3 craft beer bars in Paris to discover

The craft beer revolution has arrived in Paris in full force, with new bars and bottle shops opening all of the time. Here are three to discover with Daniel Neilson

La Fine Mousse, 11th

La Fine Mousse is both a restaurant and, across the road, one of the best craft beer bars in Paris. It’s a cosy spot in trendy Oberkampf. Expect wooden tables, exposed lime-washed brick walls, and a curving marble counter behind which knowledgable staff offer the best selection of bières artisanales in the capital. There are 20 taps with a rotating selection of beers from mainly French breweries including the Parisian Piggy Brewing Company (for a superb pale ale), Brasserie Popihn and beers from the masterful Flanders brewery Brasserie Thiriez, plus a couple of ciders. There’s also an extensive bottle list. All the beers are marked up on the chalkboard by strength and style (from lagers to imperial stouts). Our suggestion is to order the beers in the 25cl Teku tasting glasses so you can try a couple. The bar offers meat and cheese sharing plates, and the namesake restaurant is across the road.

Métro: Rue Saint-Maur (Line 3)

Aux Deux Amis, 11th

When you think of a craft beer bar today, it is destinations such as La Fine Mousse and L’intrépide bar, but the neighbourhood joint Aux Deux Amis has been quietly promoting artisanal beers for years. What they lack in selection, they make up for in conviviality. Turn up late, and you’ll be shoulder to shoulder. Best perhaps come late afternoon for a beer from the excellent Perle brewery, Deck & Donohue or La Brasserie Fondamentale. Sit at the polished copper bar, order some spectacular saucisse and other small plates and make some new friends. It is a place equally passionate about wines so the perfect option if there are some wine lovers in your party. Boisterous and fun with a good time vibe.

Métro: Parmentier (Line 3) or Oberkampf (Lines 5 and 9)

L’Intrépide Bar, 9th

From the door of L’Intrépide, you can almost see the spinning sails of the Moulin Rouge. In between the adult shops and clubs, is the de facto taproom of Bières Demory Paris, a forward-thinking and ambitious Parisian brewery. The brewery can trace its heritage back to 1827, but, like thousands of other breweries, lost its business in the 1950s. In 2009, a team resurrected the brand to huge success. It’s a loud, fun place with high ceilings, whitewashed brick walls and exposed filament lightbulbs. Very craft beer. The staff are amiable and passionate about beer. They’ll help you navigate the 12-strong list of Demory beers, plus a couple of taps dedicated to beers from their friends. The best way to try the beers is to order a tasting paddle with small measures. We’d recommend the Intrepid IPA and the Bock style Atomic.

Métro: Blanche (Line 2)

Liked this article? You might also like…

10 of the best brunches in Paris

Breton beer