Tucked into 52 Rue de Saintonge in Paris’s 3ᵉ arrondissement, Candelaria is a dual-identity gem: part open taco shop up front, part clandestine cocktail retreat in the back. By day (or early evening), the front taqueria hums with activity — patrons nibble tacos, tostadas, guacamole and lively bites, all crafted with care. Then, past a discreet door behind the counter, the ambiance shifts entirely. The hidden bar opens at night: low light, rough stone walls, warm wood, candles, and Mexican decorative touches evoke a secret cave-lounge tucked into Paris. Cocktail artistry is central to the experience. Candelaria leans heavily into agave spirits (mezcal, tequila) and seasonal flavors, with a rotating menu of bold, creative concoctions. Drinks like La Guêpe Verte (spicy tequila + cucumber + heat), Oaxacan Old Fashioned, and Pensa en Mi (gin, chartreuse, crème de cacao, crème fraîche) have been praised for balancing novelty with approachability. The crowd is mixed — locals who know the secret, cocktail geeks, adventurous travelers — drawn not only for the drinks but for the hidden-bar thrill. Because of its reputation, it has featured in global bar lists and is often credited as one of Paris’s pioneering cocktail speakeasies. Though reservations are not accepted (they explicitly note “sans réservations” on their site), timing matters — arriving later in the evening often ensures the speakeasy side is active and atmospheric. Candelaria thrives at the intersection of casual and clandestine: a taco joint you visit for food, and a hidden cocktail sanctuary you stay for after dark.
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