Bars are constantly reinventing themselves to break away from the traditional place where only alcohol is served, and reach out to a new clientele. In Paris, for example, we've seen the emergence of cat bars where you can drink your coffee and spend hours surrounded by cats.
But there's one trend that's been growing steadily in recent years: the games bar. While games have always been part of the café world, with traditional darts games for example, some establishments have made them a feature in their own right.
This type of fun bar is becoming more and more common in big cities, and their success is growing all the time. And with good reason: in a games bar you can rediscover the games of your childhood and enjoy a good time with friends or family.
In Quebec, game bars are nothing new. The concept has recently been imported to France, and numerous game bars are now springing up in every major city.
If the first opens in Paris, others will follow in Toulouse, Rennes, Bordeaux, Lyon and Nice!
In these playful bars, which are neither toy stores nor toy libraries, the principle is as simple as child's play: you pay for the consumption and/or rental of the games, then have fun.
It's safe to say that Monopoly and Scrabble are no longer just games for country vacations!
Now you can play with friends after work, or go to the bar with your family on Wednesday afternoons...
Whether you like strategy games, word games or darts, you're bound to find what you're looking for, as some game bars offer up to 800 self-service board games.
Card games, board games, dice games or quizzes... there's something for every taste and age.
The success of game bars can't be explained by hindsight and the jubilant joy of playing like a child.
First and foremost, people want to be in a friendly, playful place where they can bring their children. And then there's the desire to disconnect from all those games you can play on smartphones and tablets.
Generally speaking, the game bar concept has won over a large number of customers because :
Finally, you don't need to be an expert to have fun: some so-called "party games" have simple rules and can be played in less than an hour.
We're kicking off our list of the 10 best gaming bars in Paris with an unusual venue in the capital. Les Petites Flèches is the first and only themed bar to offer darts.
So this is a far cry from the traditional darts games you'd find in bars back in the day.
Scores are displayed on screens, and you can replay your best shots.
All this while sipping a delicious house cocktail, a good craft beer or tasting delicious tapas.
Les Petites Flèches, in Paris's 11th arrondissement, is without doubt one of the capital's best theme bars.
This themed bar is located in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, a stone's throw from the Voltaire metro station. On two floors, it boasts a toy library packed with games. On the second floor, there's a Tetris bar and a few tables, while the basement is a more private area with sofas.
Enjoy a cheese and charcuterie platter, a wide range of craft beers and sweet cocktails.
This self-proclaimed "space for the expression of imaginary cultures" is located right in the center of Paris, and is home to all things geek, science fiction and fantasy.
Le Dernier Bar avant la fin du Monde is a 400-square-meter paradise for playing a wide variety of games, drinking delicious original cocktails and relaxing in an anti-zombie bunker.
Themed evenings are held regularly, but the atmosphere is always a little offbeat: life-size dolls, comic books, carefully selected medieval and steam-punk settings, and a science-fiction library.
This hidden games bar in Paris's Saint-Germain district revolves around cartoons, comics, Disney and childhood games. Each cocktail (yes, it is a bar after all!) is named after a cartoon character.
To get your very own Olaf or Lucky Luke - served in a personalized glass - you first have to draw the character on a small board!
Board games are available, and sometimes, when customers are in the mood, a question-and-answer game is organized, with winners receiving free lollipops and shots! It's advisable to call ahead for reservations, as this game bar is as popular as it is tiny.
In the quiet Sorbonne district of Paris, opposite Place de Cluny, Le Watt is an airy, bright, open-plan games bar where students and families alike fill their bellies with simple, delicious dishes (including an excellent weekend brunch).
On the second floor, there's a library with books, board games and cards. The atmosphere is so relaxed and familiar that even a full poker game is encouraged! With a generous happy hour and a wide, customizable menu, entertaining is made easy!
If you're strolling down the rue Mouffetard in Paris and fancy sitting down for a pint (Happy Hour 3.30pm - 8am) in a cosy bar, Teddy's bar is the perfect choice.
The walls covered in leopard skins, Teddy's Bar serves a wide selection of beers and cocktails that change every month, which you can sip while playing one of their board games.
During opening hours - until 5 a.m. on weekends - you'll have the chance to bump into this themed bar's mascot: René, the house cat with more Facebook friends than you.
Between Arts et Métiers and Étienne Marcel, the Nid Cocon-ludique games bar looks like a mountain chalet. But make no mistake, it's a veritable Ali Baba's cave, with over 500 games available. It's also a charming wooden bar that will become your refuge on rainy afternoons.
They host a variety of events, Sunday brunch and the friendly staff will help you with any advice you might need, if you're feeling a little too overwhelmed by the choices.
Le Nid is also a boutique, in case you want to take the games home with you! Open until 1am, it's just a few euros to play plus a drink, and you're free to try out as many games as you like!
At L'Oya, the concept is very similar to that of Le Nid, but what makes this place special is the games themselves. The games are offered in their original version, but don't panic: the team is on hand to help you understand the rules.
What's even more special, they sometimes publish their own games, with stunning illustrations and fun rules, adapting each one to make it unique.
Not so much a bar, it's more like a club: no food is served, but for a few euros, you get a drink and one of the 500 games you might want!
The Meisia theme bar isn't in the center, but it's well worth the effort. In Belleville's creative space, open from 2pm to midnight, you'll find everything a board player could wish for.
Theme evenings are held almost every day, and there's a video game night every Wednesday, as well as tournaments and happy hours to make it even more attractive.
The Meisia is also a restaurant serving delicious burgers, salads and milkshakes, and the only requirement to keep the dice rolling is to have something every hour or so.
If that sounds more convenient, they've recently opened a Meisia 2.0 at 84 rue René Boulanger, just off République.
So, have you already tried out one of these Parisian gaming bars?
If you're looking for a more original or festive setting, you can also check out our Top 10 unusual bars in Paris and our Top 10 dancing bars in Paris. So, unless you prefer to stay in your slippers on the sofa, you've got no excuse to find a nice, open bar in Paris!
See you soon,
Les Petites Flèches
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Les Petites Flèches Parmentier
Tel : 01 43 55 65 89
Les Petites Flèches Strasbourg-Saint-Denis
Tel: 01 53 62 19 05
lespetitesfleches.ssd@gmail.com
Les Petites Flèches Pigalle
Tel : 01 86 04 49 49
pigalle@lespetitesfleches.com
Les Petites Flèches Parmentier
49 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 75011 Paris
Les Petites Flèches Strasbourg-Saint-Denis
Les Petites Flèches Pigalle
49 Boulevard de Clichy, 75009 Paris
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