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Apéro Hour
Paris
“Apéritifs” (or “apéros,” as locals like to call it) are French pre-dinner drinks, sometimes accompanied by small finger foods. The ritual is meant to whet your appetite, but it occasionally extends into an all-evening “apéritif dînatoire” (a meal consisting of apéro-style snacks). Sip slow at some of Paris’s best joints and partake in the beloved tradition. Remember to practice your French, conversations with Parisians are an inevitable treat!
Frenchie Wine Bar is a sister establishment of Frenchie Restaurant, which you’ll find across the street—talk about the perfect place for apéritifs! Taste Chef Gregory Marchand’s masterpieces in small portions, alongside artisanal wines from around the world. The tiny space is a popular haunt, so expect a bit of chaos. Come early to cut wait time, unless you’d rather mingle with locals waiting on the cobblestone street.
- +33 1 40 39 96 19
6 Rue du Nil, Paris, France
- https://www.frenchie-bav.com/
Located near Marché d’Aligre, Le Baron Rouge is frequented by shoppers yearning for post-market refreshments. Sunday afternoons are primetime, as locals huddle into the den for plates of cheese, charcuterie, and oysters. Prepare to enjoy your apéro on the pavement, since it gets pretty crowded here. Pro-tip: bring your own bottle to fill them directly from the barrels for cheap!
- +33 1 43 43 14 32
1 Rue Théophile Roussel, Paris, France
- https://lebaronrouge.net/
Harry’s New York Bar is one of the most famous bars in the world! This Parisian landmark boasts a rich history: novelist Ernest Hemingway frequently slung back drinks on the wooden bar; composer George Gershwin drafted “An American in Paris” on the piano upstairs; lastly, owner Harry MacElhone and journalist O.O. McEntyre created the “International Bar Flies,” a secret society for serious drinkers. Skip the usual Pastis (anise-flavored spirit typically taken as an apéro) and order a Bloody Mary, French 75, or Sidecar instead (all of which originated here) as your pre-dinner stimulator!
- +33 1 42 61 71 14
5 Rue Daunou, Paris, France
- http://www.harrysbar.fr
Watch owner Camille Fourmont’s one-woman-show at La Buvette. Here, she takes on the roles of owner, sommelier, cook, waiter, and dishwasher all at the same time! The hip wine bar offers a carefully curated selection of natural wines, so trust that every glass (some, albeit peculiar) is one to remember! La Buvette’s plates are simple, but surprisingly soulful. Try the famous white beans, drizzled with Sicilian olive oil from La Tête dans les Olives and garnished with lemon zest and garlic blossoms.
- +33 9 83 56 94 11
67 Rue Saint Maur, Paris, France
- https://www.facebook.com/La-Buvette-141341299357225/
Cafe by day, cocktail bar by night. Lockwood is a one-stop-shop for beverage connoisseurs. Slip in the morning for a cup of joe, meet with friends in the early eve for a pre-dinner cocktail, or let the night run its course over a couple of whiskey glasses. After all, the laid-back space is meant for a day’s worth of people-watching! Apéro hour starts at 6:30PM, when an Italian-style spread of finger foods comes with your drink order.
- +33 1 77 32 97 21
73 Rue d'Aboukir, Paris, France
- http://www.lockwoodparis.com
Here’s a little secret: Moonshiner is actually hidden behind Pizza da Vito’s fridge door! Bask in the mysterious atmosphere, with its 20s-inspired decor of etched mirrors and record players. Sidle up at the bar with the in-the-know, and sample the joint’s inventive cocktails. They even serve some with fun names like “Smokey Island” and “Back to Basil.”
- +33 9 50 73 12 99
5 Rue Sedaine, Paris, France
- https://www.facebook.com/Moonshiner-390791131035525
A treat for passionate boozehounds, Experimental Cocktail Club is one of the pioneers in creative alcohol mixes. Let the bartender know your preferences, and he’ll craft an apéro made just for you! You may also opt to stick with items from the bar’s menu, which mainly highlights French spirits and liquors. Their offerings change every six months, so feel free to switch up your drinks with every visit!
- +33 1 45 08 88 09
37 Rue Saint-Sauveur, Paris, France
- http://www.experimentalcocktailclub.fr
Kick apéritif up a notch at Aux Folies, a former cabaret previously frequented by the likes of French singer Edith Piaf. Nowadays, it’s the go-to of deadline-pushing students, budget-conscious locals, and grungy artists who love cheap but satisfying drinks. The terrace is the place to be, especially during pleasant summer afternoons. Pack lots of small bills with you, since drinks are paid as they’re served.
- +33 6 28 55 89 40
8 Rue de Belleville, Paris, France
- http://www.aux-folies-belleville.fr
Spot the red steel lightship parked on the Seine, and find yourself at Batofar! Before the scene turns nightclub-esque, wind down with an apéro at the barge’s upper level terrace. Delight in a range of cocktails and a delightful tapas spread, complemented by a gorgeous view of the river! Batofar transforms into a beach bar in the summertime, complete with sand, sun lounges, and occasional open-air cinema screenings.
- +33 1 53 60 37 85
Facing 11 quai François Mauriac, Paris, France
- http://www.batofar.fr
The rooftop terrace of Mama Shelter charms with quirky furniture, colorful accents, and even a ping-pong table! The vibe here is cool and casual, making it a sought-after joint for apéritif in a familiar, homey setting. Book in advance to secure a table! The superb house cocktails (mixed with fresh seasonal fruits) are available as early as 4:00PM. Hors d'oeuvres, however, are only served starting 6:00PM.
- +33 1 43 48 48 48
109 Rue de Bagnolet, Paris, France
- https://www.mamashelter.com/en/paris
Apéritif at Candelaria comes with a Latin American twist! Locals glady swap in champagne and charcuterie for tacos and margaritas, and we don’t blame them. The esteemed bar only has a limited menu, but everything’s done well. You may watch the chefs cook up your order through the open kitchen if you need convincing! The place is small, so make a reservation to snag a cozy spot!
- +33 1 42 74 41 28
52 Rue du Saintonge, Paris, France
- https://www.quixotic-projects.com/venue/candelaria
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