Best Craft Beer Bars in Paris for Nightlife
Paris isn’t just about wine anymore
For decades, Paris was known for its wine bars, brasseries, and cozy cafés. But if you’ve walked through the 10th, 11th, or 12th arrondissements in the last few years, you’ve probably noticed something new: lines outside small, dimly lit spots where people are sipping hoppy IPAs, sour browns, and barrel-aged stouts. Craft beer has taken root in Paris, and it’s not a passing trend-it’s a full-blown revolution. The city now has over 120 dedicated craft beer bars, and dozens more serve excellent local brews alongside their wine lists. If you’re looking for nightlife that’s not about cocktails or champagne, these are the places that actually deliver.
La Bièrerie
Open since 2012, La Bièrerie in the 10th arrondissement is the OG of Paris craft beer. It’s not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be. The walls are lined with 150+ bottles and 20 taps pouring everything from Belgian saisons to American double IPAs. The staff don’t talk down to you-they ask what you like and then hand you something you didn’t know you needed. Try the La Bièrerie IPA, brewed in-house with Citra and Mosaic hops. It’s crisp, citrusy, and finishes clean-perfect after a long day of walking the city. The bar stays packed until 1 a.m. on weekends, and the crowd? Mix of locals, expats, and beer tourists who know this is the real deal.
Le Comptoir du Relais
Don’t let the name fool you-this isn’t your average bistro. Located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Comptoir du Relais started as a wine bar but pivoted hard to craft beer after realizing its customers were more interested in Belgian triples than Bordeaux. The beer list changes weekly, often featuring rare imports from Japan, Canada, and the Czech Republic. They serve beer in proper tulip glasses, not pint glasses. The food? Simple: charcuterie, pickles, and crusty bread. But the beer? It’s the star. Their Westvleteren 12 (when available) sells out within hours. If you’re lucky enough to get a pour, sip it slowly. It’s one of the most sought-after beers in the world.
Brasserie de l’Île Saint-Louis
Right on the island between Notre-Dame and the Panthéon, this place feels like a hidden gem even though it’s been around since 2015. The owner, a former brewer from Lyon, sources all his beer from independent French microbreweries. You won’t find Heineken here. Instead, you’ll find Brasserie de la Senne from Belgium, La Folie from Normandy, and Les Brasseurs de l’Ouest from Brittany. The space is small, with wooden tables and chalkboard menus. No music. No TVs. Just beer, conversation, and the sound of pouring foam. They open at 5 p.m. and stay open until midnight. It’s the kind of place you stumble into and end up staying for three hours.
Le 1000 Bouteilles
This is where collectors come to play. Le 1000 Bouteilles, tucked into the 11th arrondissement, has over 1,200 bottled beers from 40 countries. The owner keeps a spreadsheet of every bottle-vintage, ABV, style, origin-and will pull out a 2018 barrel-aged barleywine if you ask nicely. The taps rotate every week, and they host monthly taproom takeovers with visiting brewers from the U.S. and Scandinavia. The crowd here is older, quieter, and more serious. This isn’t a party spot-it’s a temple to beer. If you want to taste something you’ve never heard of, like a Baltic porter from Poland or a smoked lager from Germany’s Bamberg, this is your place. They close at 1 a.m., but you’ll leave feeling like you’ve been on a world tour.
La Fine Mousse
La Fine Mousse in the 12th arrondissement is the most welcoming spot for newcomers. The staff are trained to explain styles without jargon. “This one’s like a cider but with yeast,” they’ll say, handing you a tart gose. The bar has a rotating selection of 15 taps and 60+ bottles, with a strong focus on French and Belgian producers. Their La Fine Mousse Pale Ale is brewed with local honey and has a subtle floral finish. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for a summer night. The patio opens in spring, and it’s one of the few places in Paris where you can sip a craft beer under string lights while people-watching. They stay open until 2 a.m. on weekends, and the vibe is relaxed, not pretentious.
La Cantine du 13
Don’t skip this one just because it’s in the 13th. This place is a neighborhood favorite with a no-frills attitude. The beer list is short-only 8 taps-but every one is chosen with care. They partner with small French breweries that don’t distribute outside Paris. You’ll find Brasserie de la Gironde’s amber ale, Brasserie de la Cité’s saison, and La Brasserie du Montmartre’s dark lager. The food is simple: sandwiches, fries, and charcuterie boards. The beer is cheap-around €6 a pint-and the crowd is young, local, and loud. It’s the kind of place where you’ll end up talking to strangers who know more about hops than you do. Open until 3 a.m. on weekends, it’s the most authentic, unfiltered beer bar in the city.
What makes a great craft beer bar in Paris?
Not every place with a few imported bottles counts. The best ones share a few things:
- Tap rotation-if they have the same 5 beers every week, they’re not trying.
- Local focus-France has over 2,000 microbreweries. The best bars highlight them.
- No corporate beer-if you see Heineken, Stella, or Guinness on tap, run.
- Staff knowledge-they should be able to tell you what’s in the beer, not just recite a menu.
- Hours that match nightlife-if they close at midnight, they’re not for late-nighters.
When to go
Weekdays are quiet-perfect if you want to sit and chat. Weekends? Expect lines, especially at La Bièrerie and Le 1000 Bouteilles. Show up before 8 p.m. to skip the wait. Most bars start filling up around 9 p.m. and stay busy until 1 a.m. or later. Don’t expect to find a craft beer bar open past 3 a.m.-Paris isn’t New York. But if you’re looking for a real, unpolished, beer-first experience, you won’t find better anywhere else in Europe.
What to order
Don’t just ask for an IPA. Try these styles unique to Paris:
- Gose-salty, sour, refreshing. Perfect for warm nights.
- Saison-farmhouse ale with spice and earthy notes. French brewers do this better than anyone.
- Dark Lager-not a stout, not a porter. Lighter, smoother, and surprisingly complex.
- Bière de Garde-a French classic. Malty, strong, aged like wine.
How to navigate the scene
Parisians don’t drink beer like Americans do. You won’t find pitchers or happy hours. You order one glass at a time. Pay by the glass, not by the round. Tip is included, but leave a euro if you’re happy with the service. Most places don’t take cards-cash only. And don’t be surprised if the barkeep doesn’t smile. They’re not rude-they’re focused. This isn’t a theme park. It’s a real beer scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are craft beer bars in Paris expensive?
Prices vary. A pint at a neighborhood spot like La Cantine du 13 costs €5-€7. At upscale bars like Le 1000 Bouteilles, you’ll pay €10-€15 for rare imports. But compared to cocktails or wine, craft beer is still a bargain in Paris. You get more flavor, more variety, and more authenticity for your money.
Can I find craft beer in regular bars in Paris?
Some, but not many. Most traditional bars stick to wine, champagne, or mass-market beer. If you see a bar with more than 3 taps and no Heineken, it’s worth checking. Look for places with chalkboards listing breweries-those are the ones that care.
Do I need to speak French to order beer?
Not really. Most staff at craft beer bars speak English, especially in tourist-heavy areas. But learning a few words helps: "une bière" (a beer), "une pinte" (a pint), "une bière locale" (a local beer). A smile and pointing at the menu works too.
Is the craft beer scene in Paris growing?
Yes. In 2020, there were about 60 dedicated craft beer bars. By 2025, that number jumped to over 120. French brewers are now winning international awards. The city’s beer culture is maturing, and it’s no longer seen as a niche hobby-it’s part of the urban experience.
What’s the best time to visit Paris for craft beer?
Spring and fall are ideal. Summer is hot, and many breweries release special seasonal beers. Winter brings rich stouts and barrel-aged brews. Avoid August-most locals are on vacation, and many bars close for a week or two.