Fréquence

Fréquence is a lushly intimate bar tucked away at 20 Rue Keller in Paris’s vibrant Bastille quarter. Founded in 2018 by former barmen of Andy Wahloo and Sherry Butt, this music-obsessed cocktail haven is a vinyl lover’s dream, with rows of records stacked behind the counter replacing the traditional bottle display. Step inside and you’re greeted by a warm, dimly-lit space with rough-hewn wooden fittings, Scandinavian-inspired furniture, industrial lamps, and a concrete floor that gives it a raw, cool edge. In cooler months, a subtle red studio-like “on-air” sign hints at its recording-session vibe, and in warmer evenings, the front graciously opens up to the street for a breezy indoor-outdoor feel. The drink menu keeps things fresh and playful. Expect creations like pickled grapes with sake and rum, pineapple-lime flower vinegar with gin and Campari, plus thoughtful Japanese touches like umeshu, saké, and shochu, alongside delightfully balanced highballs—all priced around €12–13. For non-alcoholic options, mocktails start at about €6, while snacks like beef gyoza, tamago-yaki, and crispy fried chicken sandwiches range from €7 to €14. As for ambiance, it’s effortlessly cool. On most nights, a mix of solo drinkers perched on backless wooden stools and creative couples fill low-lit round tables, creating an intimate vibe perfect for quiet chats or vinyl appreciation. Fridays and Saturdays often bring live DJ sets spinning soul, funk, reggae, Motown, disco, and afro beats until the early hours. Located just a short stroll from the Ledru-Rollin metro, Fréquence has earned praise in guides like Time Out (price rating: 2/4) and The World’s 50 Best Discovery—evidence of its craft-forward drinks and musical charisma. In essence, Fréquence is where audio obsession meets cocktail artistry—a compact, soul-warming bar that blends sound, flavor and design, making every visit feel like a late-night record session.