In Paris, we hear a lot about how nightlife is dead, too established, and that for years the only worthwhile spot was le Baron. Even if we would love to see high-level new spots popping up every month as in NYC, this year was still eventful. Galliano became an overnight YouTube sensation in a video filmed at la Perle, David Lynch opened a club, and even the laggards were forced to enjoy the SoPi nightlife experience.
Here’s our list of the best spots that made this year 2011 an excellent year to get liver cancer:
Ok, this one opened in late 2010 but the fun really came during women’s fashion week in March 2011, when they extended their hours mid-year to stay open all night long. And if its impressive ceiling height, intimate and muffled atmosphere, and hotel particulier vibe were not enough for the one time residence of Bizet, they had innovative programming, including the Michael Pitt Fashion Week Party or the Book Club—a book swapping party—and edgy fashion week aftershows like JCDC or Damir Doma (all the Youngunz DJs were spinning at this party). We ourselves even organised a lavish party there with a live performance by Yussuf Jerusalem and a fresh DJ set by the Teenagers!
Le Carmen/Â 22 rue de Douai / Metro: Pigalle
Gaspard (Justice) + Breakbot at the Ten Days In Paris Party
We were talking about NYC earlier—it was this kind of spot that made Parisians jealous of New Yorkers’ creativity. This taqueria follows in the footsteps of clandestine and legendary NoLiTa Mexican restaurant/cocktail bar La Esquina with a perfect concept: tacos & tequila. From the street, it’s a little Mexican canteen with almost no seating. But the real fun happens when you finish your tacos and guacamole: there is a hidden bar in the back serving elaborate cocktails and many sorts of Tequila.
La Candelaria / 52 rue Saintonge, 75003 /metro:Â filles du calvaire
Candelaria
3: La Gaité Lyrique/Amusement Shop
Yes, we are talking about a museum with the geeky-style aim of making us discover digital culture. But actually, la Gaité Lyrique has an edgy decor and programming that includes exhibitions, conferences, artistic performances, and most importantly, live music events. This year, la Gaité Lyrique was one of the top places to see a live concert. And as if that wasn’t enough, the Amusement concept store located next to la Gaité is one of the newest hot spots for launch parties.
La Gaite Lyrique & Amusement Creative Shop / 3 bis, rue Papin /Â 75003, metro Arts et Metiers
Baxter Dury at la Gaite Lyrique
Indubitably the most hyped opening of 2011, and there were reasons for it. Decoration by David Lynch, months of rumors concerning the card member system, the constant delay of its opening, and the huge space made the Silencio an instant sensation before even talking about its schedule or showing pictures of the club. It became the hot spot of the most recent fashion week, hosting some of the best aftershows, before ending up as Lindsay Lohan’s second home.
Le Silencio /142 rue Montmartre 75002 /Â Metro: Bourse
Le Silencio
Because le Sans Souci started to become too popular, Jean, the mysterious Pigalle nightlife entrepreneur, opened up another dive bar 1mn on foot from le Sans Souci and just in front of le Carmen. Surprisingly, le Sans Souci is still over-packed and le Mansart is the spot to find the hottest girls in Pigalle. Why? Maybe the hot dogs, the cheap beer, the foosball, the fact that SoPi is now the trendy nightlife area or one the best terraces of Paris. Anyway, why try so hard with cool DJs, fashion week aftershows, David Lynch or fancy cocktails when people just want to sit, drink a pastis, and meet some cuties?
Le Mansart / 1 rue Mansart, 75009 /Â metro: Pigalle
Le Mansart
Article: Ruben N