Les Trois 8: Craft Beer in Paris

Until about two years ago, it was nearly impossible to find a bar serving craft beer at a reasonable price in Paris. That’s changing as quality beer makes its way into the urban palate. After Le SuperCoin and La Fine Mousse, there’s now Les Trois Huits, a friendly little dive with a rock-’n’-roll vibe and great service, located in the Ménilmontant area of the 20th arrondissement.

Knowledge of beer is not a pre-requisite. Settle in at the bar and owner Julien, a bear of a guy from Alsace and one of the nicest barmen around, will explain the eight beers currently on tap. Try a Rotten Skull IPA from the Chevreuse Valley, go sour with a Cantillon or savor a Rogue chocolate stout—just don’t ask for a beer Picon.

Prices vary, but expect to pay between 2.50€ and 6€ for 25cl. Artisanal charcuterie and cheese platters come behemoth and small for appetites of all sizes. The big one is accompanied by a whole baguette and both give you access to the enormous jar of cornichons. Intimate and popular, Les Trois Huits fills up fast so try to get there before 10 p.m. if you want elbow room. This is also a hub for the burgeoning brewing scene, so run-ins with local brewers are very likely.

Les Trois Huits: 11, rue Victor Letalle, 75020 Paris. 01 40 33 47 70. Open Tuesday to Saturday 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday 3 p.m. to midnight. Closed Monday.

Unabashedly gourmande, Kate Robinson can regularly be found sleuthing out the best watering holes, secret gardens and food joints in Paris.