Ten Paris bars our editors recommend for February 14 — without a forced two-hour table or a red rose surcharge.
Valentine's Day is when most Paris bars suspend their normal menu and replace it with a four-course set lunch that requires a deposit. The picks below are different. These ten Paris venues run Valentine's Day the way they run any other Friday — great cocktails, normal pricing, an honest welcome — which is exactly what makes them better Valentine's bars than the ones charging double.
The Paris bars our editors send Valentine's Day bookings to
The first six picks below are the editors' default — the rooms we send a friend to first when they ask. Each is followed by a recommendation we have ordered ourselves at least three times. Click any bar name to read the full review, signature drink notes, neighbourhood guide and how to book.
In 3e, Little Red Door the crow is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the room pulls back the lights a quarter-stop on February 14 and seats two-tops where the bar staff can read the room. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
At Frenchie Bar a Vins in 2e, the burgundy by the glass is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. Valentine's runs the same menu as any other Friday — no set-price ambush, just the cocktail list at honest pricing. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At Candelaria in 3e, the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. Valentine's runs the same menu as any other Friday — no set-price ambush, just the cocktail list at honest pricing. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Combat sits in 20e, and the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. Valentine's runs the same menu as any other Friday — no set-price ambush, just the cocktail list at honest pricing. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
In 16e, Cravan the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the room pulls back the lights a quarter-stop on February 14 and seats two-tops where the bar staff can read the room. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At Experimental Cocktail Club in 2e, the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the corner table books out three weeks ahead but the bar seats are walk-in friendly even on the night itself. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Order: Mantra
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These last four are the editors' deeper-cut picks. Smaller rooms, more specific energy. If the first six feel obvious to you — meaning you have already been — start here.
Danico sits in 2e, and the maccatale is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the corner table books out three weeks ahead but the bar seats are walk-in friendly even on the night itself. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Septime La Cave (in 11e) the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the room pulls back the lights a quarter-stop on February 14 and seats two-tops where the bar staff can read the room. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
In 10e, Le Syndicat the calva punch is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the room pulls back the lights a quarter-stop on February 14 and seats two-tops where the bar staff can read the room. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
In 1er, Bar Hemingway at The Ritz the serendipity is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the corner table books out three weeks ahead but the bar seats are walk-in friendly even on the night itself. Editors' rating in our database: 4.9 of 5.
Order: Serendipity
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More Cocktail Bars in ParisThe full editor-curated list of Cocktail Bars in Paris, with neighbourhood notes and signature-drink picks.
Two Valentine's Day notes. Book a 6.30pm or 9.30pm slot — the 7-9pm window is overrun. And ignore venues that require pre-paid set menus on Feb 14; the cocktail bars on this list do not, and the experience is better for it.
Other seasonal Paris guidesFrom New Year's Eve to Halloween - every annual Paris occasion our editors cover, cross-linked.
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