Paris isn’t just about wine and champagne anymore. If you’re looking for a real night out with bold flavors, lively crowds, and local vibes, the craft beer scene here has exploded over the last five years. Forget the stuffy bistros and overpriced pub taps-Paris now has bars where brewers from Belgium, Oregon, and even Montmartre are pouring hoppy IPAs, sour fruited ales, and barrel-aged stouts that rival anything in Brooklyn or Berlin.
Why Craft Beer in Paris? It’s Not a Trend, It’s a Movement
Back in 2018, finding a decent IPA in Paris was a gamble. Most bars stuck to Heineken or Stella Artois. Today? Over 200 independent breweries operate in France, and nearly half of them are based in or around Paris. The city’s beer culture didn’t grow from tourists-it grew from locals tired of the same old options. Young brewers, many trained in the U.S. or Belgium, came home and started experimenting. They used French hops, local honey, even sour cherries from the Loire Valley. The result? A scene that’s uniquely French but globally respected.
Bars that used to close at midnight now stay open past 2 a.m. on weekends. You’ll find bartenders who can tell you the exact hop varietal in your glass, and regulars who debate fermentation temperatures like wine connoisseurs talk about terroir. This isn’t a novelty. It’s the new nightlife.
Le Chapeau Melon: The OG of Paris Craft Beer
If you want to understand where it all began, start at Le Chapeau Melon is a Belgian-style craft beer bar in the 10th arrondissement that opened in 2016 and helped spark Paris’s modern beer revolution. Tucked under a railway arch near Gare du Nord, it’s unassuming from the outside-but inside, it’s a temple of beer. The tap list changes daily, often with 20+ options, and about half are from French microbreweries like Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or or Bière de la Cité.
Don’t miss their Amber Ale aged in Calvados barrels-it tastes like caramelized apples and toasted oak. The bar has no menu, just a chalkboard with tasting notes. Staff don’t push sales. They ask what you like, then guide you. It’s the kind of place where you’ll leave with a new favorite beer and a friend who works behind the bar.
La Dernière Goutte: The Hidden Gem in the 11th
Most tourists never make it to the 11th arrondissement. That’s fine-because that means you’ll have La Dernière Goutte all to yourself. This tiny bar, barely 12 stools wide, is run by a former brewer from Lyon who quit his job to open a place that only serves unfiltered, unpasteurized beer.
Their Wild Ferment Saison, made with wild yeast from the nearby Bois de Vincennes, has a tart, earthy kick that lingers like a good jazz solo. They also have a rotating selection of 15 cask-conditioned ales, none of which are available anywhere else in the city. If you’re into funky, complex flavors, this is your spot. The vibe? Low lights, vinyl records spinning, and a guy in a beanie nodding along to The Rolling Stones.
They open at 5 p.m. and rarely fill up before 9. If you’re here on a Friday or Saturday, order the cheese plate-it’s made with local goat cheeses that pair perfectly with their hoppy Pale Ales.
Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or: Where the Locals Go
Not every great beer bar needs a fancy name or imported taps. Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or is a neighborhood joint in the 18th, right near the iconic Barbès metro. It’s been around since 2019, but only in the last year did it become a hotspot. Why? Because they brew their own beer on-site, and it’s some of the best in the city.
Their Parisian Lager-a crisp, clean beer with a hint of chamomile-was named one of the top 10 lagers in Europe by Beer Advocate in 2024. They also do a Black IPA with roasted coffee beans from Ethiopia, and it’s served cold, not at room temp like most stouts. The crowd? Mostly Parisians in their 20s and 30s, students from nearby Sorbonne, and a few expats who’ve been here long enough to know where to look.
They don’t take reservations. You show up, grab a seat, and wait for the bartender to ask if you want another. It’s simple. It’s real. And it’s packed every weekend.
Le Petit Chou: The Cozy Spot for Sours and Street Food
If you’re tired of the noise and want something quieter but still full of flavor, head to Le Petit Chou in the 20th. This bar is more like a living room with beer taps. The walls are lined with books, and the tables are mismatched wooden ones you’d find in a countryside cottage.
They specialize in sour beers-fruited, barrel-aged, wild-fermented. Their Raspberry Lambic is made with real raspberries from Normandy and fermented with native yeast. It’s tart, sweet, and refreshing, perfect for a winter night. They also serve Belgian waffles with salted caramel and smoked sea salt, which somehow works better than you’d think.
They close at midnight, but if you’re still awake, ask for the nightcap stout-a 10% ABV brew aged in bourbon barrels. Only three kegs are made each month. If you’re lucky, you’ll get one.
La Brasserie du Faubourg: The Rooftop Experience
For views, atmosphere, and a touch of luxury, La Brasserie du Faubourg on the 15th-floor rooftop of a converted 1920s warehouse is unmatched. It’s not cheap-pints start at €12-but it’s worth it if you want to sip a Double IPA with the Eiffel Tower glowing behind you.
Their tap list includes rare finds: a Japanese Rice Lager brewed with Kyoto rice, and a French Brett Saison made with wild yeast from the vineyards of Burgundy. They also host monthly beer-and-pairing nights-think oysters with a dry-hopped Pilsner, or dark chocolate with a barrel-aged porter.
It’s the kind of place you bring someone special. Or you come alone, order a flight of four, and watch the city lights turn on as the sun sets.
What to Expect: A Night Out in Paris Craft Beer Bars
Unlike American craft beer bars, Parisian spots rarely have big screens or loud music. You won’t find karaoke or trivia nights. Instead, you’ll hear jazz, French indie rock, or just the quiet hum of conversation. Service is slow, but not rude-it’s deliberate. Bartenders take their time because they care about what’s in your glass.
Pints usually cost €8-€12. Flight of four samples? Around €15. Most places accept cards, but keep a few euros for the tip jar-many of these bars are owner-run, and staff don’t get tips from the system.
Opening hours vary. Most open at 5 p.m., close at midnight on weekdays, and stay open until 2 a.m. on weekends. No one checks IDs aggressively, but if you look under 25, have ID ready.
Pro Tip: How to Find the Best Craft Beer Bars in Paris
- Use the Beer Map Paris app-it’s free, updated weekly, and shows which bars have new releases.
- Look for bars with more than 10 taps. If they only have 3 or 4, they’re probably just serving imported bottles.
- Ask for “bière locale” (local beer). If they hesitate, they might not be serious.
- Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. The crowds are lighter, and the staff have more time to talk.
- Try a bière de garde-a French style that’s like a lager but richer, darker, and meant to be aged. It’s the secret weapon of Parisian brewers.
Final Thoughts: Paris Isn’t Just for Wine Anymore
The idea that Paris is only for wine drinkers is outdated. The city’s craft beer scene is thriving, diverse, and deeply rooted in local culture. You don’t need to be a beer expert to enjoy it. Just show up, ask what’s new, and let someone who knows guide you.
Whether you’re sipping a sour in a hidden alley or toasting with a double IPA on a rooftop, you’re not just drinking beer-you’re tasting a new side of Paris. And that’s worth more than any bottle of Bordeaux.
Are craft beer bars in Paris expensive?
Pints range from €8 to €12, which is similar to what you’d pay in Berlin or London. Some rooftop or specialty bars charge more, but most neighborhood spots are reasonably priced. A flight of four samples usually costs €15, and many places offer happy hours from 5-7 p.m. on weekdays.
Do I need to speak French to order beer in Paris?
No. Most bartenders in craft beer bars speak English, especially in areas like the 10th, 11th, and 15th arrondissements. But knowing a few words like "bière locale" (local beer) or "une pinte" (a pint) helps. A simple "Qu’est-ce que vous recommandez?" (What do you recommend?) will get you a great pour and maybe even a story.
Can I find non-alcoholic craft beer in Paris?
Yes. More than 20 breweries in Paris now brew non-alcoholic versions, often using the same ingredients as their alcoholic counterparts. Bars like Le Chapeau Melon and La Dernière Goutte have dedicated NA taps. Look for brands like Sans Alcool or Brasserie de l’Oise, which make surprisingly flavorful NA IPAs and stouts.
What’s the best time to visit these bars?
Weeknights (Tuesday-Thursday) are the quietest and best for chatting with staff. Weekends (Friday-Sunday) are lively, but you might wait for a seat. Arrive before 8 p.m. to avoid crowds. Most places don’t take reservations, so timing matters.
Are there any beer festivals in Paris?
Yes. The Festival de la Bière Artisanale happens every November and draws over 15,000 people. Smaller events like "Bières en Ville" pop up in spring and fall, with pop-up taps in parks and markets. Check the Paris Beer Week calendar online-it’s updated monthly.
If you’re planning a trip to Paris and want to experience something real, skip the crowded wine tours. Grab a map, find one of these bars, and let the beer lead you.
