The Ultimate Guide to the Best Craft Beer Bars in Paris
Paris isn’t only about wine and cafés; it also has its own vibrant craft beer community with amazing breweries, cool taprooms, and friendly pubs. Having spent many hours visiting numerous bars all around Paris, here’s what I discovered about good craft beer places in this city. Below you will find some recommendations for where to get your favorite beer in Paris.
Key Takeaways
- There is a burgeoning craft beer community in Paris, with many local breweries.
- Breweries such as Hoppy Corner and La Fine Mousse have great beers and nice service.
- Most of the craft breweries in Paris feature both French and international beers.
- Paname Brewing Company, for example, not only offers great beers but also fantastic views and delicious food.
- It would be wise to request samples, as bartenders are often willing to assist you in selecting your beer.
Hoppy Corner
One of the first places I stumbled upon in the course of my explorations of the Paris beer scene was Hoppy Corner, and let me tell you, it was really memorable. Located in the 2nd arrondissement, quite close to the noisy Rue Montorgueil, this place is truly a pearl, in my opinion. It has an air of tranquility despite the noisy location, and it definitely works for them. Being independent and true to its name, this establishment serves a fine selection of beers.
Usually, there are 15 different types of craft beers on tap, and their range of bottled and canned beer is quite impressive as well. And the most important part is how frequently they refresh their selection. So no matter if it’s a cloudy New England IPA, a strong stout, or a fresh lager, you will be able to try something new each time you visit them. They really have a beer for everyone, which is very convenient when you have company.
Apart from the amazing beer, there are some decent pub foods served here. So if you get hungry, you can enjoy tasty burgers and crunchy fries, an ideal accompaniment for your refreshing drink. This place can be quite noisy, especially on weekends, so take it into account if you prefer to spend your evening quietly. But they have an online booking option if you want to be sure that you’ll have a seat at the table.
In general, Hoppy Corner seems to be proof of how successful the recent development of craft beer in Paris turned out to be. There is almost always a place to grab good drinks and a pleasant atmosphere here, and thus it deserves a special visit.
This is what you can expect here:
- Tap selection: Around 15 rotating craft beers.
- Bottle/can range: Wide selection of bottled and canned beers from France and other countries.
- Food: Pub grub with nice fries.
- Atmosphere: Rather lively, especially during weekends.
- Service: Friendly and knowledgeable.
So it’s a great place to experience craft beer culture in Paris and discover new local beers. You may even discover a couple of breweries that you will want to revisit during some French craft beer festival later this year.
La Fine Mousse
For starters, when I need to enjoy my craft beer in Paris, La Fine Mousse is one of those beer bars in Paris where I am sure to find success. It is that kind of place that has this amazing atmosphere, where you feel comfortable and at ease, staying there and talking with your friends or drinking. Speaking of the tap list, it has an amazing rotation, so there are always new things to try. By the way, I managed to drink many amazing brews here that I have never tried elsewhere before.
Firstly, I would like to note how much they care about variety at La Fine Mousse; it is always there in the background. So, there are about 20 taps at any time, and their selection is rather diverse, so there is a possibility of drinking the last pint of a certain brew before it is gone, but on the other hand, you will have access to a constantly changing list of options. It is the best place to explore various kinds of craft beer, both conventional and unique ones.
As I mentioned above, the atmosphere here is pretty relaxed, so you won’t have to worry about anything and can easily stay there for as long as you want.
However, it can be pretty busy, especially during the weekends, so keep that in mind if you plan to visit. In spite of this, there will not be any problems with the staff, who do not make your visit unpleasant; in addition, they have a small food menu here. This is another great advantage for those who want to have something to eat and drink there. If you explore the 11th arrondissement, you can find it very easily.
All in all, La Fine Mousse is always a good place to enjoy your craft beer and have an amazing time. Sometimes you can find some excellent bottle selections that you will be able to take home.
La Binouze
I happened to get into La Binouze on a cloudy day not far from Gare du Nord, and I was under the impression that this would be a quick stop for a drink. Well, turns out this beer bar has a lot more to offer than meets the eye.
But what grabbed my attention more than anything else was the variety of international craft beers available here. There are twelve draught beers on tap at any given time, and those include French small-batch IPAs as well as harder-to-get ones from the Netherlands.
Now, this place not only serves draught beers; it is fine, but there are tons of bottled and canned beers in the fridge, all different types from all over the world, so even when I think that I am going to get something that I already tried before, I usually end up discovering a whole new taste.
For those who happen to travel with some buddies, you might find yourself at ease when you enter the place with this laid-back atmosphere. And here are some things that stood out to me positively:
Regular beer tasting events so that you can taste a wide variety together without being bombarded.
A large TV to watch whichever sports game is playing, and some way or other it makes the whole of Tuesday evening worthwhile.
| Feature | Details |
| Number of Taps | 12 |
| Bottle Selection | Dozens from France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and more |
| Food | Bar snacks and simple bites |
| Location | Easy 10-minute walk from Gare du Nord |
Sometimes, you might be looking for a place where you can unwind, experiment, and still remain in your comfort zone. That is precisely what La Binouze excels at like no other bar ever could. There is no pretension, but there is a great deal of great beer and perhaps some sports games.
For those who are looking at the beer bars of Paris, one visit will definitely satisfy their drinking and relaxing needs.
Brasserie De La Goutte D’Or
Tucked away within the charming Goutte d’Or area, Brasserie De La Goutte d’Or comes across as a real local place. I had a chance to visit and realized how multifaceted Paris is in its atmosphere, and it is all present in their beers, as if they are getting a little bit of the flavor of the surrounding neighborhood with each brew and putting it into the beer. So each time you drink their beverage, it is an adventure in itself, an enjoyable little detour, in fact.
Their taproom is modest but nice enough to spend some time there with a drink in hand. It is not too fancy, and that is actually what makes it appealing. Normally, there is quite a choice of beers available to try, and I swear they are constantly changing the lineup, so there is something new and tasty to taste almost all the time. That is the place to get yourself seated for an entire afternoon.
I tried several kinds of their beer and noticed how most of them tend to have coffee undertones, rather unusual but quite enjoyable. The Midnight Espresso pastry brown ale or Béte Noir black IPA can be mentioned. However, the beer house offers lighter kinds, such as the Casque D’or saison, which turned out to be rather dry despite its creamy look.
The brewery serves as an excellent example of the combination of local culture and craft brewing in Paris. It offers a taste of Paris that is simultaneously recognizable yet also new and thrilling.
It is recommended to visit them in case you find yourself around Gare du Nord. It is located a short walk away from it and operates Thursday-Saturday normally.
Les Cuves De Fauve
Les Cuves De Fauve is something that is distinctively unique from the very first moment. You enter the Bastille and realize that it’s not just a café in Paris, but it is also, in some way, a microbrewery. The atmosphere is this odd little mix between a chic café and a relaxed American brewpub; I mean, it works, though. I sat down near the outdoor tables, the classic ones, and I did a lot of people-watching while scooters zipped by, and locals slowly came in for a pint.
Their beer list is just as surprising as the vibe. There’s always something experimental: I once tried their Midnight Espresso brown ale, which practically tasted like a cold brew in beer form. You’ll also find farmhouse ales like La Clef de Champs, full of wheat notes but somehow super refreshing, and inventive options such as their French NEIPA Toi Et Moi: spicy, easy to drink, but memorable. Some other standouts:
- NEIPA Experimental Rhapsody: citrus aroma, surprisingly bitter, heavy on Cryo hops.
- Casque D’or Saison: creamy but dry, dangerously drinkable at 5.2% ABV.
- Béte Noir Black IPA: punchy with hints of roasted coffee.
| Beer Name | Type | ABV | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midnight Espresso | Pastry Brown Ale | 6.5% | Coffee, chocolate |
| La Clef de Champs | Farmhouse Ale | 5.0% | Wheat, light, crisp |
| Toi Et Moi | French NEIPA | 6.5% | Spicy, bold hops |
| Casque D’or | Saison | 5.2% | Creamy, dry, crisp |
What stuck with me most was how the brewing team isn’t afraid to break from tradition. The bartender told me they love working with wild ideas, and their lineup rotates constantly.
- Full food menu with surprising beer pairings
- Artisan espresso for when you need a pick-me-up
- Lively crowd, even on weeknights
When I’m looking for a craft beer bar that does things their own way, Les Cuves De Fauve is always high on my list. The flavors are bold, and the people are friendly; it’s a little slice of the city’s new beer culture.
If you’re interested in the freshest trends popping up on the French craft scene, especially with inventive brewing, places like Les Cuves De Fauve and others are covered in France’s craft beer scene as it evolves.
Paname Brewing Company
When I’m trying to find a spot with a really good view so I can enjoy a beer, Paname Brewing Company is kinda high on my list. It is located right on the Quai de la Loire, and it looks over the Bassin de la Villette. Honestly, even before you think about anything else, the setting itself is already enough for the visit, especially when the weather is fine. You can take a seat outside and just observe the boats go by, like, no rush at all.
They brew their own beer on-site, which is always a plus in my book. I’ve found their selection to be pretty solid, with a good mixture of styles; it works. They tend to keep a few of their own creations on tap and, once in a while, also bring in a guest beer or two. The tap list isn’t the largest I’ve ever come across, but honestly, what they put out, they do it well. I especially liked their take on a saison; it came out crisp and refreshing, like it was made for the whole vibe, so yeah.
The vibe here is pretty relaxed; it kinda feels like one of those spots where locals and visitors both can feel comfortable. It’s a cool place to just exhale after a day of wandering around the city.
Here’s what I usually look for when I check out a brewery like Paname:
- Variety of Styles: Do they offer more than just IPAs and lagers?
- Quality of Brews: Is the beer well-made and balanced?
- Atmosphere: Does the place feel welcoming and enjoyable?
- Location: Is it easy to get to and is the setting pleasant?
If you’re exploring the canals, this is a great stop. It’s a bit off the main tourist path, which I kind of like. It feels more authentic, you know? You can easily get there via the Jaurés Metro. It’s a nice walk along the water to get to the brewery itself. I’ve heard good things about the food too, though I usually just go for the beer. It’s a good place to experience the evolving craft beer culture in Paris.
Bapbap
Bapbap, short for “Bière à Paris, Brassée à Paris” (Beer in Paris, brewed in Paris), is kind of a brewery that really lives up to the slogan. I found their place to be a clean, modern, but also sort of cozy spot, as you can just go in and grab a pint. Usually they’ve got around eight of their own beers on tap, then a few more options show up in cans and bottles, too.
While their selection might not be the biggest in Paris, the quality of what they brew makes Bapbap a solid stop for craft beer fans. I tried their Dunkel, a straightforward lager at 5.6% ABV, which had those classic dark toast flavors I enjoy. Then there was Brol, their Belgian IPA, which was a bit different, with more yeast character than hop punch, which was an interesting take on the style. My personal favorite, though, was the Originale pale ale. It hit a sweet spot with citrusy hops and a malty backbone that reminded me of lemon-poppy seed cake, all at a very drinkable 5.8% ABV.
They also have some larger-format bottles you can take home, including a Saison aged in wine barrels and a rum barrel-aged barleywine. It’s worth checking out what special releases they have.
If you’re looking for something to take home, the Hop Malt Market next door is a great place to browse, with a good selection of local and Belgian beers.
Brasserie De L’Être
When I’m hunting for something a bit off the usual, Brasserie De L’Être pops into my head, all the time, actually. It’s like they really lean into creativity and sustainability, and I mean, I definitely appreciate that. They tend to use local ingredients for their brews, not just whatever is handy. And honestly, the labels, they’re almost like a whole extra story, as unique as the beers themselves.
It’s a small operation, so you won’t find a taproom here. Instead, their beers are available through various partners like bottle shops and some organic supermarkets.
I’ve found their approach to brewing quite refreshing. They seem to be experimenting with flavors that you don’t always see elsewhere. It makes discovering their latest creation a bit of an adventure.
- Focus on organic and local ingredients.
- Unique and often quirky beer labels.
- Available through select partner retailers.
You can really see their commitment to a more sustainable brewing process in how they pick their things, from where they source the ingredients to what they do for the packaging. It feels pretty reassuring, like you’re supporting a brewery that is looking past the immediate matter and toward the bigger picture.
If you’re keen on trying some of the more innovative artisanal beers that Paris has to offer, but you want to stay on the lookout a little, try keeping an eye out for Brasserie De L’Être. You might find your new favorite, right there, honestly.
It’s a great example of the independent spirit behind artisanal beer producers in Paris, even though they’re based in the city.
O’Clock Brewing
When I first heard about O’Clock Brewing, I got kind of curious about the name. As it hints at this tight precision, a real devotion to timing, and honestly, that’s what I saw once I went in. This place really leans into quality, and you can feel it in every beer they hand out. They’ve got a solid selection that seems to hit most tastes, from lighter crisp pours to something a little more hearty. I especially liked their version of a Belgian-style tripel; it was oddly light and easy to sip, even with the strength. It’s the kind of spot where you notice the brewers care, not just about the final result, but about the whole process, too.
I noticed they also have a strong connection to coffee, with several beers featuring tasting notes that reminded me of espresso or other coffee drinks. It’s a unique angle that sets them apart.
Here’s a quick look at some of the styles I encountered:
- Saison: They had a creamy, dry saison that was incredibly refreshing.
- NEIPA: A collaboration brew that, while having a good hop aroma, leaned a bit more bitter than I expected for the style.
- Pastry Brown Ale: This one had distinct coffee flavors, living up to its name.
O’Clock Brewing is one of those places that takes its craft sort of seriously; you can tell from the balanced flavors and the careful, thoughtful brewing process. It’s a pretty solid stop for anyone in Paris who is trying to find well-made beers, not just something quick to sip and forget.
If you’re looking around the craft beer world, you might also want to peek at a few of the French craft beer trends that are kinda emerging, like the growing interest in barrel-aged expressions. It’s not just a fad; you’ll notice more of those vinous, wood-matured styles popping up too.
Gallia
The Gallia name sounds rather nostalgic when it comes to the Parisian beer scene. This brewery started operating back in 1890. At a certain point in time, its existence could have been considered over, but fortunately, it was revived in 2009. Nowadays, the Gallia brewery is one of the biggest in Paris; although it belongs to a bigger company, it continues to attract my attention as well.
The portfolio of this brewery looks quite diverse, and I particularly appreciate its ability to create unique yet recognizable beer varieties. Gallia Brewery is one of those that combine tradition and novelty in the Parisian beer culture. Their products are easy to find at different bars across the city.
Even if nowadays its size could be viewed as an inconsistency with its craft essence, I still see many positive aspects about it as a brewery. For example, this brewery has kept up quite high standards, not to mention its historical connection with Paris.
If I happen to find myself at a bar where there is Gallia beer on sale, then I will definitely choose one of its products. The main advantage of this beer variety is that you know it belongs to a brewery that has been established long ago, and it is always nice to buy beer made by such a brewery.
Conclusion
Visiting the top craft beer bars in Paris has completely altered my perception of the city. I used to believe that Paris is all about the wine, but there are also so many amazing beers that one could try in the French capital. These top craft beer bars in Paris are places where I’ve had some of the most memorable nights with nice people, great music, and, of course, fantastic beer. So, if you are interested in experiencing something that is quite unique and also very local, go for one of these pubs. It is likely that you will catch me in the pub having a pint of something unique with strangers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is craft beer popular in Paris?
Definitely, craft beer has gained huge popularity in Paris in recent years, with the emergence of more and more bars and breweries.
Can I drink French local beer there?
These are mostly places where you will be able to find an excellent combination of French craft beers and some others from abroad.
Are these bars expensive?
Prices will be typical for Parisian bars. A typical price for one pint will be somewhere between €5 and €8, depending on whether it is a special brew or not.
Do I have to know French to order a beer?
No, the bartenders will probably speak some English, since they deal with tourists often enough.
Are these bars family-friendly?
There are fewer strict bars on the list than others; however, the majority of bars in Paris won’t have any problems with children during the daytime, whereas during the nighttime the bars are mostly for adults.
How do I get there?
All the bars are located in Paris and can be reached easily by metro or bus using the provided addresses.
