Library-Bar at Saint James
The Saint James Paris boutique hotel doubles as a private club but luckily its Library-Bar is open to the public Monday to Saturday from 7 p.m. – 1 a.m. The former Thiers Foundation study still contains 12,000 volumes and an intellectual ambience, but visitors come for the herb-based cocktails by barman Judicaël Noel. Le Barrel Guinguette, made with Paris No. 1 gin, home-made cordial, lime bergamot, and Fernet Branca, is well-balanced and refreshing. (Other concoctions have been know to contain unexpected combinations like foie gras and raspberries.) The Library-Bar’s selection of reserve whiskies, Calvados, and Cognacs is also extensive.
More Bars in Paris
Septime La Cave
Located in a former shoe cobbler, this charming wine bar specializes in organic wines and bottles with cult-status.
Legrand Filles et Fils
This vinothèque doubles as an epicerie selling sweet and savory regional delicacies.
Bar Hemingway
Longtime bartender Colin Field makes drinking at this famous establishment located in the Ritz Paris a treat.
Vivant Cave
This bright gem has a beautiful marble bar, a fabulous young chef, and an impressive selection of natural wines.
Candelaria
Tucked behind Paris’s best Mexican taqueria is a world-class bar serving meticulous tequila- and mezcal-based cocktails.
Prescription Cocktail Club
Prescription Cocktail Club still ranks as one of the city’s more elegant speakeasy-style bars.
L’Oiseau Blanc
This aviation-themed spot offers views of almost every Parisian landmark and spectacular, ever-changing cocktails.
Bar 8
Every surface—from the walls inlaid with Lalique crystal to the marble bar top—shimmers in this bar at the Mandarin Oriental.
La Fine Mousse
Craft beer is becoming more popular in Paris, and La Fine Mousse has the best on-tap selection.
Les Bains
The space with a black-and-white checkered floor has once again become the “It” spot in Paris.
