Top 10 Unusual Bars in Montmartre

Top 10 Unusual Bars in Montmartre

*Originally published by Natalie on June 2019 and Updated by Vanessa R on May 2023

Montmartre is naturally unusual. The streets are a little windier, the people are a little weirder and the houses a little more crooked. It’s all part of the magic in the 18th arrondissement; I went in search for some nightlife to match.

I wanted to steer clear of the Pigalle strip at the bottom of Montmartre hill which, as we know, is one long road of unusual. I imagine there aren’t many other places in the world where once can purchase wholesome tapas and a strip tease within the same vicinity; or enjoy a drink in what was once an opium den (looking at you, Moulin Rouge). 

What unusual spaces exist further up Montmartre? Read on to find out.

1. Marlusse et Lapin in Montmartre

14 Rue Germain Pilon

From the outside of Marlusse et Lapin you’d never begin to imagine what kind of unusual setting exists within.

The bar is two blocks from the I Love You Wall near the western end of the hill. It opens promptly at 6pm every night; this is when you may want to arrive. It’s tiny and fills up before 8pm.

The bar layout is actually a fully equipped, old hotel room. Floor to ceiling wallpaper, weird portraits of strangers, beds draped in red linens — even a wooden closet in the corner along side a sewing machine.

Marlusse et Lapin – by Marlusse et Lapin – Uploaded by them

Drinks are reasonably priced, the music is always good and the staff are wonderfully gregarious; it’s hard to pull yourself away at a reasonable hour. Thankfully they close at 2!

I prefer Marlusse et Lapin during the week as it is less crowded and you’re more likely to find a place to sit (by place I mean the hotel bed or sofa).

Unusual as they come and utterly fabulous!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO Sunday – 6pm to 2am
ADDRESS: 14 Rue Germain Pilon, 75018 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Blanche 

2. Bar À Bulles in Montmartre

4Bis Cité Véron

During the late 18 and early 1900s, the Moulin Rouge housed a giant elephant in its back courtyard that was hollowed out inside to hold private opium parties. When the property burned down 1915 the den was lost forever.

It took six years for the Moulin Rouge to be rebuilt into the establishment it is today. Behind the building is a rooftop property that is accessible via a dark alleyway just next to the club.

This is how you get up to the Bar À Bulles.

Bar À Bulles in Montmartre – by Bar À Bulles – Uploaded by them

The bar is an unusual space. It feels as though someone was simply storing mismatched furniture and lampshades in an empty room and people just happened to start drinking.

The bar is strictly a nightlife venue during the week. On Saturdays and Sundays, however, they are open from midday right through until 2am featuring a full brunch and dinner menu complete with tapas!

The best part? You can reach out on the terrace and touch the windmill of the Moulin Rouge below. Many local Parisians don’t even know this is possible.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 4Bis Cité Véron, 75018 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Pigalle 

3. Lapin Agile in Montmartre

22 Rue des Saules

In 1905 Pablo Picasso released his now famous painting At the Lapin Agile. This officially put Lapin Agile on the map for visitors to Paris. The painter would frequent this bar many nights a week, drawing sketches of the performers in exchange for drinks.

The Lapin Agile is the oldest cabaret venue in Paris that is still in operation.

Lapin Agile – by Francisco Gonzalez – Wikimedia Commons

This is not to say you can show up here today and expect a Parisian cabaret spectacle. On the contrary the performances have taken a more improvised and low-key route in recent years.

The bar feels like an old, medieval cave, the kind of place you feel compelled to drink cherry flavored brandy even if you usually find it gross.

Every evening, a troupe of six to nine musicians gather in the space and entertain the customers for three consecutive hours. It’s light hearted, it’s fun and patrons are encouraged to join in should the brandy so incline them — unusual Montmartre strikes again.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday TO Sunday – 9pm to 1am
ADDRESS: 22 Rue des Saules, 75018 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Lamrack – Caulaincourt  

4. Le Très Particulier in Montmartre

Hôtel Particulier Montmartre

I really love Le Très Particulier in Montmartre, the hotel bar in the Hotel Particulier in the suburban area just east of the Montmartre Museum.

The hotel itself is unusual; built into an old 18th century townhouse, hidden behind lush greenery. This is the hotel of preference for many international celebrities who want to visit Paris but remain under the radar.

Le Très Particulier – by Le Très Particulier – Uploaded by them

The hotel bar has opted for a kind of avant-garde jungle scene. Retro Caribbean may be a more accurate way of describing the interiors.

Its an interesting space to lose yourself in for an evening. The bar specializes in creative cocktails and fine whiskeys. French wine is always on the menu, of course.

The restaurant in the hotel also does a great brunch on weekends!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 6pm to 2am
ADDRESS: Hôtel Particulier Montmartre, 23 Avenue Junot, 75018 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Lamrack – Caulaincourt  

5. Le Tagada Bar

40 Rue des Trois Frères

You’ll pass Tagada Bar en route of a free guided walking tour up to the Sacre Coeur. If it weren’t for the huge red signage you may not notice it at all.

It’s a small, inviting little spot that many in these parts consider to be one of Paris’ hidden gems.

The unusualness comes not from the decor of this Montmartre bar, nor is there an old brothel in the back or performances every evening. It is simply the unique hospitality of the team behind the bar that make for an unusual night out in Paris.

Le Tagada Bar – by Le Tagada Bar – Sourced from their Facebook

Never will you encounter a more genuinely enthusiastic bunch of individuals coexisting in a work space, all with the main goal of making your night as enjoyable as possible. Every customer who comes through the doors at la Tagada is treated with respect, good humor and concern.

The manager is often spotted wandering the floor checking in on guests and whether or not they are having a good time. Being checked on by a manager… in a bar… in Paris? Imagine!

Tagada Bar opens everyday between 5am and 2am. Pay them a visit, you’ll be unusually glad you did!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 5pm to 2am
ADDRESS: 40 Rue des Trois Frères, 75018 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Abbesses

6. CO Paris 18

This peculiar looks like a tardis. A spacious bar outfitted with an unusual mix of furniture and accessories—think a Fairytale White doll to your left and a suspended shrunken head to your right—can be found beyond the modest entryway. Behind the bar, skilled mixologists create drinks that will definitely improve your night. Every Thursday, there is live jazz and snacks in the evening. You may find a cabaret with a diverse lineup of drag performances downstairs.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 5pm to 12am
ADDRESS: 15 Rue Esclangon, 75018
METRO STATION: Porte de la Chapelle

7. La Cave Lambert 18e

The 18th arrondissement of Paris is home to the charming wine bar La Cave Lambert 18e. If you’re looking for a warm and inviting environment then this is the best place to go to especially if you’d like a good bottle of wine. They have a team of friendly staff that are very helpful when it comes to selecting the ideal bottle of wine, you can also have your wine with cheese and charcuterie plates. Whether you’re a wine expert or you’re just looking for a nice place to unwind La Cave Lambert will suit your needs. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 10:30am to 8:30pm
ADDRESS: 28 Rue du Poteau, 75018 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Jules Joffrin on Line 12

8. La Divette de Montmartre

A vintage bar-tabac in the centre of Montmartre that is inspired by the rock and roll bistros from the 1970s thanks to its table football, vintage stickers, Beatles recordings, and walls covered in vintage vinyl. Owner Serge is a well-known local figure with a reputation for being an interesting guy, which the regulars appreciate. Thanks to the weekly live music performances, his bar attracts not only rock enthusiasts but also nostalgics. On the bar are stacks of music and art magazines, and on the patio’s terrace during sunny days, there are brightly coloured chairs and tables.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 10:30am to 8:30pm
ADDRESS:  136 Rue Marcadet, 75018 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Jules Joffrin on Line 12

9. Grand Hôtel de Clermont – Chez Ahmmad

Le Grand Hôtel de Clermont’s bar has earned the nickname “Chez Ammad” because of its long-tenured owner, who has worked there for more than 50 years. The kind welcome extended by Ammad and his son is extended to the neighbourhood’s regular customers who frequent the place.  

It’s a  vintage bar and timeless murals and paintings may be found on the walls under the low ceiling. The lively talks among the patrons and sometimes dancing after a few drinks to the Brazilian funk and jazz soundtrack ensure that you never get bored here. The restrooms in the courtyard are also interesting in the sense that they feature humorous artwork on the walls.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 5pm to 2am
ADDRESS: 18 Rue Véron, 75018 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Abbesses on Line 12

10. No Problemo

No Problemo is a charming little pub with a tiny terrace outside that has just two tables. Inside, there are porthole-shaped lamps, a gorgeous big boat propeller on the wall, and mirrors with the coat of arms “gastronomic ship” engraved on them. This upscale restaurant draws both regulars who have been won over by the mouthwatering homemade seafood dishes and a few tourists who have ventured off the main path.  Every Thursday, Les Blondes, a hugely popular band, performs live piano music and classic chanson, so get there early to snag a table.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 5pm to 2am
ADDRESS:14 Rue Charles Nodier, 75018 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Abbesses on Line 12

Having explored the top ten unusual bars in Montmartre, consider enhancing your evening with a guided tour of the area through our Montmartre walking tour beforehand.