VIBE

The most storied expat bar in all of Paris, if not Europe. This quintessentially seedy Old Boy’s bar at “Sank Roo Doe Noo” has been entertaining Anglophones (and cocktail-hungry Parisians) with house specialties like Bloody Marys and Side Cars (Harry’s claims to have invented both) since the likes of Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald made this their favorite hangout. Harry’s is scrupulous about keeping things “just as they’ve always been,” so the bartenders wear white coats, the paneled walls are decked in decrepit “vintage” paraphernalia, the lighting remains notoriously crummy, and the house specialty food-wise is a hot dog. Downstairs, in the cave-like “cabaret” (where Gershwin penned An American in Paris no less), punters lounge on red banquettes and listen to everything from techno to piano.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Despite its rather raunchy reputation, Harry’s retains its genteel sensibilities, so try to wear something smart casual. (Evening arrivals have been known to be turned away for not looking smart enough.)

GO HERE WITH

Paris first-timers; cocktail snobs; friends; a date

CROWD

Quite a mix–everyone from wizened barflies to suited professionals from nearby offices to overeager tourists. Later in the evening, the cabaret draws well-dressed 20- to 30-somethings for low-key drinking and dancing into the wee hours.

WHY WE LIKE IT

We can’t say if Harry’s has the best martini in Europe (we haven’t finished trying them all yet!) but it’s definitely one of the finalists. We love soaking up the rather seamy ambiance at the well-worn bar and watching the local characters get their drink on.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Service can be downright rude and the bar is on the grimy side (though some claim those are both key elements of Harrys’ charm). The tourist trap vibes can be something of a downer, too.

GOOD TO KNOW

There’s music in the cellar cabaret Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00am-2:00pm.

OTHER LOCATIONS

Berlin; Cologne; Frankfurt; Hanover; Montreux

CLOSEST COMPS

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Paris