Paris isn’t just about wine anymore. Over the last decade, the city’s beer scene has exploded, turning quiet neighborhoods into buzzing hubs for hop lovers, brewers, and late-night explorers. If you’re looking to skip the crowded wine bars and find real flavor, atmosphere, and local energy after dark, you need to know where the craft beer bars are. This isn’t about tourist traps or overpriced pints - this is about the places locals line up for, where the taps change weekly, and the vibe stays alive until last call.
La Chope des Halles
Open since 1988, La Chope des Halles isn’t new, but it’s one of the first places in Paris to take craft beer seriously. Tucked under the old Halles market, it’s got a basement feel - low ceilings, wooden beams, and a long bar lined with 30+ rotating taps. The staff don’t just pour beer; they explain it. Try the Belgian Saison from a small brewery in Normandy, or the Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels. It’s loud, it’s packed, and it’s open until 2 AM on weekends. You’ll find students, brewers, and expats all shoulder to shoulder, clinking glasses over shared platters of charcuterie.
Le Comptoir du Relais
Don’t let the quiet exterior fool you. This tiny spot in Saint-Germain-des-Prés looks like a classic Parisian bistro, but the beer list is anything but traditional. Owner and former brewer Jean-Luc Moreau sources exclusively from independent French and Belgian microbreweries. The Brasserie de la Couronne’s Saison is a standout - dry, spicy, with a hint of orange peel. It’s not a party spot, but it’s perfect for a slow, thoughtful evening. If you’re into food, the duck confit with a Belgian Dubbel is legendary. They close at midnight, but the mood lingers.
Le Tricycle
Le Tricycle is the kind of place you stumble into and never want to leave. Located in the 11th arrondissement, it’s a converted bicycle shop with a bright, industrial vibe. The bar is made from reclaimed wood, and the taps are labeled with hand-drawn signs. Their signature is the Parisian Pale Ale - brewed in-house with local honey and chamomile. On Thursday nights, they host live acoustic sets, and on Fridays, they pour limited releases from breweries in Lyon and Lille. The crowd? Young, creative, and genuinely passionate about beer. It’s not just a bar; it’s a community.
La Cantine du 13
Down in the 13th, away from the usual tourist trails, La Cantine du 13 is where serious beer lovers go to geek out. The space is simple - metal tables, chalkboards full of tasting notes, and a fridge full of bottles you’ve never seen before. Their tap list changes every 48 hours. One week you might get a Hopfenweisse from a tiny German farmhouse brewery; the next, a Wild Ale fermented with wild yeast from the Parisian countryside. They serve food too - grilled sausages, pickled vegetables, and sourdough bread. The owner, Marie, keeps a notebook of every beer she’s ever served. Ask her for a recommendation. She’ll give you one you won’t forget.
Le Baron Rouge
Le Baron Rouge is the dark horse of Paris craft beer. It’s hidden on a quiet street near Place de la République, with no sign, just a red door. Inside, it’s dim, cozy, and packed with vinyl records spinning in the background. The beer list is small - only 12 taps - but every one is a standout. The Black IPA from a brewery in the Loire Valley is smoky, bitter, and balanced. Their Barrel-Aged Porter, aged in rum casks, is only available once a month. The bar doesn’t take reservations. You show up, order a pint, and settle in. It’s not loud. It’s not flashy. But it’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.
La Bièrerie du 18
Up in Montmartre, La Bièrerie du 18 is where Paris meets the American craft beer revolution. The space is bright, modern, and full of local art. They’ve got 24 taps and a wall of 150 bottled beers from across Europe and North America. The West Coast IPA from a brewery in Portland is crisp and piney. The Pastry Stout with vanilla and cacao nibs? It tastes like dessert. They also host monthly beer pairing dinners - think smoked salmon with a sour ale, or dark chocolate with a Belgian quadrupel. It’s the most polished of the bunch, but it never feels corporate. The staff know every beer’s origin, ABV, and brewing process.
Why Craft Beer in Paris Works
Paris used to be a wine city. But now, it’s a city that drinks both. The rise of craft beer here isn’t a trend - it’s a cultural shift. French brewers are ditching the old rules. They’re using local ingredients: chestnut honey, wild mint from the Jura, even Parisian rainwater. They’re experimenting with fermentation, aging in wine barrels, and blending styles. The result? Beers that taste like France - but with hops, not grapes.
And the nightlife? It’s different. Craft beer bars don’t rush you. They don’t play loud music to drown out conversation. They invite you to linger. You’ll spend an hour talking about a saison’s yeast profile, not just scrolling through your phone. That’s the magic.
What to Expect
- Pricing: Expect €6-€10 per pint. Bottles can go up to €15, but many are worth it.
- Hours: Most open at 5 PM, stay open until midnight or 2 AM on weekends.
- Food: Many serve charcuterie, cheese boards, and small plates - perfect for snacking while you sip.
- Language: English is widely spoken here. Don’t worry if you don’t speak French.
- Best nights: Thursday to Saturday. Weeknights are quieter, but great for trying new brews without the crowd.
Pro Tips
- Ask for the "tasting flight" - most places offer 3-4 small pours for around €12. It’s the best way to explore.
- Check Instagram accounts of the bars. Many post their tap lists daily.
- Bring cash. A few of the smaller spots still don’t take cards.
- Don’t skip the local brews. The best beers here aren’t from Belgium or the U.S. - they’re from small French breweries you’ve never heard of.
Are craft beer bars in Paris crowded on weekends?
Yes, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Places like La Chope des Halles and Le Tricycle fill up by 7 PM. If you want a seat, arrive before 6:30 PM. Weeknights are much quieter and often better for tasting new beers without the rush.
Do I need to speak French to order at these bars?
No. The staff at these craft beer bars are used to international visitors. Most have English menus, and many speak fluent English. Even if they don’t, they’re happy to point at taps or show you bottle labels. Don’t be shy - asking questions is part of the experience.
Can I find gluten-free or vegan options?
Yes. Many of these bars offer gluten-free beers made from sorghum or buckwheat. La Cantine du 13 and Le Tricycle have dedicated gluten-free taps. Most food options are vegan-friendly - charcuterie boards can be swapped for plant-based cheeses and pickled veggies. Just ask.
What’s the best time to visit for a first-timer?
Thursday evening is ideal. The crowd is smaller, the taps are fresh, and staff have time to chat. Try La Bièrerie du 18 for a wide selection, or Le Comptoir du Relais for a quiet, refined experience. You’ll leave with a better idea of what you like - and where to go next.
Are there any beer festivals in Paris I shouldn’t miss?
The Paris Craft Beer Festival happens every March, right after this article is published. It’s held at La Halle Freyssinier and features over 100 breweries from France and beyond. It’s the best place to sample rare bottles, meet brewers, and taste experimental brews you won’t find anywhere else. Tickets sell out fast - mark your calendar.
Next Steps
If you’re planning a trip to Paris and want to dive deep into the beer scene, start with one bar per night. Don’t try to hit them all. Pick one based on your vibe - whether you want loud energy, quiet focus, or a community feel. Bring a notebook. Write down what you taste. Ask questions. The best memories aren’t just about the beer - they’re about the people behind the bar, the stories they tell, and the unexpected flavors you discover.
