Paris isn’t just a city for romantic strolls, world-class museums, and Michelin-starred dinners. It’s also home to a rich, diverse drinking culture that locals embrace in their own laid-back, authentic way. While tourists might be drawn to famous cafés along the Champs-Élysées, Parisians prefer cozy neighborhood spots, intimate wine bars, and classic brasseries where the mood is casual and the drinks are just right.
If you’re visiting Paris and want to sip where the locals do — away from the typical tourist traps — here’s your ultimate guide to where Parisians unwind after hours.
Why Drink Like a Local in Paris?
Parisian drinking culture isn’t about pounding shots or noisy nightclubs. It’s about sharing good conversations over a glass of wine, a classic cocktail, or a cold bière. Locals take their time, appreciate quality over quantity, and enjoy unique spots full of character.
Whether you’re into craft cocktails, natural wines, or classic French apéritifs, you’ll find a local haunt in Paris that feels just right.
The Best Local Bars and Bistros in Paris
1️⃣ Le Mary Celeste (Marais)
A trendy, effortlessly cool cocktail and oyster bar in the Marais, Le Mary Celeste is beloved by locals for its creative drinks and relaxed vibe. It’s known for rotating cocktails crafted with seasonal ingredients, natural wines, and small plates perfect for sharing.
📌 Local Tip: Go early for their oyster happy hour — it gets packed fast.
2️⃣ Le Baron Rouge (12th Arrondissement)
If you’re a wine lover, this is your spot. Le Baron Rouge is a no-frills, old-school wine bar where locals gather after shopping at the nearby Marché d’Aligre. You can even fill up your own wine bottle from barrels behind the counter.
📌 Local Tip: Order a glass of Beaujolais and grab a plate of charcuterie.
3️⃣ La Fontaine de Belleville (10th Arrondissement)
This charming, retro café is a favorite for both morning coffees and evening apéros. La Fontaine de Belleville combines old-world Parisian style with a youthful, artsy crowd. Expect classic drinks like Lillet Blanc, pastis, and French craft beers.
📌 Local Tip: Sit outside on a sunny afternoon and watch the Belleville locals go by.
4️⃣ Chez Jeannette (10th Arrondissement)
A neighborhood institution with a slightly gritty, bohemian vibe, Chez Jeannette is where creatives, students, and locals come for inexpensive drinks and good conversation. The vintage décor and buzzing atmosphere make it feel like a time capsule of Paris in the '70s.
📌 Local Tip: Order a glass of house red and a croque-monsieur for late-night fuel.
5️⃣ Le Perchoir (Various Locations)
For a drink with a view, Le Perchoir’s rooftop bars are the local go-to. Whether it’s the original spot in the 11th or the chic version in the Marais, Parisians love heading up for sunset cocktails with panoramic city views.
📌 Local Tip: Arrive early in the evening to avoid long lines.
🍸 Where to Sip Natural Wine in Paris
Parisians have been obsessed with vin nature (natural wine) for years, and there’s no better place to try it than at these local spots:
Septime La Cave (11th Arrondissement)
The little sister of Michelin-starred Septime, this cozy wine bar serves exceptional natural wines in a laid-back setting. Locals pop in for a pre-dinner drink or to linger over bottles of funky reds and crisp pét-nats.
La Buvette (11th Arrondissement)
An intimate, candle-lit wine bar with a rotating selection of organic and biodynamic wines. La Buvette feels like a friend’s tiny kitchen — if your friend were a serious wine nerd.
📌 Local Tip: Pair your wine with a plate of marinated anchovies.
🍺 Local Breweries & Craft Beer Bars
Paris’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, and locals are all in. Here’s where they go:
Paname Brewing Company (19th Arrondissement)
A riverside microbrewery offering house-made craft beers and scenic views over the Canal de l’Ourcq. Expect a laid-back crowd and a mix of classic brews and seasonal experiments.
Les Trois 8 (20th Arrondissement)
One of the most respected craft beer bars in Paris, Les Trois 8 serves a rotating lineup of local and international beers on tap. The vibe is unpretentious and welcoming — just how locals like it.
🌙 Late-Night Drinking Spots
When Parisians stay out late, they head to classic dive bars or old brasseries that serve until the early morning.
Le Syndicat (10th Arrondissement)
A cocktail bar that celebrates French spirits like Cognac, Calvados, and Armagnac in inventive, contemporary drinks. Le Syndicat is hidden behind a graffiti-covered façade — very local, very cool.
Aux Folies (20th Arrondissement)
A classic Belleville dive bar where the beers are cheap, the terrace is always full, and the crowd is wonderfully mixed. It’s a bit rough around the edges, but that’s exactly the point.
📌 Drinking Etiquette: How Parisians Do It
Before you join the locals for a drink, a few etiquette tips:
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Always greet the bartender with a "Bonjour" before ordering.
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Clinking glasses? Make eye contact — it’s considered rude not to.
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Take your time. Parisian drinking culture is about conversation, not rushing.
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Tip sparingly (round up to the nearest Euro, or leave small change).
✨ Conclusion: Drink Like a Parisian
Paris’s drinking culture is rich, diverse, and delightfully local once you step off the tourist path. From tiny natural wine bars and rooftop cocktail spots to laid-back brasseries and craft breweries, there’s a perfect drink for every kind of traveler.
So next time you’re in Paris, skip the guidebook recommendations and head to one of these local gems. You’ll sip better, meet fascinating people, and experience the real Paris — one drink at a time.