In Paris, wine has long been the cornerstone of the drinking culture. But the city has slowly morphed into a mini cocktail capital spearheaded by a homegrown set of mixologists who’ve produced bars topping lists of the world’s best. From the well-heeled eighth arrondissement to the trendier tenth and 11th, you’ll find destination-worthy watering halls hidden behind an Alice in Wonderland-style tiny red door or authentic taqueria, or, for the grander in the bunch, dripping in marble and gold inside a centuries-old palace-turned-lavish hotel. From some of the city’s first serious craft cocktail joints to more modern vinyl bars and elevated, British-style pubs, these are the best bars in Paris to visit on your next trip to the French capital.
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Every bar on this list has been selected independently by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has visited that restaurant. Our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries, and weigh stand-out dishes, location, and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials. We update this list as new bars open and existing ones evolve. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.