Think Paris nightlife is all about loud clubs or overpriced cocktails on the Champs-Élysées? That’s only scratching the surface. There's a whole underground scene made for people who love a bit of mystery—and better drinks. Most of these speakeasies fly below the radar. It's easy to walk right past one without noticing, unless you’re in the know.
Hidden bars here don’t just slap a sign on the door. You might need to walk through a laundromat, call a secret number, or even open a fake bookcase to get inside. Locals love these spots mainly for the vibe—and let’s be honest, to avoid tourist crowds.
If you want something more than a basic bar, keep an eye out for clues: an old phone booth, a doorman who’s a bit too chill, or a cryptic social media post. These bars switch up the experience with creative cocktails and unexpected themes. And since some require reservations or secret passwords, planning ahead will save you standing out in the cold.
- Finding Paris’ Secret Bars: Know the Tricks
- Unique Experiences You’ll Only Get in Speakeasies
- Top Hidden Bars Worth Your Time
- Insider Tips for a Smooth Night Out
Finding Paris’ Secret Bars: Know the Tricks
Want the real Paris nightlife? You’ll need to get comfortable playing detective. Most speakeasies here don’t post obvious clues outside. They keep it subtle—sometimes downright sneaky—so only those in the know find their way in. The fun starts before you even drink anything.
Here are some proven ways to track down these hidden bars without getting frustrated:
- Watch for fake storefronts. Barbershops, pizza joints, and even coffee shops might be hiding a bar in the back. Check places like Lavomatic, hidden behind a working laundromat, or Moonshiner, tucked in a pizzeria fridge.
- Listen for word of mouth. Most locals hear about these spots from friends. Don’t be shy—ask bartenders at regular bars or chat up locals. Parisians usually love sharing their discoveries with folks who are genuinely curious.
- Follow their social media or websites. Since these bars don’t always use signs, they update Instagram or sites with hints about hours, reservations, or even the weekly password. Le Syndicat, for example, keeps an active Instagram so you stay in the loop.
- Reservations are a big deal. Smaller spaces in these bars mean they fill up fast. Some will only let you in with a booking, especially on weekends.
Map apps can be hit or miss, and a few speakeasies deliberately mislabel their entrance. Here’s a quick look at the types of disguises you’ll see around the city:
| Speakeasy | Hidden Behind | Neighborhood |
|---|---|---|
| Lavomatic | Laundromat | République |
| Moonshiner | Pizzeria Fridge | Bastille |
| Little Red Door | Disguised Red Door | Marais |
| Le Syndicat | Peeled Posters/Unmarked Façade | Strasbourg-Saint-Denis |
If you’re serious about finding the Paris nightlife scene’s best-kept secrets, being a little persistent pays off. Double-check the building numbers and don’t be thrown off by a sketchy entrance—the best drinks usually wait just on the other side.
Unique Experiences You’ll Only Get in Speakeasies
Walking into a speakeasy in Paris feels like joining a secret club. These bars don’t just serve drinks—they build an experience around their hidden entrances and quirky rules. Forget just grabbing a beer; here, you might have to push your way through a fridge door at Lavomatic or step behind a taco shop counter to reach Candelaria. Each spot puts its own spin on secrecy.
What makes a Paris nightlife speakeasy special is the way bartenders get creative. You’re not getting the same old mojito or gin and tonic. Spots like Little Red Door change up their menus every few months, sometimes matching drinks to works of art or wild flavor themes. Most bartenders can whip up a custom cocktail if you tell them what you like—no need to stick to the menu.
Lots of these bars keep things fun by hosting themed nights. Think 1920s jazz at Moonshiner or oddball bingo at Le Syndicat. You’ll often see live DJs spinning vinyl or even pop-up food events featuring local chefs. The whole point is to make the night feel anything but routine.
Secrecy isn’t just for show. Some speakeasies will ask you not to take photos or share the location on social media, which makes the atmosphere feel even more exclusive. Others operate on a "first name only" basis, keeping things friendly but just a little mysterious. This focus on privacy gives each bar a tighter-knit, community vibe—even if it’s just for one night.
If you’re the type who loves discovering hidden gems, these bars practically hand you those bragging rights. Every night can be a new adventure, especially since owners will sometimes change the entrance or tweak the rules to keep regulars guessing. So, stay sharp and pay attention to the details; half the fun is just getting inside.
Top Hidden Bars Worth Your Time
Here’s where things get interesting. Paris has a whole stash of secret bars tucked behind everyday storefronts and down narrow alleys. Some of these spots have earned cult status, which usually means they mix a mean drink and keep out the noisy crowds. If you only have a couple of nights, don’t waste time searching for random places—head straight to these proven favorites.
- Lavomatic: You might walk right past this place—it actually looks like a laundromat from the outside. Push on the dryer door and you’ll discover a cozy speakeasy with swings for seats. Their gin-based cocktails come with fresh herbs, and the bartenders know how to keep things chill yet fun.
- Moonshiner: Hidden behind a pizza joint called "Da Vito," Moonshiner gives off major 1920s vibes. Slip through the cold storage door at the back, and you’ll find a dimly-lit bar playing jazz and mixing some of the best Old Fashioneds in the city. They have a huge whiskey selection too.
- Candelaria: Tick both Mexican food and killer cocktails off your list. Candelaria’s secret? Go through a plain white door at the back of the tiny taqueria and you’ll land in one of the hottest bars in Paris. Try their spicy margaritas—this bar actually makes the "World’s 50 Best Bars" list regularly.
- Le Syndicat: Not your typical Paris bar. This spot uses only French spirits and has grafitti all over the entrance, so people often miss it. Inside, bartenders shake up creative drinks with rare ingredients. It’s tucked on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, not far from Gare de l’Est.
- Little Red Door: Right in the Marais, and famous for a low-key vibe plus inventive menus. Their cocktails are inspired by local art and design. You’ll know the entrance by—you guessed it—the little red door. This place is often packed, so go early or prepare to wait in line.
| Bar Name | Hidden Feature | Signature Drink | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lavomatic | Behind laundromat machines | Herb Garden Fizz | Not needed, but weekends get busy |
| Moonshiner | Behind pizzeria cold storage | Old Fashioned | Good idea for groups |
| Candelaria | Through taco shop back door | Spicy Margarita | Strongly recommended |
| Le Syndicat | Graffiti-covered facade | French Negroni | Not accepted |
| Little Red Door | Puzzle-like red entrance | Artist’s Palate | Good idea to book ahead |
Don’t just take my word for it. As Time Out Paris puts it,
“Secret bars in Paris aren’t just about the entrance—each one brings something wild to the table, whether it’s the cocktail menu, the crowd, or good music.”Translation: aim for the full experience, not just the gimmick. Remember, these places can fill up quick, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, so plan your visit. No one likes standing in line in the rain—the French least of all.
For the best Paris nightlife, these hidden bars are hard to beat. Whether you want to sip in a laundromat, hide out in a pizza shop, or discover your new favorite French spirit, these spots are worth the effort to track down.
Insider Tips for a Smooth Night Out
Not all speakeasies in Paris are easy to find, and some still guard their secrets closely. But once you’re in, you want your night to go off without a hitch. Here are some tried-and-true tips from regulars to make your experience great, whether you’re bar-hopping alone or with a group.
- Paris nightlife spots can have wildly different vibe checks at the door. Some enforce a dress code (no sneakers, no flip-flops), others just want you to look presentable. You don’t have to suit up, but looking put together helps, especially at bars like Moonshiner or Little Red Door.
- Reservations are gold. Some hidden bars only take walk-ins early or during the week, but crowds swell fast on weekends. Use online booking if available—particularly at Lavomatic and Candelaria. For extra privacy, some even have private rooms you can snag ahead of time.
- Keep in mind: a password or secret knock isn’t a movie gimmick here. Experimental Cocktail Club sometimes asks for their daily word, which you usually find on their Instagram stories. Don’t be shy—bartenders are used to questions if you look lost or nervous.
- These places tend to be small. If you roll in with a big crew, expect to wait—especially after 9 p.m. Most only seat groups of 4 or 6, maximum. If you're a larger gang, splitting into smaller groups gets you in quicker.
Drinks in speakeasies don’t come cheap, but you’re paying for quality. Cocktails usually run between €12-18. Don’t order basic drinks like vodka sodas—let the bartender suggest something off-menu. A lot of these places have bartenders who’ve won actual cocktail competitions. They’ll surprise you with flavor combos you wouldn’t pick yourself.
| Bar | Typical Drink Price (€) | Reservations? | Special Entry? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moonshiner | 12-15 | Recommended | Hidden in a pizzeria's freezer door |
| Candelaria | 13-17 | Online/Walk-in | Through an unmarked taco shop |
| Lavomatic | 12-16 | Online only | Hidden in a laundromat with a secret door |
One last thing: tipping isn’t compulsory in Paris, but for solid service, rounding up the bill or leaving a euro or two is a nice touch. Paris bar staff remember faces, especially in smaller bars, and being polite pays off. Treat these places like you’ve been let in on a secret—you’re more likely to get the local treatment next time you show up.
