Paris’s Best New Cocktail Bars: Le Coq, Little Red Door, Glass and More

Le Coq

It’s a new year full of new possibilities. And if one of your resolutions is to get out and enjoy the Parisian nightlife, you’re in luck. 2012 went out with a bang when it comes to bars, leaving behind a trail of new nightspots in its wake. Here’s  a look at some of last year’s buzziest openings…

LRD (Little red door)

Le Coq: Breaking out of the speakeasy trend, Le Coq offers something more cutting edge with its sexy 70’s décor and rock’n’roll aspirations. Industry superstar Tony Conigliaro masterminds cocktail creations that focus on forgotten French spirits and liqueurs and incorporate secret ingredients imported from his London laboratory. With a regulars list already comprising Paris’s trendsetters and tastemakers, le Coq is giving the city’s cocktail scene a wake up call.

Sherry Butt

Sherry Butt: After honing their skills under the tutelage of the well-known ECC group (Experimental, Prescription, Curio), this team branched out on their own with something a bit brighter just off Bastille. With a focus on high quality ingredients and well-balanced house creations, cocktillians can confidently knock back a drink or two.

LRD (Little red door) & Sherry Butt

For those who prefer their spirits straight, Sherry Butt has also amassed an interesting collection of whiskeys on offer by the glass or flight. Here, weeknights are best for relaxing with finger food at the bar. Weekends mean a full house and DJs on deck.

Glass

Glass: Taking a decidedly more divey detour, Glass brought something fresh and feisty to last year’s drinking scene. With a creatively brut décor, lower prices and tongue-in-cheek offerings –cocktails on tap and shot-and-beer pairings–, it’s no wonder they quickly became a favorite among the city’s scenesters. Quiet evenings provide the perfect opportunity to sample their 100% organic beef hotdogs with homemade buns or a selection of tangy pickled veggies. On busy nights a party crowds packs onto the tiny dance floor to bump and grind to the loud music.

Glass

Little Red Door: Paris’ latest speakeasy style bar entered the scene with a sultry and sophisticated sense of style. Another new establishment with a well-trained ECC protégée at the helm, they’re turning out a small but solid (and regularly changing) selection of inspired cocktails.

Le Coq & LRD (Little red door)

In an effort to continually up the ante when it comes to cocktails, they’re even bringing in a professional flavorist to assist with new drink design. No décor detail is overlooked, from the elegant glassware to the specially designed light fixtures. And, just for a bit of cheek, word is select regulars will be given personal keys to the tiny red door at the entrance.

LRD (Little red door)

Le Quarante-Trois: It might be surprising to know that one of the hottest openings of the year is located atop the Holiday Inn Hotel. Their rooftop bar, le Quarante-Trois, serves cocktails created with fresh fruits and French herbs over one of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous panoramic views of the city.

LRD (Little red door)

Unlike many rooftop bars, you can (and should!) make reservations here. You’ll be sure it won’t get too crowded, and you’ll be guaranteed a seat without a long wait. It’s closed during the winter, so make a note to get reservations here as soon as the sun comes back out. You won’t be disappointed.

LRD (Little red door)

And, with that choice, I say cheers to another happy year!

LRD (Little red door) & Le Coq

Le Coq
12 Rue du Château-d’Eau, 75010 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 40 85 68
Métro: Jacques Bonsergent, République
Open: 6pm – 2am

Sherry Butt
20 Rue Beautreillis, 74005 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)9 83 38 47 80
Métro: Bastille, Sully-Morland, St Paul
Open: Tue – Sat: 6pm – 2am, Sun – Mon: 8pm – 2am

Glass
7 Rue Frochot, 75009 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)9 80 72 98 83
Métro: Pigalle
Open: 7pm – 2am

Little Red Door
60 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 71 19 32
Métro: Filles du Calvaire
Open: 6pm – 2am

Le Quarante-Trois
4 Rue Danton, 75005 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 81 69 00 60
Métro: Saint Michel

Related links:

• My Little Paris visits “Bar Le 180” which has the perfect Eiffel Tower view
• Looking for a more classic wine bar? The Guardian lists their top 10 in Paris
• If you want more cool Parisian bars be sure to check out The Huffington Post’s top 5

Written by Forest Collins for the HiP Paris Blog. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, London, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.