Currently, the most fashionable drinking establishments in Paris are inspired by speakeasies, those illicit temples to hard liquor during 1920s prohibition America. Think hidden doors down darkened stairwells, bookshelves pushed back to reveal spaces behind, knocking on hatches with the right password – these secretive spaces are the perfect places for the latest de rigueur craft cocktails à la mode, strictly on the hush-hush.
Mikdash at Le Grand Mazarin
Hidden in the shadowy depths underneath the stylish Grand Mazarin hotel in the fashionable Marais, its Mikdash basement bar has a seductive, laid-back vibe where mobile phones are banned. This newly launched bohemian VIP club has a regular programme of entertainment, such as live DJs and cabaret acts, that’s ever-changing and “inspired by the moment – unexpected for sure, unforgettable for sure”. Intriguing, and all the more tempting when the signature cocktails keep flowing until the early hours.
Lavomatic
Launderettes have definitely become cooler since Oscar-winning movie Everything Everywhere All at Once – and Lavomatic in the 10th arrondissement takes foam emporiums to a funky new level. Hidden behind what appear to be working washing machines, opening the right one leads you up a narrow staircase to a secretive hangout for the cool (wash) kids. Sit on Brillo-pad-style stools and sip on one of its eclectic cocktails or sample a natural wine while nibbling on some fancy bar snacks as the music ramps up into the night for a fun speakeasy-style evening.
Poppy at Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs
Located in Paris’s permanently trendy Left Bank in the sleek, chic Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs, the wood-panelled, opulent Poppy bills itself as a semi-secret bar dripping with clandestine allure, where pleasure and privacy are guaranteed for guests welcomed to spend an evening in its deep velvet chairs. The fact the walls sport original dreamy Marc Chagall prints only adds to the seductive, date-friendly atmosphere, where you can sip cocktails, apparently inspired by herbs and flowers once seen as taboo, during your after-dark rendezvous.
Mikado
The vivacious spirit of the Roaring Twenties is alive and well at the Mikado, situated in the basement of the Hôtel Rochechouart, at the foot of Montmartre. Descending into the revamped den, a former Parisian dance hall, you’ll discover opulent retro carpets, plush furnishings, and Art Deco motifs, meticulously designed by Hugo Sauzay and Charlotte de Tonnac of Festen. Thursday through Saturday, Paris’s finest DJs keep the party pulsing so you, too, can dance in the footsteps of former patrons Johnny Hallyday and Jean Bouquin, until a bleary but happy 3am.
Moonshiner
Hidden behind the fridge door of Pizzeria Da Vito, the clandestine Moonshiner draws a diverse crowd of locals, expats and curious tourists. As the steel door swings open, an intimate, dimly lit world unfolds, adorned with Art Deco elegance, retro jazz and the scent of aged whiskies and enticing cocktails with names like “Smokey Island” (ingredients include three-year-old Havana rum, vodka and Beefeater gin), “Money Time” and “Back to Basil”. Open until a rather respectable 1am, Monday to Saturday.
Secret 8
Tucked behind a discreet door at Buddha-Bar Paris, this elusive hidden cocktail bar is the brainchild of Buddha-Bar founder Tarja Visan and Mareva Essia, founder of the Tigre Blanc Paris group). To gain entry, you first have to solve a riddle from its Instagram account (@secret8bybuddhabar) and provide the password when booking. With a menu curated by head barman Régis Celabe and Matthias Giroud, it offers innovative cocktails such as the delicious-sounding “Butterfly Requiem” (includes prosecco, pomegranate and elderflower liqueur).
Lysanne Currie is editor in chief of Meet the Leader. She also writes for Robb Report, Diplomat, Guardian, Influence, Tempus and Investor
