Le Clin's 20 (CLOSED)

Few Parisians can boast knowledge of the rue Pixérécourt, even though it’s slap bang between the social stars of its neighbourhood, rue de Belleville and rue de Ménilmontant. However, Clin’s 20, a little gobstopper-pink bar sitting opposite rows of grey low-rises, could encourage the most habituated Parigot to attempt the adventure.

Outside is a little covered terrace (heated in winter), and inside is a cosy, dimly-lit room. The menu offers a large choice of well-priced tapas dishes (between €4 and €7 each for generous portions) – classic cheese and charcuterie but also more original recipes, like beef and raisin croquetas or a Serrano ham and goat’s cheese tartlet. With a bustling, friendly atmosphere and a great retro music soundtrack, it’s a pleasure to drink here. If the cooking isn’t particularly refined, it’s solid and affordable, and the drinks selection boasts rock-bottom beer prices (€2.50) and affordable cocktails (around €6). There’s diverse entertainment on at the weekends (for the full programme, click here): karaoke, gigs, shot nights etc., mostly attended by locals from the area. Come here early for cocktail hour, and ease into your evening just a few minutes from the brouhaha of Oberkampf.