Bars in Paris 🍸

Most games bars in Paris don't charge an entry fee, but you'll need to buy a drink. Arcade machines usually take €1 or €2 coins. For board games, some spots ask for a flat €5 fee or a slightly higher drink price. You can find the latest pricing and drink deals on Seeker Social (Android / iOS).

The 11th arrondissement is your best bet for heavy hitters like Metal Slug or Pac-Man. Seek out bars around Rue de Charonne for the densest collection of vintage cabinets. These places get extremely busy after 9 PM on weekends, so aim for an early weekday session if you want a specific machine to yourself without a queue.

Châtelet has a high concentration of spots dedicated specifically to tabletop gaming. These aren't just bars with a dusty deck of cards — they have massive libraries. It's common to see groups settled in for four-hour sessions. If you prefer something faster, check out sports bars in the area that sometimes have darts or pool tables.

For arcade-heavy spots, reservations aren't really a thing. You just turn up and grab a joystick. However, if you're heading to a specialized board game bar with a large group, booking is smart. Use Seeker Social (Android / iOS) to see which spots are currently popular.

Go during happy hour, usually 5 PM to 8 PM. It is much easier to hog the machines before the post-dinner crowd arrives. By 11 PM, the noise levels peak and it becomes more of a party than a gaming session. Monday and Tuesday nights are surprisingly lively due to local gaming communities and organized tournaments.

Not really. They usually align with student bars in terms of pricing. Expect pints around €7 to €9 and cocktails under €12. The extra cost comes from the coin-op machines. If you're on a budget, look for bars that offer free access to their board game library with a minimum spend on drinks.

Stick to the East. The 11th and 20th arrondissements have the most authentic feel. Avoid the overly polished tourist spots in the center if you want a real local vibe. Places in those outer districts feel more like a messy living room than a business — which is exactly what you want when playing Mario Kart.