In the south-east of Paris, the 13th arrondissement is home to a number of hidden gems, including wine bars, modern restaurants, and small cocktail spots. Among them, a discreet bar has built up a solid reputation among regulars in the neighborhood: the Red Poppy, located on Rue de Tolbiac.
The most unusual bar in the 13th arrondissement
The venue is inspired by 1930s Chinese aesthetics and, more broadly, Asia, with a vintage decor that also evokes opium dens, in a deliberately cinematic atmosphere. Here, we are talking about a space designed as a venue for exhibitions and concerts, with a clear artistic dimension.
What makes this place truly different is the way the menu is presented. The cocktails are directly linked to legends from Chinese mythology, and a glance at the list reveals names such as Jade Rabbit, Moon Goddess, Dragon Pearl, and Yellow Emperor. Another strong feature is the use of ancient Chinese medicinal herbs, which are used as a basis for each creation. The bar claims to have an apothecary spirit, with preparations that involve infusion, decoction, maceration, or reduction.
Here, the appeal is not just sipping a cocktail, but discovering a menu designed as a mini journey, just a stone’s throw from Chinatown, without feeling like you’re having yet another night out in the same old Paris.
📍Red Poppy – 116 Rue Tolbiac, 75013