Paris isn’t just about wine anymore. Over the last decade, the city’s beer scene has exploded-quietly at first, then all at once. What used to be a handful of dusty pubs serving bland lagers is now a thriving network of craft beer bars where locals and visitors line up for hoppy IPAs, barrel-aged stouts, and sour ales brewed just down the street. If you’re looking for real nightlife in Paris that doesn’t revolve around champagne flutes and crowded discothèques, craft beer bars are where the energy lives after dark.
Le Comptoir du Relais
Open since 2003, Le Comptoir du Relais in Saint-Germain-des-Prés was one of the first places in Paris to take beer seriously. It’s small-barely 20 seats-and you’ll often have to wait for a spot. But that’s part of the draw. The bar keeps 20 rotating taps, mostly from France, Belgium, and the U.S., with a strong focus on natural and organic brews. Their tap list changes weekly, and the staff can tell you exactly which brewery made your pint and why it tastes the way it does. This isn’t a tourist trap. It’s a beer lover’s secret, and locals treat it like a second living room.
La Fine Mousse
Located in the 10th arrondissement, La Fine Mousse is the kind of place that makes you forget you’re in the middle of a major European capital. The interior feels like a cozy basement in Brussels-exposed brick, wooden beams, and shelves lined with bottles from small producers across Europe. They serve over 100 different beers on any given night, with a heavy emphasis on Belgian saisons, German lagers, and American hazy IPAs. The bar also hosts weekly tap takeovers, where brewers from Lyon, Nantes, or Portland fly in to pour their latest creations. If you’re into beer that’s bold, funky, or experimental, this is your spot.
Brasserie des Frères
Just a few steps from the Canal Saint-Martin, Brasserie des Frères opened in 2018 and quickly became a hub for young professionals and beer enthusiasts. What sets it apart is that it’s run by two brothers who brew their own beer on-site. Their flagship IPA, Frère du Nord, has won national awards and is now served in over 50 bars across France. But don’t skip their seasonal releases-like the Cherry Sour brewed with local Montmorency cherries or the Dark Lager aged in cognac barrels. The food is simple but excellent: charcuterie boards, smoked trout sandwiches, and crispy fried potatoes tossed in herbs. It’s the kind of place you show up for one drink and end up staying for three.
Le Baron Rouge
Don’t let the name fool you-Le Baron Rouge isn’t a wine bar. It’s a hidden gem in the 11th arrondissement that specializes in rare and limited-edition craft beers. The owner, a former sommelier turned brewmaster, sources bottles from microbreweries you’ve never heard of: a farmhouse ale from the Pyrenees, a smoked porter from Brittany, a barrel-aged quadrupel from a monk-run brewery in Normandy. The bar has no menu-just a chalkboard listing what’s on tap and what’s in the fridge. You ask for recommendations, and they’ll guide you based on what you like. It’s intimate, unpretentious, and the kind of place where conversations start over a shared bottle of wild yeast ale.
Le 120
Le 120, named after its address on Rue de la Roquette, is a no-frills, industrial-style bar that opened in 2020 and immediately became a favorite among Parisian beer nerds. The space is raw-concrete floors, metal stools, and a long wooden counter with 18 taps. They focus on American-style craft beer: West Coast IPAs, New England hazy brews, and imperial stouts. Their house IPA, 120 Haze, is brewed with Citra and Mosaic hops and has a tropical fruit aroma that lingers long after the last sip. They also host monthly beer tastings with guest brewers from Berlin, London, and Chicago. The crowd is young, loud, and genuinely passionate. This isn’t a quiet night out-it’s a party with foam.
La Bière des Amis
Located in the heart of Montmartre, La Bière des Amis is a neighborhood bar that feels like it’s been around for decades. But it’s actually new-opened in 2022 by a group of friends who met while working at a brewery in Lyon. They serve only beers they’ve personally tasted and approved. No mass-produced brands. No imported lagers from multinational giants. Just small-batch brews from independent French and Belgian producers. Their rotating tap list includes a raspberry lambic from a family-run brewery in Wallonia and a hoppy pale ale made with wild yeast harvested from Parisian apple trees. The bar has no TV, no background music, and no pretense. Just good beer, good people, and the kind of quiet buzz that makes you want to come back tomorrow.
Why Craft Beer Bars Are the Real Paris Nightlife
Paris has always had nightlife-but most of it used to be loud, expensive, and centered around alcohol that didn’t change much from year to year. Craft beer bars changed that. They’re not about flashing lights or bottle service. They’re about connection: between brewer and drinker, between strangers sharing a table, between tradition and innovation. These places stay open later than most wine bars, often until 2 a.m., and they don’t charge €15 for a pint. A good craft beer here costs €6 to €9. You get more flavor, more variety, and more soul.
And it’s not just about the beer. These bars are cultural hubs. Many host live music nights, poetry readings, or beer-and-cheese pairings. Some have started their own small breweries. Others collaborate with local bakeries to make beer-infused bread. The scene is growing fast, and it’s alive because it’s rooted in community-not marketing.
What to Order in a Paris Craft Beer Bar
- If you like hoppy, bitter flavors: Try an IPA or double IPA. Look for ones brewed with Citra, Mosaic, or Simcoe hops.
- If you prefer something smooth and malty: Go for a brown ale, porter, or stout. Many French brewers use roasted barley from Normandy.
- If you’re feeling adventurous: Ask for a sour beer. French producers are now making some of the best in Europe, often with fruit like blackcurrant, pear, or quince.
- If you want something light and refreshing: A saison or farmhouse ale is your best bet. These are brewed with wild yeast and often have a slightly spicy, earthy taste.
Don’t be afraid to ask the bartender for a tasting flight. Most places offer 3- or 4-pint samplers so you can try a few styles without committing to a full glass.
When to Go
Weeknights (Tuesday to Thursday) are the best time to experience these bars without the crowds. You’ll get better service, more space to talk, and sometimes even special tap releases just for locals. Fridays and Saturdays get busy, especially around 8 p.m., so arrive early or be ready to wait. Most places don’t take reservations, so plan ahead.
How to Spot a Real Craft Beer Bar
- The tap list is handwritten or printed on a chalkboard, not a glossy poster.
- The staff can tell you the ABV, IBU, and brewing method of each beer.
- There are no major commercial brands like Heineken or Guinness on tap.
- You’ll see bottles from breweries you’ve never heard of-like Bière des Hautes Fagnes or Brasserie de la Senne.
- The bar has a small fridge with bottles for sale, not just for drinking on-site.
If it feels like a regular pub with a few craft beers tacked on, keep walking.
Final Tip: Bring Cash
Many of these bars are small, independent, and don’t accept cards. Even if they say they do, the card machine might be broken. Always carry €20-€30 in cash. It’s not just practical-it’s part of the culture. These places survive because people show up, pay up, and come back.
Are craft beer bars in Paris expensive?
No, they’re surprisingly affordable. A pint of craft beer in Paris usually costs between €6 and €9, compared to €12-€15 for a standard cocktail or glass of wine in tourist areas. Many bars also offer tasting flights for €10-€15, letting you sample four different beers without breaking the bank.
Can I find non-alcoholic craft beer in Paris?
Yes. Several bars, including La Fine Mousse and Le 120, now offer at least one non-alcoholic craft beer on tap-usually a hoppy IPA or a dark lager made with low-fermenting yeast. Brands like Le Petit Mousse and Hop’No are popular local options. They’re not just watered-down beer-they’re brewed with the same care and ingredients as their alcoholic counterparts.
Do I need to speak French to enjoy these bars?
Not at all. Most staff speak English, especially in the newer spots. But learning a few basic phrases-like "Quelle est votre bière la plus houblonnée?" (What’s your hoppiest beer?)-goes a long way. Many brewers are proud of their work and love talking about it, even if you’re just starting out.
What’s the difference between a craft beer bar and a regular pub in Paris?
Regular pubs serve mass-produced lagers, often from big brands like Heineken or Stella Artois. Craft beer bars focus on small, independent breweries that make beer in small batches using traditional methods. The flavors are more complex, the ingredients are more intentional, and the beer changes often. You’re not just drinking beer-you’re tasting a story.
Are these bars open late?
Most craft beer bars in Paris stay open until 2 a.m., and some-like Le Comptoir du Relais and La Fine Mousse-close at 3 a.m. on weekends. That’s later than most wine bars and significantly later than the average nightclub. It’s the perfect spot for a slow, thoughtful end to the night.
