A La Bière Comme à La Bière

The 18th arrondissement is a craft beer drinker’s paradise. At the center of it is A la Bière Comme à La Bière, a well-stocked beer shop with a tropical island alter-ego. Owner Jean-Baptiste got his start selling craft beer in the markets of Paris before opening this bright, welcoming watering hole that combines the best of a beer store and a bar, with a good dose of conviviality.

The green and yellow walls are stocked from floor to ceiling with over 150 different beers, the lower halves lined with fridges full of cold brew; there’s even a tap in the back room. The music is as important as the beer here and Clarel mixes up a selection of funk, rap and reggae in the shade of a creative take on a palm tree.

With good beer like Joli Rouge, Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes and Saint Cru in the fridge and homemade terrines on the shelves, one could hope to be stranded here a long time. The friendly vibe and helpful service draw a wide range of customers, from beer geeks and brewers to curious novices and party-goers looking for a last-minute gift. Pull up a seat, crack open a beer and join the conversation. The menu is set to expand with the addition of a kitchen in 2014. Check the Facebook page for monthly tastings and guest brewer nights.

A la Bière Comme à La Bière: 20 rue Custine, 75018 Paris, Tel: +33 (0)9 52 80 59 14. Open Tuesday- Friday from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 11 p.m. Beer tastings held at 6 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month.

Unabashedly gourmande, Kate Robinson can regularly be foundsleuthing out the best watering holes, secret gardens and food joints in Paris.