Planning a night out on the town in the City of Romance? Paris’ nightlife scene offers something appealing for everyone. Here are some of my favorite hotspots for singles – from an eccentric and sophisticated bar to shabby chic dining or a casual burger joint – where you just might meet someone interesting.
The Experimental Cocktail Club
One of the city’s most eccentric and hip bars for single people, The Experimental Cocktail Club is proof that Paris has finally taken a leaf out of New York’s classy and creative cocktail bars book. This cocktail bar is one of the city’s most sophisticated places to mingle and serves delicious, unique cocktails that will blow you away. Forget mojitos and Cuba libres, this bar creates cocktails that you couldn’t even dream up!
37, Rue Saint-Sauveur, 75002 Paris
Metro: Sentier (line 3)
Derrière – the restaurant of the moment
It’s not often that you walk into a restaurant that looks like you’re in a shabby chic, Parisian apartment; but when you do, you’re in for a real treat. After walking through an archway and onto a small open terrace with tables outside, you’ll see the entry to the restaurant Derrière. Once inside, you’ll find guests drinking, dining and flirting in the bedroom, living room, dining room or boudoir, making themselves quite literally “at home”. There’s even a Ping-Pong table and a smoking room hidden behind a mirrored wardrobe… très chic. This restaurant offers a unique dining experience in a comfy setting to help break the ice.
69, Rue des Gravilliers, 75003 Paris
Metro: Arts et Métiers (lines 3 and 11)
Following on from the cozy feel of Derrière, meeting in small, quaint restaurants can facilitate close encounters. Some of my favorite informal restaurants include Candelaria and Blend.
Candelaria
Candelaria is a small Mexican restaurant in the third arrondissement where the lack of space (and maybe the strength of the frozen margaritas) means that you naturally get to know your neighbor. There is even a small speakeasy hidden at the back of the restaurant behind a white, unmarked door.
52, Rue de Saintonge, 75003 Paris
Metro: Filles du Calvaire (line 8)
Blend
This burger joint has four locations in the city; my personal favourite (and coziest) being the one in the second arrondissement. Blend serves delicious burgers on wooden picnic-style tables so you are often sitting with people you don’t know. It’s easy to get chatting, especially after you take a bite of their burgers and taste how delicious they are!
44, Rue d’Argout, 75002 Paris
Metro: Sentier (line 3)
** These bars and restaurants first appeared in: “How and Where to Find a Date in the City of Romance”
