Harry’s New York Bar in Paris: a small address with a big history
If you want to not just have a cocktail but also feel like you’ve stepped into old Paris for a few minutes, Harry’s New York Bar is worth a visit. This intimate American bar on Rue Daunou is where people come for the atmosphere, classic drinks, and the feeling that a writer from the "lost generation" could very well be sitting at the next table.
What is this place
Harry’s New York Bar is located at 5, Rue Daunou — between Avenue de l’Opéra and Rue de la Paix, not far from the Paris Opera. The establishment opened in 1911 under the name New York Bar, and its founder was American jockey Tod Sloan.
Sloan aimed to create a true New York saloon in Paris. According to historical accounts, the bar's interior was taken apart in New York, shipped across the ocean, and reassembled in the French capital. So, this place is interesting not only for its cocktails but also for the very feeling of an American bar that has miraculously settled in the heart of Paris.
Soon, Scottish bartender Harry MacElhone was invited to work here. In 1923, he bought the establishment and added his name to the title — thus, Harry’s New York Bar was born. Under MacElhone, the bar became one of the most famous cocktail addresses in Paris.
Why is it so talked about
In the 1920s, Harry’s became a meeting place for American expats, artists, and writers. Among the visitors were Francis Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, and Ernest Hemingway. Here, you shouldn’t expect museum-like silence or formal restaurant service — the appeal lies rather in the historical layer that can be felt behind the bar.
The establishment is also associated with the creation of the Bloody Mary. The bar itself claims to be the birthplace of this cocktail, with its creation dating back to 1921. Even if you don’t order it, a classic cocktail in such an atmosphere becomes part of the Parisian experience, not just a drink.
Is it worth going
Yes, if you love historical bars, classic mixology, and small places with character. Harry’s New York Bar is perfect for a short stop after a walk near the Opera or for an evening when you want to swap crowded tourist terraces for a more intimate atmosphere.
Don’t come here just for a large space, modern design, or a long menu. It’s more of a symbolic bar: small, old-fashioned, and known precisely for its history. If you enjoy places where a cocktail has its own biography, this address should definitely be added to your Paris itinerary.
Would you drop by Harry’s New York Bar for a Bloody Mary or choose another classic cocktail?
