Paris isn’t just about wine anymore
For decades, Paris was known for its wine bars, cozy cafés, and brasseries. But since 2018, something quiet but powerful has been brewing-literally. Craft beer has exploded across the city, turning hidden alleys and former laundromats into some of the most vibrant beer spots in Europe. If you’re looking for nightlife that’s not just about cocktails or champagne, Paris has a whole new scene waiting for you. And it’s not just for beer geeks-it’s for anyone who wants a real night out with flavor, atmosphere, and zero pretension.
La Chouffe (11th Arrondissement)
La Chouffe is the kind of place you stumble into and never want to leave. Tucked into a narrow street near République, it’s packed every night after 9 p.m. The walls are lined with 120+ bottles from Belgium, the U.S., and local French brewers. The staff don’t just pour beer-they tell you why that IPA tastes like citrus and pine, or why that sour ale makes your tongue tingle. Their house IPA, La Chouffe Hops, is brewed in-house and has a crisp, hoppy bite that cuts through the Parisian night air. Don’t miss their rotating tap of limited-edition releases-some are only available here. The crowd? Mix of locals, expats, and travelers who know this isn’t just a bar-it’s a destination.
Brasserie des Frères (10th Arrondissement)
Opened in 2021 by two brothers who trained in Belgium, this place feels like a rustic brewery crossed with a Parisian bistro. The wooden tables are worn from years of beer clinks, and the ceiling is hung with copper brew kettles. Their Blonde Ale is the most ordered drink here-light, refreshing, and perfect for sipping before dinner or after a long walk along the Canal Saint-Martin. They also serve food: charcuterie boards with local pâtés, crispy duck confit, and pretzels baked daily. The beer list changes every week, and they host live acoustic sets on Thursdays. It’s not loud, not crowded, but always buzzing with conversation. If you want to taste French craft beer done right, this is it.
Le Comptoir Général (10th Arrondissement)
Step inside Le Comptoir Général and you’re not in a bar-you’re in a jungle-themed time machine. Vintage African artifacts, hanging vines, and dim lanterns make this spot feel like a secret club hidden in the heart of Paris. The beer list? Focused on small-batch French and Belgian brews. Their Bière de Garde from Normandy is a standout-earthy, malty, and smooth with a hint of spice. They also have a rotating tap of wild-fermented sours that change monthly. The vibe is laid-back but electric: people lounge on velvet couches, play board games, and sip beer under fairy lights. It’s the kind of place where you meet someone at 9 p.m. and don’t leave until 2 a.m. No one rushes you. No one even looks at their phone. It’s pure, slow-burn nightlife.
La Belle Équipe (11th Arrondissement)
La Belle Équipe has been a local favorite since 2015, and it’s still the most reliable spot for quality beer in Paris. The bar is small, with just 12 stools and a few standing tables. No menu-just a chalkboard with six taps and a list of 20 bottles. The owner, Julien, knows every brewer by name and often invites them to pour their own beers on weekends. Their IPA #3, brewed with Cascade hops and a touch of orange peel, is the signature. It’s bright, balanced, and never bitter. On Friday nights, they host mini-tastings with brewers from Alsace and Lyon. The crowd is mostly locals-artists, designers, teachers-who come here because they know the beer is better than anything you’ll find in a tourist-heavy zone. No gimmicks. No neon. Just great beer and real conversation.
Le Bar à Bières (12th Arrondissement)
Located near the Gare de Lyon, this place is a hidden gem for beer lovers who want to explore beyond the usual suspects. The bar has 40 taps and a fridge stocked with 300+ bottles from over 40 countries. What sets it apart? They rotate their taps every 48 hours. One night you might get a Japanese rice lager, the next a Canadian imperial stout. Their Stout de Paris, brewed by a local microbrewery, is rich with dark chocolate and coffee notes-perfect after a late dinner. They also serve small plates: smoked salmon tartines, aged cheese wheels, and spiced nuts. The staff are trained in beer pairing, so ask them what goes with your food. It’s not flashy, but if you’re serious about beer, you’ll come back.
Le Petit Château (18th Arrondissement)
Perched on a quiet hill in Montmartre, Le Petit Château looks like a cozy cottage from the outside. Inside, it’s all exposed brick, wooden beams, and a single long bar. The focus here is on Belgian and French farmhouse ales. Their Saison du Montmartre is brewed with wild yeast and local honey-light, dry, and slightly funky. It’s the kind of beer that makes you pause and think. The bar is quiet until 10 p.m., then fills up with couples, small groups, and solo drinkers who come for the calm. They don’t play music. They don’t have TVs. Just beer, candlelight, and the hum of the city below. If you want to end your night with something thoughtful, not loud, this is your spot.
Why Paris craft beer matters now
Paris wasn’t always a beer city. For years, wine dominated. But in 2020, French craft beer production jumped 47%-the fastest growth in Europe. Today, there are over 1,200 microbreweries in France, and nearly 80% of them are in or near Paris. The shift isn’t just about taste-it’s about culture. People are tired of the same old bars. They want places where the beer is made nearby, where the staff care, and where the atmosphere feels real. Craft beer bars in Paris aren’t trying to compete with wine-they’re offering something different: a slower, richer, more personal kind of nightlife.
What to order if you’re new to craft beer
If you’ve never had craft beer before, start simple. Skip the IPAs-they’re hoppy and strong. Go for:
- Blonde Ale or Pilsner-light, crisp, easy to drink
- Wheat Beer-slightly fruity, refreshing, like a beer version of lemonade
- Saison-dry, earthy, with a hint of spice
Ask the bartender to pour you a half-pint first. Most places will let you taste before you commit. And don’t be afraid to say, ‘I don’t know much about beer.’ That’s the best way to get a real recommendation.
When to go
Weeknights (Tuesday-Thursday) are quietest. You’ll get better service and can sit anywhere. Fridays and Saturdays get packed-arrive before 9 p.m. if you want a seat. Many bars stop serving food after 11 p.m., so plan your dinner around that. Most places stay open until 2 a.m., and some (like Le Comptoir Général) even serve snacks until 3 a.m.
Pro tip: Don’t just drink-learn
Many of these bars offer free 15-minute beer tastings on weekends. Ask if they have one. You’ll taste three different styles, learn what makes them unique, and walk out knowing more than most people in Paris. It’s the best way to turn a night out into a real experience.
Are craft beer bars in Paris expensive?
Prices vary, but most craft beer bars charge €6-€9 for a pint, which is comparable to a cocktail in a tourist bar. Some places offer half-pints for €4-€5, which is perfect if you’re trying multiple styles. Bottles range from €8 to €15, depending on rarity. It’s not cheap, but you’re paying for quality, not just alcohol.
Can I find gluten-free craft beer in Paris?
Yes. Over half the craft beer bars in Paris now offer at least one gluten-free option. Look for beers made with sorghum, buckwheat, or rice-common alternatives. Bars like La Chouffe and Le Bar à Bières have dedicated gluten-free taps. Ask the staff-they’re used to the question and happy to help.
Do I need to speak French to enjoy these bars?
No. Most staff speak English, especially in the 10th, 11th, and 12th arrondissements. Many menus have English translations. But even if you don’t speak French, pointing at a beer on the board or showing a photo on your phone works just fine. The vibe is welcoming, not intimidating.
Are these bars open on Sundays?
Most are, but hours are shorter. Typically 5 p.m. to midnight. Le Comptoir Général and La Belle Équipe are open daily, including Sundays. Brasserie des Frères closes early on Sundays (11 p.m.), but their food is still available. Always check their Instagram-they post daily updates.
Is it better to visit one bar or hop between several?
Paris is walkable, and many of these bars are within 15-20 minutes of each other. If you’re feeling adventurous, hop between two or three. Start at La Belle Équipe for a light beer, then head to Le Comptoir Général for a sour, and finish at Le Petit Château for a quiet end. But don’t rush. The best nights are the ones where you linger, taste slowly, and let the conversation flow.
Next steps
Grab a metro map and pick three bars from this list. Start with the one closest to where you’re staying. Order a half-pint. Ask what’s new. Let the night unfold. Paris doesn’t need you to be a beer expert. It just needs you to show up, be curious, and taste something new.
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