Best Craft Beer Bars in Paris for an Unforgettable Night Out

Best Craft Beer Bars in Paris for an Unforgettable Night Out
Everett Montague / Apr, 18 2025 / Nightlife in Paris

Here’s the thing: Paris has quietly become a top destination for craft beer—that’s right, the land of Bordeaux and Champagne is now catching up with the world’s beer capitals. Walk into the right bar, and you’ll find serious tap lists, relaxed crowds, and bartenders who actually know what's pouring.

But how do you find these havens in a city packed with touristy cafés and overpriced cocktails? If you want more than just a simple pint, you need the inside scoop. From spots that stock hard-to-find local brews to late-night joints where you can meet locals as obsessed with hops as you are, this guide has you covered.

Ready to find out where Parisians go when they want something stronger than a café crème? Grab your metro card, keep your French handy (ordering 'une bière pression' is a solid start), and let’s get right into the city’s best craft beer bars.

Why Paris Loves Craft Beer Now

Not that long ago, ordering a craft beer at a Paris bar would probably get you a blank stare. But things have changed fast. Parisians, always up for something new, started to get bored with the same old lagers and Belgian classics. By the mid-2010s, the city started seeing a real surge in microbreweries and taprooms. The craft beer scene exploded—thanks to local pioneers like Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or and Paname Brewing Company, who made beers that tasted nothing like what you’d find in a convenience store fridge.

People in Paris are big on small-batch, local stuff. It’s not just about new flavors—though trust me, you’ll find everything from juicy IPAs to funky sours here. It’s the vibe. These beer bars became hangouts where friends could meet and talk about what’s in their glass instead of just chugging whatever’s cold.

French breweries have gotten creative, blending traditional methods with American, British, and even Scandinavian beer styles. Just five years ago, Paris had maybe a dozen dedicated craft beer bars. As of spring 2025, you’ve got over sixty, each with its own twist. According to the French Brewers Association, sales of French craft beers jumped by over 35% between 2019 and 2024.

YearCraft Beer Bars in ParisFrench Craft Beer Sales Growth (%)
201512
202038+20%
202461+35%

Social media definitely gave things a push. People started sharing their favorite pints, which brought in more locals and expats. Now, it’s totally normal to ask for a tasting flight or hunt down limited-edition brews. Next time you’re out enjoying Paris nightlife, you’ll notice how many folks are skipping wine for something malty or hoppy instead.

Top Picks: Must-Visit Beer Bars

Let’s get straight to the point. Here are the best craft beer bars in Paris that locals and visitors both swear by. These places go beyond just a solid tap list—they bring in good vibes, helpful staff, and spots to hang whether it’s date night or just a casual get-together.

  • Le Supercoin (20th Arrondissement): This small, no-nonsense bar in the northeast knows how to treat beer fans. Le Supercoin puts the spotlight on French microbreweries, so you can expect the best of what’s brewing locally. Their fridge is packed with bottles from cities you’ve never heard of, and staff love to make recommendations.
  • La Fine Mousse (11th Arrondissement): La Fine Mousse is basically Paris’ craft beer HQ. They run a bar and a separate restaurant across the street, with 20 taps loaded with everything from Belgian saisons to American IPAs. They rotate the selection constantly, so you’ll always find something new. Pro tip: the staff actually take their time to help you choose a beer tailored to your tastes.
  • Les Trois 8 (20th Arrondissement): This spot has a legendary status for a reason. It’s a favorite among Parisians who want interesting draught choices and a true neighborhood vibe. You’ll see chalkboards filled with daily specials, and there’s always a buzz—especially on weekends. Food is simple but good—think sausages, local cheeses, and tartines.
  • BrewDog Paris (3rd Arrondissement): If you know BrewDog from the UK, you already get the vibe—laid-back, reliable, always pushing for the next big flavor. Their Paris outpost is just as good, pouring BrewDog staples plus guest beers from around Europe. Tons of board games, perfect for groups or solo sippers.
  • Paname Brewing Company (19th Arrondissement): Want great beer with a killer view? Paname Brewing sits right on Canal de l’Ourcq, so you can sip their house-made IPA and watch boats drift by. They brew on-site and often host events like trivia, food pairings, or small concerts, making it more than just a bar.

Need a quick comparison? Here’s what you can expect from these top beer bars in Paris:

BarArrondissementTapsSpecialty
Le Supercoin20th6French microbreweries
La Fine Mousse11th20Diverse selection, bottle shop & restaurant
Les Trois 820th8Craft, local crowd
BrewDog Paris3rd15International craft, games
Paname Brewing Co.19th8House brews, canal view

Most of these bars get lively after 7 p.m., so arrive early if you want a table. Don’t worry if French isn’t your strong suit—staff at most of these places speak enough English to make sure you leave with the right pint in hand.

Hidden Gems for Hardcore Beer Fans

If you’re after the real craft experience and want to skip the crowds, Paris has a few under-the-radar spots that take their beer seriously. These bars aren’t the big names in every guidebook, but locals and true beer geeks swear by them. They've got small-batch brews, one-off collaborations, and rare international finds you won’t see just anywhere.

First up is Superbières, tucked away in the 12th arrondissement. It’s small, laid-back, and switches up its taps almost daily. The owners rotate French and Belgian microbrews, and they’re chatty if you want recommendations. Sometimes, you’ll even find limited-edition IPAs or sours from Brasserie Popihn or La Débauche—these are brewers that have blown up on the French scene lately.

Another winner is La Fine Mousse in the 11th—some call it Paris’s original craft beer temple. There’s a bar and a restaurant across the street from each other. The bar side crams 20 taps against one wall, and always has something weird and interesting on—think barrel-aged stouts or farmhouse ales straight from obscure French breweries. If you like trying beer flights, the staff happily builds custom tasting sets based on your vibe.

Don’t skip Brewberry in the Latin Quarter. It’s close to the tourist spots but has a cult following, especially among students and industry folks. The rotating list usually includes hard-to-find American or Scandinavian bottles along with local brews. Bonus: You can grab take-away bottles if you want a nightcap later.

Want stats? Here’s an idea of what to expect at the top three hidden beer bars:

BarNumber of TapsKnown For
Superbières8French/Belgian exclusives
La Fine Mousse20Rare French microbrews & flights
Brewberry12Global imports & take-away bottles

Pro tip: Most of these places don’t do food late, so grab a snack before you head over or ask if they’ll let you bring a sandwich. And always check their social media for tap updates—sometimes they announce special bottles or tap takeovers that disappear fast. If you want to seriously up your Paris nightlife experience, these hidden bars will get you talking hops with the locals in no time.

Pairing Beer with Late-Night Paris Eats

Pairing Beer with Late-Night Paris Eats

If you’re out bar-hopping in Paris, don’t go home hungry. The best craft beer just tastes better with some local grub, and Paris totally delivers after dark. Forget boring bar peanuts—think gooey croque-monsieur, crisp fries, or that legendary falafel you see half the city lining up for on Rue des Rosiers.

Plenty of Paris nightlife spots team up with food trucks or small kitchens, so you can pair a juicy IPA with cheeseburgers or a saison with vegan shawarma. For example, La Fine Mousse’s beer bar has a restaurant next door where you can try French classics essentially custom-matched to the brews on tap. Meanwhile, BrewDog Paris lets you order up their signature pizzas until late, and their staff are always ready to suggest a pairing.

  • Pale ales shine with fried foods—grab frites or a plate of chicken wings and you’ll see why locals love the combo.
  • Stouts are fantastic with anything chocolatey, like a dense mousse au chocolat, or even a late-night Nutella crêpe from a street stall.
  • If you spot a tart, fruity sour beer, pair it with aged cheeses from the bar menu or a tarte flambée if you’re lucky.

Most Paris bars stay open until 2 a.m., but the kitchen might close earlier. Always ask at the bar if the food menu’s still going; staff are usually happy to help, and sometimes even have snacks stashed for latecomers. If not, kebab shops and crêperies are lifesavers, especially around Bastille and Oberkampf. Nothing beats a steaming ham-and-cheese galette with your last beer bar order of the night.

Here’s a quick look at which eats go best with common beer styles in Paris:

Beer StyleBest Late-Night Pairing
IPABurgers, frites, spicy kebab
Wheat BeerCroque-monsieur, falafel, soft cheese
StoutChocolate desserts, Nutella crêpe
SaisonCharcuterie, roasted veggies

In Paris, food and drink go hand-in-hand. Don’t just settle for one or the other—find that perfect bite to go with your brew and see why Parisians do it best.

Tips for Navigating Paris Beer Culture

Whether you’re just starting your journey into craft beer or you've been around taprooms for years, getting the most out of the Paris nightlife beer scene takes a bit of know-how. Parisians appreciate when visitors make a small effort with local customs—it’ll get you better service and more recommendations at the bar.

First thing: don’t expect a massive pint every time. Most Paris craft bars pour in smaller glasses—usually 25cl or 33cl. It’s not about being stingy—it’s just how folks here enjoy stronger or high-quality brews without getting wrecked. Ask for “une pinte” if you do want the bigger pour.

Menus can be handwritten, packed with rotating names, and sometimes only in French. If you’re unsure, the staff will usually help you pick, especially if you mention whether you like hoppy, sour, or malty flavors. Use basics like “blonde” for a pale beer, “brune” for dark, and “IPA” is pretty universal. If you find something you love, it’s worth snapping a photo—seasonal and collaborative brews turn over quick in most Paris beer bars.

Cashless is king right now in the Paris beer scene, but always have a few coins—some smaller joints have a card minimum, especially late. And for atmosphere, keep in mind that Parisians usually stand around high tables, spill outside (drink in hand), and mingle in a way you might not see back home. If the bar has a bottle fridge, ask about takeaways, but don’t assume you can drink outside in every neighborhood; check with the staff.

Looking for late-night grub? Many of the best beer bars in Paris either partner with food trucks or let you bring in stuff from nearby bakeries or kebab stands. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Typical Beer Glass Sizes in ParisVolume
Galopin12.5cl
Half-pint/"Demi"25cl
Pint/"Pinte"50cl

The best bars tend to get crowded right after work (around 6pm) and again late at night. If you’re hoping for a spot to sit and chat, show up at the start of service. If you’re after buzzing, packed vibes, aim for later. Either way, just blend in, try something new, and enjoy the genuine local love for a good pour.

Best Times and Local Events

Timing matters if you’re looking to dive into the craft beer scene in Paris. Unlike some cities where bars stay empty until late, Parisian beer bars start filling up right after work. You’ll notice locals pouring in around 6:30 PM, when Happy Hour usually kicks off (and yes, most craft spots actually offer solid deals—think €5 pints instead of the regular €7-8).

If you want a seat or space at the bar, aim for earlier in the evening, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. For the liveliest vibe, though, later is better—by 9:00 or 10:00 PM, places like Le Triangle and Brewberry are practically buzzing and you’ll find every spot packed with locals and expats swapping tips about new brews.

Mark your calendar for these annual events if you love exploring new beers or want to meet brewers:

  • Paris Beer Week (usually late May or early June): Dozens of bars, breweries, and bottle shops across the city tap special releases, host meet-the-brewer nights, and run workshops. It’s the biggest deal in the Paris beer calendar.
  • Planète Bière (usually March): This is more of a beer fair than a party, but worth hitting if you want to taste the newest French and international releases—think big tasting halls and passionate brewers pouring samples.
  • Oktoberfest Paris: It’s a little corporate, but still brings in a crowd with classic German beer, food, and music for about a week every October.

Looking for something offbeat? Keep an eye out for smaller events like tap takeovers and limited release launches—bars like La Fine Mousse and La Binouze often host these on short notice, so following their Facebook or Instagram pages helps you snag a spot before they get crowded.

Here’s a quick snapshot of popular times and French beer events:

EventMonthWhat to Expect
Paris Beer WeekMay/JuneCitywide festival, exclusive collabs, parties
Planète BièreMarchBig tastings, beer industry stands
Oktoberfest ParisOctoberTraditional German style, big tents, food

So, when’s the best time to hit up Paris nightlife for beers? Go early for chill conversations and tasting, or late for the full busy-bar buzz. Show up on event nights if you want rare brews and a true taste of Paris’s beer culture.