We’re so spoilt for choice bar-wise in La Butte-aux-Cailles - a little village in the heart of Paris’s 13th arrondissement - it can be difficult to decide where to go. Le Diamant might not be anything special in principal, but that’s exactly what we like about the place: a totally normal local bar with great prices and a ‘mi casa su casa’ atmosphere – we just keep going back.
In the morning the regulars drink their coffee, reading the newspaper in peace while the rest of the neighbourhood wakes up. Come evening, whether sitting at the tables inside or drinking on the pavement outside, we’re never alone for long: like most of its Butte-aux Cailles neighbours, le Diamant is a veritable nightlife hub. Thanks to its open-walled exterior, the clientele naturally pour out into the nearby roads, which transform into one giant terrace from 6pm onwards.
Plus, their happy hour lasts from 5pm to 9pm - one of the longest in the neighbourhood. We start off our night cheersing and clinking our pints of Leffe, Chouffe or Tripel Karmeliet for €4.50, and continue the momentum with €5 cocktails - all the classics, from Mojitos to Sex on the Beach to Gin Fizz, our super refreshing favourite.
TRANSLATION: LEONIE CATER