Paris isn’t just about wine anymore
For years, Paris was seen as a city where wine ruled the night. But over the last five years, something quiet but powerful has taken root-craft beer bars are now the heartbeat of Parisian nightlife. You won’t find them in the tourist-heavy areas of Montmartre or the Champs-Élysées. Instead, they’re tucked into the backstreets of Le Marais, the industrial edges of Belleville, and the hidden courtyards of the 10th arrondissement. These aren’t pubs with imported IPAs on tap. These are spaces where local brewers, expat artisans, and French innovators are redefining what beer means in the City of Light.
Le Comptoir Général: Where beer meets culture
Step through the unmarked door on Rue de la Fontaine au Roi, and you’re not just entering a bar-you’re stepping into a living museum of global craft. Le Comptoir Général started as a vintage flea market turned cultural hub, and its beer selection reflects that eclectic soul. With 20 taps rotating weekly, you’ll find Belgian saisons brewed in collaboration with Parisian microbreweries, Japanese hop-forward lagers, and even a wild-fermented sour made with Parisian blackcurrants. The crowd? Artists, designers, musicians, and locals who treat beer like art. No TVs. No loud music. Just the hum of conversation and the clink of glass. It’s not the biggest beer list in town, but it’s the most thoughtful.
Brasserie des Frères: The Belgian soul in Paris
Opened in 2021 by two Belgian brothers who moved to Paris after working in Brussels’ top breweries, Brasserie des Frères is where traditional meets modern. Their flagship beer, La Parisienne, is a 7.2% amber ale brewed with local honey and Saaz hops, then conditioned in oak barrels for three months. It’s complex, smooth, and unlike anything you’ll find in a supermarket. The bar has no menu-just a chalkboard listing the day’s eight taps. Ask for the triple saison if it’s on. It’s brewed with orange peel and coriander, and it’s the reason locals come back every Friday. The food? Simple: charcuterie boards, mussels in beer broth, and warm pretzels with house-made mustard. This isn’t a place to grab a quick drink. It’s a place to linger.
La Maison du Malt: The brewery that changed everything
If you want to understand Paris’s craft beer revolution, start here. La Maison du Malt isn’t just a bar-it’s the first fully independent craft brewery in Paris to open its own tasting room in 2018. They brew everything on-site: hazy IPAs, dark stouts with coffee from Ethiopian beans, and even a low-ABV session lager that’s become a staple for post-work crowds. Their Paris Hazy is the beer that put them on the map-a juicy, tropical IPA with no bitterness, just ripe mango and citrus. You can watch the brewers through the glass wall as they rack the next batch. On weekends, they host live acoustic sets and pair beers with cheese from small French dairies. The line often stretches out the door by 7 p.m. on Friday. That’s how you know it’s real.
Le Baron Rouge: The underground gem
Tucked under a train viaduct in the 19th, Le Baron Rouge feels like a secret you weren’t supposed to find. The entrance is unmarked, the lighting is dim, and the walls are lined with vintage beer posters from the 1970s. The owner, a former sommelier turned brewer, sources rare bottles from small American and German breweries that don’t export to France. You’ll find a 2021 Russian Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels, or a limited-run Czech pilsner from a family brewery in Plzeň that only makes 500 liters a year. The bar doesn’t take reservations. You just show up. The staff remembers your name. And if you ask nicely, they’ll pull out a bottle from their private cellar-something not on the menu. This isn’t a bar for tourists. It’s for those who know beer isn’t just a drink-it’s a story.
Le Chant des Cailles: The neighborhood favorite
In the 11th arrondissement, Le Chant des Cailles is where Parisians go after work to unwind. It’s not fancy. No neon signs. No Instagrammable walls. Just wooden tables, a long bar, and 16 taps that change every Tuesday. What makes it special? Consistency. They serve only French craft beers-no imports. Their house IPA, brewed with hops from Alsace, has a crisp finish and a hint of pine that pairs perfectly with their duck confit fries. They also have a rotating tap called La Bière du Voisin-a beer made by a brewer from the next street over. It’s a quiet celebration of local talent. The crowd? Teachers, nurses, baristas, and retired chefs. Everyone’s welcome. No pretense. Just good beer and good company.
How to navigate the Paris beer scene
Don’t expect to walk into a bar and find a full menu of 50 beers. Parisian craft bars are curated, not overwhelming. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Go after 7 p.m.-most bars don’t fill up until then.
- Ask for the “brewer’s pick” or “tap of the week.” That’s usually the best one.
- Don’t be afraid to say “Je ne connais pas” (“I don’t know this one”). Staff love explaining their beers.
- Try a flight. Most places offer 3-4 tasters for €8-12. It’s the best way to explore.
- Weekends are busy. If you want a seat, go early or be ready to wait.
What to avoid
There are plenty of bars in Paris that call themselves “craft beer” but serve the same mass-market lagers you’d find anywhere. Watch out for:
- Bars with more than 10 imported American brands on tap-true craft spots focus on local or European small-batch brewers.
- Places that list “IPA” as a single option without any details (origin, ABV, hops). Real craft bars are transparent.
- Bars with no staff knowledge. If they can’t tell you who brewed it or how it’s made, walk out.
When to go
Parisian craft beer bars thrive after 8 p.m. and stay lively until midnight. Friday and Saturday nights are packed, but Tuesday and Wednesday are quiet and perfect for trying something new without the crowd. Many bars also host bières en fête events on the last Thursday of each month-special tastings with brewers in person. Check their Instagram pages. That’s where the real updates live.
Why this matters
Paris used to be a city where beer was an afterthought. Now, it’s a place where beer is respected. The bars here don’t just serve drinks-they celebrate craftsmanship, terroir, and community. You’re not just drinking beer. You’re tasting the evolution of a city that’s learning to appreciate the slow, the local, and the real. And if you’re looking for nightlife that feels alive, not just loud, this is where you’ll find it.
Are craft beer bars in Paris expensive?
Prices vary, but most craft beer bars charge €7-10 for a 330ml glass of specialty beer. Tasting flights (3-4 small pours) usually cost €8-12. That’s more than a standard lager, but you’re paying for quality, not quantity. Many places offer food pairings that make the experience worth it.
Do I need to speak French to enjoy these bars?
No. Most staff speak English, especially in popular spots like Le Comptoir Général and La Maison du Malt. But learning a few phrases like “Quelle est votre bière du jour?” (“What’s your beer of the day?”) goes a long way. Locals appreciate the effort.
Can I find vegan beer options in Paris?
Yes. Most craft breweries in Paris now label their beers as vegan-friendly. Traditional French brewing avoids animal-derived fining agents like isinglass. Ask for “bière vegan” or check the brewery’s website-many list ingredients online. Le Baron Rouge and La Maison du Malt have at least 70% vegan options on tap.
Is it better to go alone or with a group?
Both work. Solo visitors often end up chatting with the bartender or other patrons-these bars are social by design. Groups of 3-5 people get the best experience because you can share flights and try more styles. Larger groups may need to book ahead at popular spots like Brasserie des Frères.
Are these bars open on Sundays?
Most open Sunday afternoons from 4 p.m. to midnight, but hours vary. Le Chant des Cailles and Le Comptoir Général are reliably open. Smaller spots like Le Baron Rouge may close or have limited service. Always check their Instagram or website before heading out.