Guinness Tavern

Les Halles / Rivoli - 1er / 2eme, Paris –

Self-described as Paris’ only “temple of live rock,” Guinness Tavern is an Irish-style pub that has been serving up cold beer and hard music every night since the mid-80s.

The classic brown and gold façade gives way to a dark interior of wood-paneled walls covered in traditional Irish beer promotions, and a plethora of large round tables where friends and strangers alike come together for beer, cocktails, and great music.

The mix of French and English patrons are often seated randomly by the English-speaking bar staff, which adds to the welcoming, convivial spirit of the pub and makes it that much easier to strike up conversations with new people.

The fourteen beers on tap, the excellent cocktails, and the camaraderie are all terrific, of course, but the main focus at Guinness Tavern has always been the music that happens on the small elevated stage in the center of the bar.

Irish bands play at least once a month, but the main lineup consists of French bands playing classic American and British rock covers – and since Guinness is a fairly small venue, patrons enjoy a good view from any seat in the house.