Pavillon des Canaux / Facebook
One of the best ways to impress your date, whether its a new flame, long-term partner, or recent Tinder match, is to add an element of surprise to your night. Sure, there are hundreds of great bars in Paris, however, you are bound to add some magic to your Paris date night at one of these quirky theme bars, all chosen for their originality, but also their particular qualities that make them perfect for a date. Get ready to shake pp your date night at one of these cool Paris bars.
Lavomatic
I’ve always wondered if laundromats where a good place to meet potential love interests, well in Paris there’s a very special one that could indeed incite some romance! Hidden at the back of a “laundromat” near the Canal St Martin, this cool bar is one of the most unique speakeasy style bars in Paris. The friendly laid back space has clever nods to its exterior disguise, like Brillo cleaning pad seats, however fear not, that the foam atop your tasty cocktails isn’t from the washing machines out front.
Website | Address: 30 rue René Boulanger, 75010 Paris
Pavillon des Canaux / Facebook
Pavillon des Canaux
Designers Sinny & Ooko, behind the Recyclerie and the relook of the Machine de la Moulin Rouge, have recreated a very homey feeling inside a former lock-keeper’s house on the Canal de l’Ourcq. Indeed, it feels like the (very cool) lock-keeper left his house unlocked, the interior features is laid out just like a house. Sip some reasonably priced wine in the kitchen, snuggle up on a sofa in the living room or get cozy with your date in the most coveted “seat” in the house… the bathtub! Since it’s right on the canal, it also makes for a good place to end a romantic stroll along the water.
Website | Address: 39 Quai de Loire, 75019 Paris
UC-61 / Facebook
UC-61
Okay, a house is pretty cool, but a submarine is even cooler! Okay, you have to trek out to the 17th, but that’s a lot closer than going all the way to the seaside. Once inside the UC-61 (look for the buzzer to get in), you’ll be immersed into a intimate space stylishly decked out in nautical items. This is carried over on its creative cocktail menu with the likes of “Beau Gallion” and “L’Art de la Guerre,” or choose the more romantic “La Vie à Deux” or “The Great Lover” and cozy up to your date in the Captain’s quarters.
Website | Address: 4 Rue de l’Arc de Triomphe, 75017 Paris
Castor Club / Facebook
Castor Club
Most of Paris’ top cocktail bars are scattered around the Right Bank, nevertheless, there are a couple of good ones of the Left, like this secret bar. Take your chéri/e down the narrow rue Hautefeuille from Saint Michel and near its end look out for a facade, not of the usual Parisian limestone, but of wood. Yes, you read me right, pushing open the door of the Castor Club, you’ll be leaving Paris behind and be transported to a cozy mountain lodge, possibly built with wood panels gnawed down by a beaver (castor in French). The small space has ideal seats for couples where you can sit closely and whisper sweet-nothings into your sweetheart’s ear while enjoying this bars eclectic cocktails
Website | Address: 14 Rue Hautefeuille, 75006 Paris
Shake ‘n Smash
On the edge of the hip Upper Marais and just south of Place de la Republique is the cool cocktail bar with a Dali-esque spirit. The stylish furnishings are juxtaposed with quirky lamps, leopard-print chairs and gilded mirrors. If you are having an apéro date you can choose between their special happy hour menu at 8 euros a cocktail. Serious about their drinks, the bar’s mixologists also create thematic menus like the recent “Tracklist menu,” a collection of drinks inspired by songs (learn more about it in this episode of the podcast of Paris cocktail queen Forest Collins of 52 Martinis and see Forest’s top romantic bar picks in her guest post for us here). Hopefully, one of those will set your date on the right track!
Website | Address: 87 Rue de Turbigo, 75003 Paris
Lulu White Drinking Club
I have mentioned this great bar in a few other articles, by Lulu White seems made for dates… and it fits this selection extremely well, plus it ranks high on the most romantic speakeasy-style bars in Paris. One of the earlier bars to help revitalize the seedy Pigalle area, occupying a former escort bar, the new Orlean’s prohibition era vibe is accentuated with exceptional cocktails (many made with Absinthe), low lighting and terrible romantic booths.
Website | Address: 12 Rue Frochot, 75009 Paris
Lipstick
Just down and across the street from Lulu White’s, however, unlike the latter, it has fully embraced its previous raison d’etre. Voluptuous setting, slightly risky images on the walls and a stripper’s pole create a sensual ambiance, perfect for turning up the heat on your date night. To help lure you there (or possibly to order a second round of drinks) they have a great deal 6 euro happy hour on until 10 pm.
Website | Address: 5 Rue Frochot, 75009 Paris
No Entry
Paris only “Italian” speakeasy bar, this venue hidden in the basement of the Pigalle outpost of the Big Mamma group, Pink Mamma, will certainly catch your date off guard. Descend the stairs and turn left where you’ll come to a sign announcing “No Entry” – but yes – you are indeed in the right place and not in the restaurant’s meat cold storage. Push through the second door and you’ll find a dimly lit, red toned room with romantic two-person tables and bordered by large jars of flower and herb infused alcohol, that will one day appear in their cocktails. The bar’s menu has something for everyone, with a little hint of Italia here and there.
Website | Address: 20 bis Rue de Douai, 75009 Paris
Mezcaleria Paris / Facebook
La Mezcaleria
If you want something spicer than Italian, then make your way to this caliente hidden Mexican bar. Tucked away within the patio of the 1K Paris hotel and restaurant, is its alter-ego. As its name suggests, expect to find an array of cocktails with smoky Mezcal which are served within a vibrant Mexican cabinet of curiosities decor of dia de muertos figures, Mexican paraphernalia and traditional bright prints — you can get further from a typical Parisian wine bar than this!
Website | Address: 13 boulevard du Temple, 75003 Paris
