Duplex

For those looking to drink and mingle without any flashy lights or erotic undertones, the Duplex is the place for you. Tucked away on a side street in the Marais, its shabby appearance doesn’t instill confidence, but that’s part of the charm. Upstairs you’ll find a smoking room and a small balcony for surveying the rest of the ground floor crowd, a mix of 20-40 somethings looking to hang out in a stress-free environment. Hipsters and bikers join preps and expats around the central counter for affordable beer and wine from the bar. Grab a stool if you can, as seating is rare, but it’s best to circulate around the cramped quarters until you find a spot that suits you. The bar also plays host to rotating art shows, so that means a night of drinking can also count as a 'cultural outing', right?