Paris isn’t just about wine anymore
For decades, Paris was known for its wine bars, cozy cafés, and brasseries serving crisp white wines and bold reds. But if you walk through the 10th, 11th, or 12th arrondissements after dark, you’ll find something new: crowded bars with taps lined up like instruments in an orchestra, pouring hoppy IPAs, tart sours, and rich stouts. Craft beer has taken root in Paris-and it’s thriving. This isn’t a passing trend. It’s a full-blown revolution in how locals and visitors experience nightlife.
Why craft beer in Paris? It’s about quality, not just quantity
Parisians didn’t start drinking craft beer because it was trendy. They started because it tasted better. Unlike mass-produced lagers that taste the same everywhere, craft beer in Paris is made with local ingredients, small-batch techniques, and bold creativity. Many of these bars work directly with French and Belgian microbreweries that roast their own malt, dry-hop in-house, and age beer in wine barrels. You’re not just drinking beer-you’re tasting a story.
Take La Fine Mousse in the 10th. Opened in 2012, it was one of the first bars in Paris to focus solely on craft beer. Today, it offers over 150 rotating bottles and 12 taps. The owner, a former sommelier, pairs each beer with charcuterie boards made from local pork and artisanal cheeses. It’s not a pub. It’s a tasting room with soul.
Where to go: The top 5 craft beer bars for nightlife
1. La Fine Mousse (10th arrondissement)
Located near Gare du Nord, this is where beer lovers gather after work. The vibe is casual but knowledgeable-staff can tell you the difference between a Belgian tripel and a New England IPA without breaking a sweat. On weekends, it’s packed. Arrive before 9 p.m. if you want a seat. The beer list changes weekly, but you’ll always find something from Brasserie de la Senne in Brussels or Brasserie de la Goudale in northern France.
2. Le Tricycle (11th arrondissement)
Named after the owner’s childhood bike, Le Tricycle feels like a hidden gem. It’s small, with just eight stools at the bar and a few tables outside. The beer selection is tight but perfect: 10 taps, all from independent French brewers. Their house IPA, brewed with Citra hops and a touch of orange peel, is the most talked-about beer in the neighborhood. The bar stays open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, making it ideal for late-night drinkers who want something more interesting than a lager.
3. Le Comptoir du Relais (6th arrondissement)
Don’t let the quiet facade fool you. This spot in Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a cult favorite among beer nerds. It’s not flashy-no neon signs, no music blasting-but it has one of the most thoughtful beer lists in the city. The owner sources rare Belgian lambics and American barrel-aged stouts you won’t find anywhere else. Try the 2023 barrel-aged sour from Jester King in Texas. It’s tart, funky, and complex. It costs €12, but you’ll remember it for months.
4. Le 121 (12th arrondissement)
Right next to the Canal Saint-Martin, Le 121 is the kind of place where you’ll see young professionals, artists, and tourists all sharing a table. It’s loud, lively, and full of energy. They have 16 taps, including beers from Lyon’s Brasserie de la Cité and Berlin’s BrewDog. Their weekend events-live music, trivia nights, and tap takeovers-are packed. The best part? They serve food until midnight: pretzels with beer cheese, duck confit sliders, and smoked brisket sandwiches.
5. La Maison de la Bière (15th arrondissement)
Opened in 1991, this is Paris’s oldest dedicated beer bar. It’s not new, but it’s still the most reliable. With over 500 bottles and 15 taps, it’s a museum of global brewing. The staff are experts-you can ask for a beer that’s “fruity but not sweet” or “bitter but not harsh,” and they’ll guide you. It’s perfect if you’re new to craft beer and want to learn. They close at midnight, but the vibe is so warm, you won’t mind leaving early.
What to order: A beginner’s guide to French craft beer styles
If you’re used to drinking mass-market lagers, the variety might feel overwhelming. Here’s what to try first:
- Belgian Saison - Light, spicy, slightly fruity. Great for sipping slowly. Try La Saison from Brasserie de la Senne.
- New England IPA - Juicy, hazy, low bitterness. Perfect if you like tropical flavors. Look for Cloud 9 from La Brique Brewery in Lyon.
- French Sour Ale - Tart, refreshing, often with fruit. The Rouge de la Goudale is a crowd-pleaser.
- Stout - Dark, rich, coffee-chocolate notes. Le Noir from Brasserie du Mont Blanc is smooth and not too heavy.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a tasting flight. Most bars offer 3-ounce pours so you can try four different beers without overdoing it.
When to go: Timing your beer crawl
Parisian nightlife runs later than you think. Most craft beer bars don’t get busy until 8:30 p.m. Weeknights are quiet-great for conversation. Weekends? Expect lines. The best strategy: start at La Fine Mousse around 8 p.m., then head to Le Tricycle by 10:30 p.m. Finish at Le 121 before midnight. You’ll get the full experience without the exhaustion.
Pro tip: Avoid going on Sundays. Many small breweries don’t deliver fresh beer until Monday, so tap selections are limited.
What to expect: The culture of Parisian beer bars
Unlike American breweries that feel like warehouses, Parisian beer bars are intimate. Staff don’t push sales-they educate. You’ll get asked what you usually drink, then guided to something new. No one will judge you if you don’t know the difference between an amber ale and a porter. That’s the point.
There’s no loud music. No dart boards. No karaoke. It’s about tasting, talking, and slowing down. You’ll see people lingering for hours with one beer. That’s the Parisian way.
How to spot a real craft beer bar
Not every bar calling itself “craft” deserves the label. Here’s how to tell:
- Look for the brewery names on the menu-not just “IPA” or “Stout.” Real places list the maker.
- Check if they have a rotating tap list. If it’s the same 5 beers every week, it’s probably not craft.
- Ask if they brew on-site. Only a few do, but those that do are serious.
- See if they serve food made with beer. Braised short ribs with stout? That’s a good sign.
What’s next for Paris’s beer scene
More breweries are opening outside the city center. In 2024, a new brewpub called La Cuvée du Nord opened in the 18th arrondissement, focusing on Belgian-inspired ales. Another, Brasserie de la Plaine, is launching in the 19th with a rooftop garden where they grow hops. The city is slowly changing-not just in how it drinks, but in how it thinks about beer. It’s no longer just a drink. It’s culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are craft beer bars in Paris expensive?
Prices vary, but most craft beer bars charge €6-€12 per pint, depending on the beer. That’s more than a lager at a regular bar, but you’re paying for quality, not volume. Tasting flights (€15-€20 for 4 small pours) are a great way to sample without overspending.
Do I need to speak French to enjoy these bars?
No. Most staff speak English, especially in popular spots like La Fine Mousse and Le Tricycle. But learning a few words like "une bière, s’il vous plaît" or "Quelle est votre bière la plus douce?" (What’s your sweetest beer?) goes a long way. Parisians appreciate the effort.
Can I bring food into these bars?
Most don’t allow outside food-except for Le Tricycle and Le 121, which have their own kitchens. If you’re hungry, order from the menu. The charcuterie and sandwiches are made to pair with beer, not compete with it.
Are these bars kid-friendly?
Not really. These are evening spots for adults. While some allow children earlier in the day, most become strictly 18+ after 7 p.m. If you’re traveling with kids, stick to cafés or beer gardens during daylight hours.
Is there a beer tour in Paris?
Yes. Companies like Paris Beer Walk and Brews of the City offer guided tours that hit 4-5 bars in one night. They include beer samples, snacks, and historical context. Tours start at €45 and book up fast on weekends. Reserve at least a week ahead.
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