Speakeasies: The top 8 hidden bars in Paris

Here are the eight best speakeasies in Paris according to cocktail queen Forest Collins. Note: This list was written in 2018 and while the bars are still open, they’re not as secretive as they once were. Here’s a much newer list from when Forest joined the show again more recently.

The interactive map

First, here’s an interactive map of everything we are about to recommend, to help you find it all easily.

1. Candelaria

Hidden behind an unmarked door at the back of a taco restaurant, Forest says this is “one of the best cocktail bars in the world.” She suggests to try the Gueppe Verte, “a refreshing but spicy cocktail – a modern classic.”

Address: 52 Rue de Saintonge, 75003 @candelariaparis

2. Mezcaleria

In a hotel called 1K, walk towards the kitchen area of the restaurant, where you’ll find the hidden entrance. “It’s a great place to go to get a first-hand taste of mescal,” says Forest. Tip: Order a flight of Mescal.

Address: 13 Boulevard du Temple, 75003 @lamezcaleriaparis

3. Fitzgerald

Also hidden in the back of a restaurant, head to a completely unmarked door and push on through. “This is a small and space, with velour booths and flamingoes on the wall,” says Forest. She suggests to try a Zelda martini.

Address: 54 Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg, 75007 @fitzgerald.paris

4. Moonshiner

Pass through a busy pizzeria, go through an unmarked door, and you’ll get into a passageway with a refrigerated area. Keep going, it gets dark and sexy real quick, you’ll feel you’re back in the prohibition era. You can even find cocktails in a flask hidden in a hollowed-out book.

Address: 5 Rue Sedaine, 75011 @moonshiner_cocktail_bar

Subscribe to the Earful Tower newsletter

Want more from Paris? Sign up for the free Earful Tower newsletter, which we send out every Friday through Substack.

5. Baranaan

In an Indian-themed tea room, ask if you can step into the back room. “They’ll lead you into a dark bar where the walls have TVs showing what you might see out a window on a train in India,” says Forest.

Address: 7 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, 75010 @baranaan_paris

6. Lavomatic

It feels like you’re in a typical laundromat, until you open up a washing machine by pressing the start button. The whole wall opens and you’ll find a staircase going up to a cocktail bar.

Address: 30 Rue René Boulanger, 75010 @lavomatic_paris

7. No Entry

Downstairs at the Pink Mama restaurant, find the cold storage area downstairs and you will stumble upon a hidden cocktail bar. The martinis are great, says Forest.

Address: 20 bis Rue de Douai, 75009 @noentryspeakeasy

8. The Little Bar at Favela Chic

Pull back the heavy curtain at the back and you will find a private bar. It’s less intimidating to find than the ones with the secret panels, so feel free to pop around for a quiet drink.

Address: 18 Rue du Faubourg du Temple, 75011 @favelachicparis

And that’s it! This whole list was based on an interview with cocktail queen Forest Collins, which you can listen to below.

You can find Forest Collins and her blog 52 Martinis here.

Wondering where else to go for a great drink? Read our blog here to find out the best bars in each Paris arrondissement.

That’s all for now! Happy bar hopping!

Do you want to support this work? Buy one of our books below, or even better, become a Patreon member and unlock loads of Paris bonus content, including PDF itinerary guides to the city.