L’Antiquaire

Tucked into 20 Rue Hippolyte Flandrin in the heart of Lyon’s 1ᵉʳ arrondissement, L’Antiquaire is widely regarded as one of the city’s benchmark cocktail bars. Since its opening around 2010, it has built a reputation for elegant, classic-cocktail craft delivered with style and precision. Inside, the atmosphere evokes the look and feel of a mid-20th-century American bar: dark wood panelling, leather banquettes, vintage banister lighting, discreet jazz or blues in the background, and bartenders dressed in waistcoats and ties. Reviews emphasise the intimacy of the light level, the attention to detail in service, and the feel of being transported. The drink menu is anchored in classic cocktails—think Negroni, Sazerac, Martini—but the team also presents refined contemporary twists and occasional signature creations. For example, one review notes a “Peanut Sazerac” or a brandy-crusta variant among their creative offerings. The bar emphasises balance and craftsmanship rather than gimmicks: L’Antiquaire presents itself as “le temple des cocktails ‘old fashioned’”. While not large, the space offers enough seating to linger, and there's a small terrace for the warmer seasons. Reservations or early arrival are recommended on weekends, as the bar can fill up. In short: If you’re looking for a bar in Lyon with serious cocktail credentials, old-world ambiance, and a style that stands out from louder, more boisterous bars, L’Antiquaire is a top choice.