The Best Bars and Music Venues in Paris

Paris isn’t well known for its burgeoning live-music scene, but it should be. From historic jazz bars to tiny trendsetting cultural hubs, the city hosts an incredible array of musical talent. These live-music venues are often the launch pads for local and international bands.
Caveau de la Huchette
Music Venue

Le Pop In
Bar, French
Le Pop In in Saint-Ambroise is all about indie and pop rock, with a youngish crowd almost exclusively dressed in plaid. Over the years, Le Pop In has become an important place for emerging artists, so much so that the bar created its own independent music label. This bar embodies an unassuming, alternative side of Paris, where second-hand couches add to an atmosphere perfect for a beer and a chat. Downstairs, there’s a small space for live concerts, so go early to beat the crowd.
La Mécanique Ondulatoire
Bar, Snacks

The first thing you’ll notice when walking into La Mécanique Ondulatoire (literally ‘the wave machine’) is its retro decor. Parked along one wall of this Bastille hangout is an old aqua scooter, which may appear misplaced in the context of the rock, metal and ska concerts that take place each night under the neon lights of the old cellar, but somehow, here, it works. For a small fee, patrons can rock out to local and international bands of all genres of rock, though upstairs is free entry.
L’Alimentation Générale
Bar, Snacks
Located in Folie-Méricourt (not far from Republique), l’Alimentation Générale (ALG to locals) doesn’t stick to any one genre of music, but rather, in the spirit of the supermarket its name invokes, offers an eclectic calendar of talent. Bands and DJs of every genre imaginable will be found at this popular bar, from the American-style country stylings of The Starchilds to the young ensemble Kosmopolitevich, a band performing traditional music from the Balkans. It’s a fun place to hang out, and entry is usually free, or 5€ (10€ including a free drink), and the Italian canteen on-site offers affordable snacks from a seasonal menu that changes often.
Les Disquaires
Bar, Snacks
Le Trac
Bar, Snacks
Le Trac is a cultural hub, a combination bar, restaurant and coffee shop, depending on what’s on on the day. It’s inspired by Brooklyn, Manhattan’s eclectic-cool neighbourhood, and the agenda is always diverse: drag shows and meetings of local intellectuals feature alongside stand-ups, improvs and of course, DJ sets and live music. In keeping with Le Trac’s theme (read: anything and everything), the musical talent is unpredictable, so be sure to check their Facebook events listings before you go. The tapas menu offers small, tasty nibbles at a reasonable price of 4–10€, and the cocktails are affordable, too.
Onze Bar, Rue Xavier Privas
Bar, Restaurant, French

La Belleviloise
Music Venue
Le Pop-Up du Label
Bar, Snacks
There’s something for everyone at Le Pop-Up, where it’s not unusual to rock out on Tuesdays then swing to jazz on Wednesdays. Spread out over two floors plus terrace, this club/restaurant/concert hall is known for its good music and great food, with a menu known to bring haute cuisine to the masses at wallet-friendly prices: think Angus côte de bœuf with mashed potatoes à la truffe, or homemade gnocchi with shiitake mushrooms in truffle cream. The menu evolves with the seasons, as does the venue’s rotating roster of bands, so check online before you go.
Le Motel
Bar, Snacks
Fans of indie pop-electro-rock will feel right at home in this friendly Bastille bar. Le Motel is just as much a friendly neighbourhood bar as it is a tiny cultural hub: they’re an event agency specialising in bar service, an independent publishing house and a meeting place for artists and creative types. Unsurprisingly, the cocktail menu is very original, with a selection priced at 4.50€ during happy hour (6–9pm), pairing nicely with the half-priced charcuterie boards. On Sundays they host a popular music trivia, and if you enjoy the sounds, you can take them home with you with their latest vinyl compilation, Le Motel, Ma Maison, available for purchase at the bar.
This article is an updated version of a story created by Paul McQueen.
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