1905

Le 1905 is the kind of place you're lucky to stumble upon. Hidden above the busy Aux Vins des Pyrenees bistro on rue Beautreillis, this cocktail bar feels like a secret kept just for the locals who know to look for the discreet door. The Belle Époque shabby-chic decor with its comfy chesterfields and fumoir atmosphere creates an intimate setting perfect for conversation without the pretension you'd find at flashier spots.

The cocktail menu is refreshingly straightforward with about eight options at €13 each, and the staff clearly knows their craft. The Al Capone is a standout—cognac plays beautifully with sherry, cacao liqueur, and Angostura bitters for something rich and elegant. For something lighter, the Raspoutine with cucumber shrub and elderflower gets a delightful crunch from a glazed walnut on top, elevating what could have been a basic drink into something memorable.

It's not the biggest venue by any means, and you'll want to arrive early if you want a good seat, but that's part of the charm. This is the kind of place where you can actually talk to your companion without shouting over the music, and where the drinks are made with genuine attention to detail rather than just looking pretty for Instagram.