Top 5 Unique Cocktail Bars in South Pigalle, Paris

Looking to keep warm during chilly evenings or cool on summer nights in Paris, all while scoping out one of the city’s hippest neighbourhoods? Head to the Rive Droite and discover these five unique cocktail bars in South Pigalle (aka SoPi):

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Amaro

Amaro

Spearheaded by Philippe Baranes, the brain behind local favourites, Braisenville and Il Cuoco Galante, Amaro centres around Italian bitters (hence its name). This SoPi aperitivo bar serves up a cocktail selection (including negronis) that changes on the regular, like 4.0 (“Quattro zero”), a spin on the classic Bellini, and Tutto Bene 2.0, a play on the Moscow Mule with homemade ginger syrup replacing the ginger beer. Round off your bitter concoction by nibbling on Venetian cicchetti (small snacks), tramezzini (little Italian sandwiches), supplì (risotto fritters stuffed with mozzarella, a popular Roman street food staple), as well as charcuterie and cheese platters. Amaro’s striking decor with pops of pink and blue intrigues passersby and its outdoor, street-side terrace is covered in greenery. Take a seat and pretend you’re in Italy for the evening.

Chez Bouboule

Photo courtesy of Chez Bouboule

Complete with a large pétanque court that takes up a substantial portion of the bar, Chez Bouboule is a local favourite among friends that come to mingle and spend the evening playing the old French sport, while curious onlookers watch from outside. Go for a glass of wine, a beer, or cocktails that range from simple Mojitos to elaborate drinks like the Bouboule Special (Lillet Rosé, grapefruit, fresh mint, lime, and brown sugar).

Dirty Dick

Photo courtesy of Dirty Dick

You read right. With a name that belonged to the former establishment (which the owners decided to keep) from when the area was in its Red Light District heyday, this joint is a SoPi staple. Go for the kitsch, Tiki bar decor, stay for their variety of 50 rums and cocktails served in totem heads. From punch bowls to classics like the Mai Tai and the Zombie, Dirty Dick has something for everyone.

Sparks

Photo courtesy of Sparks

Nestled on rue Gerando, just off of rue de Dunkerque, Sparks is a quaint cocktail bar with a Belle Epoque look and a twist on Italian classics. Along with a traditional Spritz, my go-tos are the Bellini and the Rossini (usually, simply peach or strawberry purée and Prosecco, but here, they add a splash of gin to the former and a hint of vodka to the latter!). Be sure to snag a coveted seat on their outdoor sidewalk terrace come summer and order a side of Italian bite-size snacks.

No Entry

Photo courtesy of Big Mamma Group / by Joann Pai

Better known as the secret, Prohibition-style speakeasy located in the basement of Pink Mamma, No Entry is the latest addition to the Big Mamma Group. Their establishments quickly gained notoriety due to their insanely long queues, but here, simply give your name to the hostess and wait for your table in a stylish, moody setting while sipping on an Italian cocktail. On my visit, I opt for the Emilia Romagna – a concoction that looks like it came straight out of a chemist’s lab – made with Lambrusco, strawberry and raspberry syrups, and balsamic vinegar from Modena, among other yummy ingredients.

Have you been to these unique cocktail bars in South Pigalle? Did I miss your favourite? Let me know below!