Paris’ Sonic Escapes: 8 Listening Bars You Can’t Miss

Paris’ Sonic Escapes: 8 Listening Bars You Can’t Miss


Paris has given the Japanese jazz kissa tradition a sultry French twist. Intimate hideaways where high-fidelity sound envelops you like a velvet embrace, and every vinyl spin feels like a whispered secret. These sonic sanctuaries are catnip for audiophiles, blending the meticulous artistry of pristine sound systems with an effortlessly sophisticated ambiance. Here, vinyl culture reigns supreme, and the music is curated with the kind of care usually reserved for a five-course Michelin-starred meal.

Location: 10 Rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris
Features: High-fidelity listening room, music nap spaces, coffee shop, wine bar
Atmosphere: Sleek, minimalist design fostering immersive auditory experiences

Situated in Paris’s 2nd arrondissement, Listener is a pioneering venue dedicated to the art of listening. Established in late 2023 by Thomas de Coninck and Jérôme Thomas, Listener offers a unique blend of services: a high-fidelity listening room, individual music nap spaces, and a coffee shop that transitions into a wine bar by evening. The minimalist interior, characterized by deep blue walls and 1970s-inspired furnishings, creates an ambiance that emphasizes auditory immersion.

At the heart of Listener is its subterranean listening room, equipped with state-of-the-art audio technology, including Aries Cerat amplifiers and Tune Audio Anima speakers. This space is available for private bookings, allowing up to 10 guests to experience their favorite music with unparalleled clarity and depth. Additionally, Listener offers individual cabins for “musical naps,” providing a tranquil environment for relaxation accompanied by high-definition sound. The ground floor serves as a coffee shop during the day, offering organic wines, craft beers, and homemade dishes, and transforms into a wine bar with DJ sets in the evening.

Location: 18 Rue de la Fidélité, 75010 Paris, France
Features: Eclectic library, vinyl records, intimate ambiance, cultural events
Atmosphere: Cozy, literary setting with a blend of vintage charm and modern elegance

Nestled within the Hôtel Grand Amour in Paris’s 10th arrondissement, Le Book Bar offers a unique fusion of literary allure and Parisian nightlife. This 130-square-meter space is adorned with an extensive collection of books and vinyl records, creating an intimate atmosphere reminiscent of a private salon. The décor features mismatched lamps, long tables, and comfortable sofas, providing a cozy retreat for patrons seeking a blend of culture and relaxation.

Le Book Bar serves as a versatile venue, hosting a variety of events including private dinners, acoustic concerts, conferences, and art exhibitions. Its ambiance is further enhanced by a selection of natural wines and a menu that reflects the culinary excellence of the Hôtel Grand Amour. Open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., it seamlessly transitions from a quiet daytime reading nook to a vibrant evening hotspot, embodying the dynamic spirit of Parisian culture.

Location: 25 Rue Saint-Sébastien, 75011 Paris
Features: Audiophile sound system, vinyl DJ nights, fusion dining
Atmosphere: Vibrant, eclectic, with retro-inspired design

Located at 25 Rue Saint-Sébastien in Paris’s 11th arrondissement, Bambino is a vibrant venue that seamlessly blends the essence of Japanese jazz kissas with a contemporary Parisian twist. Founded by Fabien Lombardi, the establishment reflects his passion for music and culinary arts, inspired by his travels through Tel Aviv and admiration for traditional Japanese jazz cafés.

Bambino boasts an impressive vinyl collection and a state-of-the-art audiophile sound system, creating an immersive auditory experience for its patrons. The interior features a raw concrete bar and vintage-inspired décor, fostering a cozy yet energetic atmosphere. By day, guests can enjoy a diverse menu that includes dishes like katsu sandwiches and grilled kémias, complemented by a selection of natural wines. As night falls, particularly on weekends, Bambino transforms into a lively dance bar, resonating with funk and disco tunes spun from its extensive vinyl library.

Location: 15 Rue Notre Dame des Victoires, 75002 Paris
Features: Natural wine bar, high-fidelity sound system, curated vinyl evenings
Atmosphere: Cozy, intimate setting with a focus on music and wine

Nestled in Paris’s 2nd arrondissement near the Bourse, Montezuma Café is a distinctive venue that seamlessly blends the allure of natural wines with the rich sounds of vinyl records. Established in November 2019, this bar and restaurant draw inspiration from Japanese post-war cafés, offering patrons an immersive experience where music and gastronomy converge.

The interior exudes a warm and intimate ambiance, featuring a high-end audio system comprising McIntosh amplifiers and Klipschorn speakers, ensuring an unparalleled auditory experience. With a selection of over 150 natural wines, including organic and biodynamic options, Montezuma caters to both oenophiles and audiophiles. The menu showcases innovative shared plates, emphasizing fresh, market-sourced ingredients that complement the wine offerings.

Location: 227 bis Rue Marcadet, 75018 Paris
Features: Audiophile restaurant, natural wines, DJ sets, seasonal shared plates
Atmosphere: Retro-futuristic design with a vibrant, music-infused ambiance

Located in Paris’s 18th arrondissement, Superflu is an audiophile restaurant that seamlessly blends culinary delights with high-quality sound experiences. Founded by Jean-Baptiste Andrau, an architect by training, and Louis Bruneteau, known for the wine bar Stéréo, Superflu offers a unique venue where music and gastronomy converge. The interior boasts a retro-futuristic design, featuring a pristine white room accented with colorful neon lights and an inner courtyard that invites extended aperitifs. The decor reflects Andrau’s architectural expertise, creating a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and acoustically optimized.

Superflu’s menu emphasizes convivial, seasonal cuisine with a commitment to responsible sourcing. Dishes are designed for sharing, ranging from small plates like grilled focaccia with fresh goat cheese and honey-glazed figs to larger offerings such as filet mignon with Corsican rosemary jus. The culinary experience is complemented by a curated selection of natural wines and inventive cocktails. On weekends, Superflu transforms into a lively hub with DJ sets, where tables are moved aside to create a dance floor, allowing patrons to enjoy music from Parisian and international DJs spinning vinyl records.

WAX

Location: 96 Rue d’Hauteville, 75010 Paris
Features: Audiophile bar, high-fidelity sound system, vinyl DJ sets, Franco-Japanese inspired cocktails
Atmosphere: Minimalist design with a focus on immersive music experiences and inventive mixology

Situated in Paris’s 10th arrondissement, Wax is an audiophile bar that seamlessly blends high-quality sound experiences with innovative cocktails. Founded by Oswald Itzicsohn and Pierre Halpern, Wax draws inspiration from Japanese jazz kissas, emphasizing an environment where music takes center stage. The interior features a minimalist aesthetic, with concrete walls and Piretti chairs, creating a sleek yet inviting atmosphere. The bar is equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system crafted by Palladium Audio, renowned for their work with venues like Bambino, ensuring an exceptional auditory experience for patrons.

The cocktail menu at Wax is thoughtfully curated, presented as a symphony with offerings that increase in complexity, drawing on Franco-Japanese inspirations. Highlights include the “Triton,” a creative blend of rum, squid ink, thyme, and spicy yuzu, delivering a clever and saline profile, and the “Crescendo,” an intricate take on the Bloody Mary, clarified and accented with cumin. Complementing the drinks is a selection of bar snacks, with plans to expand the culinary offerings.

Mesures

Location: 58 Rue de Saintonge, 75003 Paris
Features: Vinyl-centric ambiance, Japanese-inspired cocktails, curated music selection
Atmosphere: Elegant, minimalist design with a focus on high-quality sound and mixology

Situated in the Haut Marais district, Mesures is a bar-restaurant that draws inspiration from Japanese jazz kissas—venues renowned for their dedication to music and high-fidelity sound. Founded by mixologist Guillaume Castaignet and musician Benoît de Bonnefamille, Mesures offers a unique fusion of music, cocktails, and cuisine. The interior features a minimalist design with large bay windows, dark wood furniture, and light parquet flooring, creating an inviting atmosphere for patrons to enjoy.

At Mesures, the emphasis is on delivering an exceptional auditory experience, complemented by a menu subtly infused with Japanese influences. The bar offers a selection of expertly crafted cocktails, including highballs and other inventive creations, alongside a curated wine list. The culinary offerings feature small Japanese-inspired plates, designed to pair harmoniously with the beverage selection. The combination of quality sound, innovative mixology, and refined cuisine has established Mesures as a notable destination for those seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed environment in Paris.

Fréquence

Location: 20 rue Keller, 75011 Paris
Features: Vinyl-centric ambiance, innovative cocktails, live DJ sets
Atmosphere: Scandinavian-inspired decor with a focus on music and mixology

Situated in Paris’s 11th arrondissement, Fréquence is a bar that harmoniously blends the worlds of vinyl records and craft cocktails. Founded by Matthieu Biron and Guillaume Quenza, both veterans of the Parisian cocktail scene, the establishment reflects their shared passions. The bar’s interior features exposed stone walls and Scandinavian furniture, creating a minimalist yet inviting atmosphere. Behind the bar, shelves are lined with vinyl records instead of bottles, emphasizing the venue’s dedication to music.

Fréquence’s cocktail menu showcases a range of creative concoctions, often incorporating Japanese influences such as sake and umeshu. Highballs are a standout, with options like the umeshu highball and other inventive variations. The bar also offers a selection of whiskies, organized by flavor profile, catering to diverse palates. Complementing the drinks is a menu of refined bar snacks, including beef gyozas and a signature crispy fried chicken sandwich with coleslaw.

Music is integral to the Fréquence experience, with a focus on genres like Motown, soul, funk, reggae, disco, and afro. The bar hosts live DJ sets on weekends, enhancing its vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. Operating hours extend until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 4 a.m. on weekends, making it a popular destination for both early evening drinks and late-night gatherings.

2024 PMA Magazine. All rights reserved.


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