The Extravagance of Ice Kube Bar
Imagine yourself stepping into a world of crystalline elegance, nestled right amidst the city lights of Paris. Welcome to Ice Kube Bar, a place where your cocktails are served on polished ice cubes. Quite the novelty, isn't it? The entire place is essentially a large freezer where glasses are made of ice, the bar is made of ice, and even the seats... well, you guessed it. They're made of ice too. Being encased in a chilly -5 degrees makes the experience here uniquely invigorating. And, of course, a faux fur coat and gloves are handed to you upon entry to keep you cozy and thankfully, frostbite-free.
But the cold isn't that terrible, especially not when you have an array of vibrant, brightly colored cocktails to warm you up. The luminescent blues, pinks, and oranges of your drinks contrast beautifully against the icy white backdrop, making each sip feel like a mini arctic expedition. Besides, the fun factor here is through the ice ceiling. Order their famous 'Nitro Cocktail' and watch the barman whip it up in a cloud of dry ice. One time, I even tried to replicate that at home; let me tell you, it didn't end well. So leave it to the pros at Ice Kube Bar and enjoy the frosty spectacle.
Getting Whisky at Moonshiner
I just love when a bar is not just a bar. Moonshiner is one such place. It is a speakeasy, taking you back to the Prohibition era when the sale of alcohol was illegal, and secretive bars were a refuge for those seeking a tipple. To get to this place, you have to walk through a pizza parlor, push through the metal doors of a giant chiller room, and voila, you've time traveled to the 1920s.
The dimly lit room, the jazz softly playing in the background, and the bar staff smartly dressed in suspenders and fedoras immediately throw you into a world reminiscent of a Dashiell Hammett novel. And let's not even start on their whisky collection; it's enough to make a connoisseur weep with joy. Whether you prefer a smoky Islay scotch or a smooth, oaky bourbon, Moonshiner has it for you. I recall an evening when my friends and I found ourselves entangled in a spirited debate over whose country makes the best whisky. Several shots later, no verdict was reached, but oh boy, did we have fun! Moonshiner truly encapsulates that age-old Parisian charm with a touch of roguishness.
Dancing with the Dead at Le Comptoir General
Up next is a bar that can double as an Ethnographic museum. Le Comptoir General, or as I like to call it, "the museum bar", is tucked away down an unassuming alley in the Canal St. Martin region. The entire decor of this place is a hodgepodge of curious memorabilia from Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond. It's like stepping into the creative and chaotic mind of an eccentric adventurer. The dark lighting and eerie mystique create a gothic atmosphere that is incredibly appealing, especially if, like me, you're a fan of the macabre.
Le Comptoir General also regularly hosts dancing nights and DJ sets, where you can either stand back and observe or jump in and join the fun. One memory I cherish is when, fueled by some excellent rum cocktails, I joined a group doing the traditional Gwoka dance. I didn't have a clue what I was doing, but it was an exhilarating experience. And drink-wise, the Rhum Punch is a must-try. Its potent, powerful, and will have you dancing, even if you've got two left feet!
Embracing the Exotic at Le Syndicat
Have you ever seen an unmarked graffiti-covered door and thought, 'Ah yes, a perfect place for a swanky cocktail bar'? No? Well, neither had I until I walked into Le Syndicat. This cocktail bar is all about surprising its patrons. From the outside, it looks completely derelict. But push past the shabby exterior, and you will be welcomed by an exquisite interior, luxurious and plush, accented with gold and velvet. It's like finding a diamond in the rough.
The cocktails here are crafted using only French spirits, many of which you may not have heard of before. Monk's brandy, Maraschino from Giffard, absinthes from all corners of France - it's a Gallic boozy dream. Sometimes, I like to close my eyes, point randomly at the menu, and brace myself for the boozy delight that arrives at my table. Most recently, I pointed at the 'Marquisette', a bubbly cocktail of white wine, lemon, and a secret ingredient that I couldn't coax out of the bartender. It was delightful and just the right side of tart.
Reeling in the Dixie Delights at Le Petit Keller
Let me introduce you to Le Petit Keller, one of the city's best-kept secrets. This little place is an ode to the Southern United States culture. The theme starts with the antique, rustic decor and continues right through the menu. And let me tell you, the cocktails are as charming as a Southern drawl.
My personal favorite is the Mint Julep - Bourbon, fresh mint, and crushed ice served in a frosted pewter cup. The first sip transported me straight to a sun-drenched porch swing in Kentucky. My companion for the night tried their award-winning 'Sazerac', a classic New Orleans concoction of cognac, absinthe, and Peychaud's Bitters. It was strong, aromatic, and as my companion poetically exclaimed, 'full of gumption'.
In the end, what stays with you is not just the delicious drinks but the whole package - the comforting, mellow music, the relaxed, friendly staff, and the pictures of blues icons gazing down at you. It's like immersing yourself in a Woody Allen movie, full of nostalgia, charm, and just a bit of whimsy.
Trekking Through Bars of Paris at Le Tiki Lounge
Lastly, we land on the sandy shores of the Pacific islands...well, metaphorically. Le Tiki Lounge is a Polynesian-themed paradise nestled in the heart of Paris. It's a pleasingly quirky bar that serves tropical cocktails in equally tropical mugs. You might be sipping your drink from a ceramic coconut or a hollowed-out pineapple, complete with a colorful umbrella, of course.
Apart from the potent, sunshine-filled cocktails, what adds to the charm of Le Tiki Lounge is the Polynesian decor. The thatched roof, the bamboo furniture, and the warm, earthy tones make you feel like a world traveler sipping your drink by the beach in Tahiti. I never got to take that vacation to Hawaii during college; an unfortunate lack of funds coupled with a series of comedy of errors led to that. But each time I step into Le Tiki Lounge, I feel like I'm making up for that missed trip, one tropical drink at a time.
