9) Bar L’Epicier
What to drink
Like the Lavomatic, you will find a typical menu of beer, wines, and classic cocktails at L’Épicier. But make sure to try some of their signature cocktails based on mint tea and other oriental spices.
How to Find L’Épicier Speakeasy in Paris
L’Épicier, is at 24 Rue de Notre Dame de Nazereth, near the Republique Metro station. When you arrive at the mini grocery store, you will first be greeted by a “store clerk”. Then, once inside the grocery, either offer the store clerk your passcode or find couscous box and move it to open up the secret doorway behind the wall of food. L’Épicier is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6pm-2am.
To Learn more visit their website: www.Lepicier.paris
10) No Entry
What to drink
On top of the plethora of mixes and infusions, No Entry, specializes in creating fun Italian twists on classic cocktails. For example, they add real Italian Olive Oil to make dirty martinis or add balsamic vinegar to a traditional Chimist Spritz. However, it their unique creations aren’t your “tazza di tè” then dive into some amazing traditional Italian liqueurs like Amaretto, Amaro, or Limencello.
How to Find the No Entry Speakeasy in Paris
Located a short walk from the main Pigalle strip, No Entry is at 20 bis Rue de Douai, near the Blanche Metro station. When you arrive at Pink Mamma’s, make your way to the back of the restaurant. Here look for the cold-store door where you’ll enter and then walk down stairwell to the secret bar. No Entry is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7pm-1am.
To Learn more visit their website: www.BigMammaGroup.com/en/bars/bar-no-entry
11) Gentlemen 1919
What to drink
Whether you come for a shave or a haircut, be prepared to be offered a scotch and a cigar. But as you disappear into the hidden bar in the back, a full bar will offer far more. Here you can find traditional menu of mixed cocktails, rich ports, and a vast selection of Rums or Whiskies to partner with your cigar. But if you have a chance, try their signature Gentleman 1919 cocktail. This gem blends whiskey, Mozart chocolate liquor, and Chambord for a dessert like finish to your visit.
How to Find the Gentlemen 1919 Speakeasy in Paris
The Gentlemen1919 is located at 11 rue Jean Mermoz, near the Saint-Philippe du-Roule Metro station. Unlike the others though on this list, this is not a true Speakeasy that you have to find. Walk-ins are welcome for the bar, however it is strongly recommended that you make a reservation, especially if you would also like a shave or haircut. Also, women are welcome into the cigar lounge and bar. The Gentlemen 1919 is open Tuesday through Friday from 11am-10pm and on Saturday from 11am-7pm.
To Learn more visit their website: www.Gentlemen1919.com
12) The Library Bar at the Saint James Hotel
What to drink
In typical fashion, this hotel bar maintains the classics along with a great wine and beer selection. However, they are working on creating more signature creations so be sure to ask the bartender what they can recommed.
How to Find the hidden Library Bar in Paris
Located within the Saint James hotel, the Library Bar is at 5 Place du Chancelier Adenauer, near the Victor Hugo Metro station. This too is not a true speakeasy but rather a hidden bar in Paris. Therefore, during the day, it’s access is restricted to members of the exclusive Saint James Club and hotel guests. However, it does open to the public daily from 7:00pm to 1:00am
To Learn more visit their website: www.Saint-James-Paris.com
So there you have it, the best Speakeasies in Paris…and more importantly, how to find them. Have you ever found one of these 12 secret bars when you were in Paris? What did you drink? Was it hard to find? Or do you think we’ve missed a great Parisian speakeasy bar? Let us know in the comments.
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