Nice
Nice's craft-beer scene runs deeper than the tourist taps. These ten are where locals drink. The craft beer bars on this list span every neighbourhood worth a trip, Vieux Nice, Le Port, Carré d'Or, Cimiez all show up, and every price tier from a $5 local pour to a $25 hotel-bar tasting. Each bar earns its spot for a different reason.
VIEUX NICE · $$$ · COCKTAIL BARS
Small cocktail room in the old town. Order: Spritz au Gambetta. Best time: Tuesday and Wednesday before 9pm, when the regulars haven't filled the room yet. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Saturday after 10pm gets crowded, book ahead or arrive early.
CARRÉ D'OR · $$$ · COCKTAIL BARS
Champagne-and-cocktail bar with a serious back bar. Order: Spritz au Gambetta. Best time: any weeknight between 7pm and 9pm, when the bar settles into its rhythm and the bartender has time to talk. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Friday from 8pm fills up; reserve a counter seat or a high table.
VIEUX NICE · $$ · COCKTAIL BARS
Low-key cocktail room on a quiet old-town side street. Order: Spritz au Gambetta. Best time: Sunday from 6pm, when it's the room's quietest premium night and the kitchen is unhurried. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Avoid post-match nights if the local team is playing, the upstairs gets loud.
VIEUX NICE · $$ · COCKTAIL BARS
Tapas-and-cocktails room with a Spanish-influenced menu and a busy outdoor terrace. Order: Spritz au Gambetta. Best time: Thursday late or Friday early, when you'll catch the room building toward its weekend tempo. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. First-Friday traffic in the district can mean a 20-minute wait at the door.
CARRÉ D'OR · $$ · COCKTAIL BARS
Wine bar with a Provence-focused list, rosé, Bandol, Bellet. Order: Spritz au Gambetta. Best time: Tuesday and Wednesday before 9pm, when the regulars haven't filled the room yet. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Saturday after 10pm gets crowded, book ahead or arrive early.
PROMENADE · $$$$ · COCKTAIL BARS
Private beach club's cocktail bar. Order: Spritz au Gambetta. Best time: any weeknight between 7pm and 9pm, when the bar settles into its rhythm and the bartender has time to talk. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Friday from 8pm fills up; reserve a counter seat or a high table.
Use this guide either as a single curated route through Nice or as a checklist to revisit over a long weekend. Reservations are flagged where they matter. Otherwise, walk in. Below: the ten craft beer bars that any serious drinker in Nice would tell you to put on the list.
Small cocktail room in the old town. Order: Spritz au Gambetta. Best time: Tuesday and Wednesday before 9pm, when the regulars haven't filled the room yet. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Saturday after 10pm gets crowded, book ahead or arrive early.
Champagne-and-cocktail bar with a serious back bar. Order: Spritz au Gambetta. Best time: any weeknight between 7pm and 9pm, when the bar settles into its rhythm and the bartender has time to talk. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Friday from 8pm fills up; reserve a counter seat or a high table.
Looking beyond Nice? See our guide to the best craft beer bars worldwide, or compare craft beer bars city by city. Or find craft beer bars near you.