Paris isn’t just about croissants and cathedrals. By 8 p.m., the city’s hidden corners light up with the sound of clinking pint glasses, live folk music, and the warm hum of accents from Dublin and London. If you’re looking for more than a wine bar or a cocktail lounge, the real soul of Parisian nightlife lives in its Irish and British pubs. These aren’t tourist traps with fake thatch roofs and overpriced Guinness. They’re the real deal-places where expats, locals, and travelers gather for honest drinks, hearty food, and a sense of belonging.
Why Irish and British Pubs Thrive in Paris
Paris has over 120 pubs that claim an Irish or British identity. But only about 30 of them feel authentic. Why? Because the ones that stick around aren’t just selling drinks-they’re building communities. Many were opened by Irish or British expats in the 1980s and 90s, when Paris was still catching up to London and Dublin in pub culture. These founders didn’t just import beer; they brought the ritual. The pub as a third place-between home and work-became something Parisians started to crave.
Today, you’ll find regulars who’ve been coming for 20 years. The bartenders know your name. The jukebox plays The Pogues on Tuesdays and The Clash on Fridays. The food? Shepherd’s pie that tastes like it came from a grandmother’s kitchen, not a catering truck. This isn’t themed entertainment. It’s tradition, preserved.
The Must-Visit Irish Pubs
Start your crawl at The Irish House on Rue des Martyrs in the 18th arrondissement. Open since 1992, it’s one of the oldest continuously running Irish pubs in the city. The walls are covered in vintage Irish posters, and the Guinness is poured at exactly 4.5 seconds per pint-just like in Dublin. They host live trad sessions every Thursday. No cover charge. Just a stool, a pint, and a fiddle player who knows every tune from Clannad to Planxty.
Next, head to The Dubliner near Place de Clichy. It’s bigger, louder, and packed with students and young professionals. The beer selection is wide-over 20 Irish craft ales, including ones you won’t find in Ireland. Their burger, made with Irish beef and topped with cheddar and caramelized onions, is the most ordered item on the menu. Don’t skip the whiskey flight: six small pours of Irish single malt, from Bushmills to Redbreast.
For something quieter, try Brasserie des Martyrs-yes, it’s French-named, but it’s run by a Cork native who imports his own stout. The decor is minimalist: wooden beams, dim lights, no TVs. The crowd here is older, mostly expats and Parisians who’ve had enough of the club scene. They serve a proper full English breakfast on weekends. Yes, in Paris. And yes, it’s better than most in London.
Top British Pubs You Can’t Miss
British pubs in Paris don’t try to be Irish. They’re more understated, more about the ritual than the roar. The Englishman in the 6th arrondissement is a quiet gem. Opened in 1987 by a Londoner who missed his local, it’s got real ales on tap-cask-conditioned, unfiltered, served at cellar temperature. They rotate six different British brews weekly, sourced directly from microbreweries in Yorkshire, Kent, and Cornwall. The staff can tell you the ABV, the hops used, and the history of the brewery. Ask for the “Bitter & Biscuit” combo: a pint of Young’s London Original and a packet of cheese and onion crisps. It’s the British pub experience in its purest form.
The Black Sheep in the 11th is the place for rugby fans. Big screens, proper pub snacks (pork pies, pickled eggs, sausage rolls), and a crowd that knows the difference between a scrum and a lineout. They host live rugby matches from the Six Nations and Premiership, with free pub grub for anyone wearing a team jersey. The owner, a former rugby player from Newcastle, imports his own ale from a small brewery in Durham. It’s called “The Geordie” and it’s the only one of its kind in France.
Don’t overlook The Red Lion in Montmartre. It’s small, tucked away on a quiet street, and feels like stepping into a 1970s London pub. The walls are lined with old football scarves and newspaper clippings from the 1966 World Cup. They serve real ale, proper fish and chips (cod from the North Sea, hand-cut chips), and have a back room with board games and a fireplace. No music. Just conversation. It’s the kind of place you stumble into and never want to leave.
What Makes These Pubs Different From Tourist Bars
Not every pub with a Union Jack flag is authentic. Some are owned by hotel chains or foreign investors who think “British” means loud music, plastic pints, and £10 Guinness. The real ones? They’re run by people who grew up in pubs. Their staff know the difference between a pint of bitter and a lager. They serve food that’s made fresh daily, not microwaved. They don’t have “Irish coffee” on the menu unless it’s made with real Irish whiskey and fresh cream-not syrup and vanilla extract.
Look for these signs:
- A chalkboard listing real ales by brewery and ABV
- Staff who know the names of the regulars
- Local music nights-not karaoke, but live trad or folk
- No “British-themed” cocktails with names like “London Fog Martini”
- Real pub snacks: pork scratchings, pickled onions, cheese and biscuits
These are the places where you’ll hear someone say, “I’ve been coming here since I moved to Paris in ’98,” and mean it.
The Perfect Pub Crawl Route
Here’s how to do it right:
- Start at The Irish House (18th) at 6 p.m. for a pint and a chat with the bartender. Try the Guinness with a side of potato farls.
- Walk 15 minutes to The Dubliner (17th). Order the whiskey flight. If it’s Thursday, stay for the music.
- Take the metro to Place de Clichy, then walk 10 minutes to The Englishman (6th). Order a cask ale. Sit by the window.
- Head to The Black Sheep (11th) by 9 p.m. for rugby if it’s a match night. If not, just grab a pint and a pork pie.
- Finish at The Red Lion (18th). Order the fish and chips. Ask for the story behind the 1966 scarf on the wall.
Don’t rush. Each stop should take at least 45 minutes. Pace yourself. These pubs aren’t about quantity-they’re about connection.
What to Order Beyond the Beer
Guinness is the star, but don’t stop there. Try:
- Real Cider-from Devon or Herefordshire. Look for “scrumpy” on the label.
- Whiskey Neat-Irish single pot still, like Redbreast 12 or Green Spot. No ice.
- Hot Whiskey-Irish whiskey, honey, lemon, and a cinnamon stick. Perfect in winter.
- Shepherd’s Pie-made with lamb, not beef. Grated cheddar on top.
- Ploughman’s Lunch-cheddar, pickles, crusty bread, and a wedge of apple.
And if you’re feeling brave, ask for a Black and Tan. It’s a mix of Guinness and bitter ale. Some pubs won’t serve it-they say it’s an American invention. But the ones that do? They know what they’re doing.
When to Go and What to Expect
Weekdays are quiet-perfect for real conversation. Weekends? Expect crowds, especially Friday and Saturday nights. But even then, the vibe stays warm. No bouncers. No dress code. Just people who like good beer and good company.
Most of these pubs close around 1 a.m. Some, like The Red Lion, stay open until 2 a.m. on weekends. They don’t rush you out. If you’re still there at closing, they’ll often pour you one last pint and let you sit in silence with the lights dimmed.
Why This Matters Beyond the Drink
These pubs are more than bars. They’re cultural anchors. For Irish and British expats, they’re a piece of home. For Parisians, they’re a window into a different way of living-slower, louder, more communal. In a city known for its formality, these places are refreshingly unpretentious.
They remind you that nightlife doesn’t have to be flashy to be meaningful. Sometimes, the best night out is the one where you don’t know anyone, but by the end, you’ve shared a joke, a pint, and a story with someone who feels like family.
Are Irish and British pubs in Paris expensive?
They’re pricier than local French bars-expect €8 to €12 for a pint of Guinness-but cheaper than most cocktail lounges in Paris. A pint at a real Irish or British pub costs about the same as in London or Dublin. You’re paying for quality: real ales, imported whiskey, and food made from scratch. It’s worth it.
Can I get a proper English breakfast in Paris?
Yes. Several pubs, including Brasserie des Martyrs and The Red Lion, serve full English breakfasts on weekends. Look for back bacon, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast with marmalade. It’s not a tourist gimmick-it’s a daily ritual for regulars.
Do I need to speak English to enjoy these pubs?
No. Most staff speak fluent French and English. Many regulars are French locals who learned English just to hang out there. The atmosphere is welcoming to anyone who appreciates good beer and good company. A smile and a “Cheers” go a long way.
Are these pubs kid-friendly?
Most are not designed for children, especially in the evening. But some, like The Englishman and The Red Lion, welcome families during lunchtime or early afternoon. They offer kid-friendly snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Just avoid weekend nights if you’re bringing kids.
Is there a dress code?
No. Jeans, boots, sweaters, even a rugby jersey are all perfectly fine. No ties. No heels required. These pubs are about comfort, not fashion. Dress like you’re going to your favorite local bar back home.
Do these pubs have Wi-Fi or TVs?
Some do, but not all. The Englishman and The Red Lion have no TVs. They believe conversation is the entertainment. Others, like The Black Sheep, have big screens for sports. Wi-Fi is usually available but often not advertised. Just ask the bartender-they’ll tell you the password.
Next Steps: Where to Go After Your Crawl
After your pub crawl, if you’re still awake, head to Le Comptoir Général in the 10th. It’s not a pub-it’s a cultural hub with live music, books, and cocktails. Or, if you’re in the mood for something quiet, walk to the Seine and sit on the steps. The city is quiet now. The pubs are closed. But you’ll still taste the warmth of the night in your bones.