Bars Clubs and Restaurants - Cool Trendy Select

Cabaret

This night club-cum-restaurant, steps from the Palais-Royal, is one of the hottest spots in town.  At midnight models, stars, and fashion types pile in.  Surprisingly, the food gets positive reviews, which might explain why Kevin Spacey, Naomi Campbell, and Donatella Versace have all been spotted there.  The door policy is a bit strict, so consider booking a table for dinner so you're sure to get in.  (2, place du Palais-Royal, 1st.  Metro:  Palais Royal  01-58-62-56-25).

Queen

Queen is currently the uncontested winner on the club circuit. It has a reputation for being a gay club but draws a mixed crowd.  Wednesday nights are labled "straight, but gay friendly, Saturday night is predominantly gay, and Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays are disco night.  Entrance varies from 10 euros to 20 euros 

Queen, 102 avenue des Champs-Elysees, 8th.  Metro:  Georges V.  Open- Midnight-dawn daily.

Les Bains

This Turkish bath from the turn of the century, remodeled by Philippe Stark, has remained one of the chicest clubs in Paris.  A bit past its hey-day perhaps, but it s still a fashionable address in Paris. 

7 Rue du Bourg l'Abbesse 3rd. Metro:  Etienne-Marcel. Phone 01-4887-0180.

Wagg

This new club in the 6^th, opened by Sir Terrence Conrad, is worth checking out. spin-off of the very popular Alcazar, this club has great music and a more relaxed feeling.

62 rue Mazarine, 6^th  Metro: Odeon.

Batofar

This cherry-colored boat parked along the Seine in the 13^th is one of the most respected and unusual clubs in Paris.They host an eclectic array of music with everything from techno to hip-hop, alternative, and world music.  Word has it that a new team is taking over, so it remains to be seen what changes will be made.

11 Quai Francois-Mauriac, 13^th.  Metro: Bibliotheque.

Nouveau Casino:

Another hip new club in Paris, offering an eclectic mix of live music and DJ's.

109 rue Oberkampf, 11^th Metro:Parentier or St-Maur

 La Coupole:

 In the late 1920's La Coupole was the place to be--Faulkner, Giacometti, Simone de Beauvoir, Sartre, Becket, and Man Ray all spent many a night at this Paris institution.  It may have lost its hipster status, but it's still a great place for a fun night out. Tuesday night is Salsa night, with music, dancing, and drinks.(Cover: 8:30pm:  22 euros. for Salsa lessons and one drink.  After 9pm:16 euros. for entry and drink only).

102 blvd Montparnasse, 6^th  Metro:  Vavin. Open daily 8am-2am. 

bars

Favorite Cafes

There is nothing more Parisian than whiling a way a few hours at a cafe. The first cafe in Paris is said to be Le Procope?which opened its doors in 1686.  Since then the cafe has become an important part of French life--it's hard to imagine Paris without them. 

Here's a list of some favorite cafes.

For the sophisticated crowd

The following two cafes are amongst the most famous in Paris.  As they area located right along the celebrated Boulevard Saint-Germain, they make a perfect place to relax, read the paper, or people watch.

Les Deux Magots:

Sartre, Simon de Beauvoir, and Hemingway all held court at Les Deux Magots at one time or another.  This elegant cafe is an ideal place to restore yourself with a cafe creme while watching the world go by.

170, boulevard Saint-Germain, 6^th.  Metro:  Saint-Germain.  Open daily 8am-2am. Food served all day.

Cafe de Flore:

Given the location, it's no wonder that Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots have always been rivals.  Cafe de Flore has attracted its fair share of famous patrons as well:  Picasso, Dali, Miro, and Eluard were all said to have been regulars.  Today it attracts a sophisticated international crowd and is usually packed.

172, boulevard Saint-Germain, 6^th.  Metro:  Saint Germain.  Open daily 7:30-1:30.  Food served all day.

Cafe Marly

This stunning cafe, overlooking IM Pei's pyramid in the courtyard of the Louvre, is one of the most fashionable in Paris.  The terrace is an ideal place for a leisurely lunch or tea in the afternoon.  When the temperature drops, the plush interior is equally inviting.

93, rue de Rivoli, cour Napoleon du Louvre, 1^st.  Metro:  Palais Royal.  Open daily from 8am-2am.  Food served from noon-1am.

Les Editeurs

This fashionable new cafe is becoming a great success with local Parisians.  Settle into the comfortable chairs, grab a magazine or one of the numerous books from a shelf, and while away the afternoon in one of Saint-Germain's most popular cafes.

4, carrefour de l'Odeon, 6^th.  Metro:  Odeon.  Open daily, 8am-2am.  Food served from noon-2am.

Hip Cafes

Bar du Marche

This funky little cafe, located on a busy corner of the Buci market, isn't really much to look at, but it's still one the most branche (literally "plugged-in," meaning hip) in the quartier.  The terrace is ideal and in the summer is always packed with the beautiful Saint-Germain crowd.  Food is served from 9am-6pm and is basic, but quite good.  You'll find omelettes, Croque Messieurs, and several tartines (grilled bread with various toppings). A fun spot at any time of the day.

75, rue de Seine, 6^th.  Metro:  Odeon.  Open: Daily 7:30am-2am.

La Palette

La Palette is a cafe that I would love to love; the terrace sits on a tranquil corner on the rue de Seine lined with trees.  In the summer I can't think of lovelier place to sit.  Inside you'll find the perfect Parisian cafe s worn and smoky, the walls adorned with faded paintings, given by the many artists who have called this cafe their home since its beginnings.  But the service leaves something to be desired and ranges from indifferent to downright rude.  At first I thought this was the "American" treatment in hopes of keeping outsiders at bay, but I've heard similar complaints from French friends as well.  However, this lack of welcome doesn't seem to bother the throngs of customers who pack the place day in and day out.

43, rue de Seine, 6^th.  Metro:  Odeon or Mabillon.  Open Mon-Sat, 8am-2am.  Food served from noon-3pm.  Closed in August. 

Cafe de la Mairie

Location, location, location is what makes this cafe a favorite.  The immense terrace looks out onto the fountain just in front of Saint-Sulpice, making it one of the most sought after cafes in the warmer months. (Watch out for the Turkish toilets!)

8 place Saint Sulpice, 6^th.  Metro:  Saint Sulpice.  Open Mon-Sat, 7am-2am.  Food served all day.

Chez Prune

Located in the up-and-coming 10^th arrondissement by the bank of the Canal Saint-Martin, this cafe has become a hot-spot for the bobos (bohemian bourgeois) of the neighborhood and is the perfect spot for lunch after a stroll by the canal. 

71, quai Valmy, 10^th.  Metro:  Republique.  Open Mon-Sat 7am-2am, Sundays from 10am-2am.  Food from noon-3pm, 6:30-11pm. 

Cafe de l'Industrie

This bustling cafe is a great place for brunch or an inexpensive meal with friends.  It's located on a quiet street near the Bastille and attracts a young, hip crowd. 

16 rue St-Sabin, 11^th. Open daily, except Saturdays.  10am-2am.  Food served from noon-1am.

Pause Cafe

This cool cafe in the 11th was recently voted best cafe in France by a book on the cafes of Europe.  Great food and atmosphere make this a popular spot.  Try to snag a seat on the terrace; it's ideal for people-watching.

41, rue de Charonne, 11^th.  Metro:  Ledru-Rollin.  Open Mon-Sat 7am-2am; Sun 9am-8:30pm. 

The Cafes of Montparnasse

Montparnasse was the center of Paris nightlife in the early 1900 s, when artists such as Picasso, Leger, Chagall, and others made the area their home. Next came the American invasion, with Man Ray, Henry Miller, Ezra Pound, and Gertrude Stein.  Their hang-outs, cafes like La Coupole, Le Select, La Closerie des Lilas, Le Dome and others are all still standing today and are as popular as ever.

La Coupole:  102 blvd Montparnasse, 6^th.  Metro:  Vavin.  Open daily 8am-2am.

Le Select:Â 99 blvd Montparnasse, 6^th. Metro:  Vavin.  Open daily 8am-3am.  Food served all day.

La Closerie des Lilas:  171 blvd Montparnasse, 14th.  Metro:  Port-Royale.  Open daily noon-1am.

Le Dome:  Le Dome doubles as one of the best seafood restaurants in Paris, but you are welcome to sit in the front terrace for a cafe at any time of the day. 108, blvd.  Montparnasse, 14th.  Metro:  Vavin.  Cafe is open daily from 8am-1am.

Cabarets

Many people wouldn't be caught dead in a Parisian cabaret, assuming they're nothing but tourist traps.Tant Pis for them, because the cabarets are great fun and in fact 50% of the audience is French!

Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge is certainly the most famous of the Parisian cabarets, immortalized on canvas by Toulouse-Lautrec and more recently in Baz Luhrmen's film by the same name. Opened in 1889, Le Moulin Rouge is where the French cancan was first invented; today this cabaret puts on a spectacular show with 100 performers and over 1,000 costumes. If you've never been to a cabaret, this is the one to try!  Go to Moulin Rouge for tickets and reservations.

Moulin Rouge, 82 boulevard de Clichy Paris France 75018.  Metro:  Pigalle.