I grew up in New Orleans, so obviously I have been to many, many bars in my (short?) 32 years on this earth. However, the coolest bar I have ever been to is hands-down the Hemingway Bar in the Ritz Hotel in Paris.
The Hemingway Bar is not big, in fact, it is quite small. It is tucked in the back of the Ritz in a place where only if you knew about it could you find it. But, once you find it and hopefully find yourself a seat, you will realize it is quite magical.
Obviously, it is named after Ernest Hemingway, who as many know, was a world-class drunk. So, already the fact that one of the most famous drinkers of all time christened the place gives you a hint at the coolness of the place.
Now this is not a bar to pick up girls or dance on the bar. This is a classy joint where you and your date or you and your friends can drink heavily and have a civilized conversation.
The decor is very old-fashioned, but also very classy. It looks like it has not changed since Hemingway drank there -- which is possible. There are lots of little nooks throughout the bar, so your choices are to either sit at the bar or in one of the little nooks. It is not really a place where people stand or walk around and mingle. Once you take your seat, they bring you a large menu with tons of old-fashioned drinks. The Hemingway Bar is actually credited with inventing the Bloody Mary. Now whether that is true or not is up for debate, but my husband, who is a Bloody Mary connisseur, contends that it is the best Bloody Mary he has ever tasted. I had a champagne cocktail, of which there were plenty to choose from.
While you are nursing your cocktail, you are brought bar snacks. Not ordinary bar snacks, mind you, but homemade bar snacks. Not super-fancy gastro-snacks, but good old-fashioned bar snacks like perfectly prepared potato chips. The service is, of course, impeccable. They make everyone feel like a VIP.
TIP: This place is expensive. Like $40 a cocktail expensive. So keep this in mind if you are ballin' on a budget. So, if you are in Paris, and you are interested in a swanky night on the town, I would highly recommend making a stop at the Hemingway Bar.
Bar Hemingway
Ritz Paris
15, place Vendome 75001 Paris
(33) 01 43 16 33 65
http://www.ritzparis.com/
