Le Baron Rouge

Time Out says

Fri Jul 13 2012

This is one of Time Out's 100 best bars in Paris. Click here to see the full list.

Le Baron Rouge is a lifeline for food lovers who turn up at the Aligre market just as the stallholders are putting away their wares, and who feel like they might be about to die of hunger. Don’t worry – you can come here to eat, and to slake your thirst for good wine with quality local vintages in a blue-collar bar that has no time for pretentious oenophiles. On Sundays, they also offer oysters with a good Sancerre, or a plate of charcuterie with a good robust red.

In this tiny den devoted to the glory of wine, the walls are carpeted with bottles and barrels are stacked from floor to ceiling. If you arrive a little late for after-work drinks, there’s no hope of getting even half an elbow on the bar – you’ll be out on the pavement along with pretty much everybody else. Those locals in the know bring their empty bottles here to fill them direct – and more cheaply – from the barrels. There’s also a good selection of bottles available to take away.

By CG/EH