Quicktake: The latest summer Paris rooftop bar, Eminente, sits atop the Drawing Hotel in a tranquil Cuban inspired setting, serving six rum cocktails alongside Caribbean style tapas.
The venue feels far away from the city’s hustle and bustle with a charming view of the surrounding tin roofs. It’s never easy to find a Paris rooftop bar that’s not overcrowded or doesn’t have long waits. But, Eminente is still somewhat low key and with seating for only about 30 guests ensures a calm, unhurried ambience. Standing is discouraged, so you can expect a relaxed experience free from jostling crowds.
The menu, created by Adrian Nino of the rum bar 1802 in l’Hotel Monte Cristo, features six well crafted rum cocktails at 16 Euros served by a friendly team. Made exclusively with Eminente Cuban rum, the offerings range from highballs and Old Fashioneds to Negronis. Each drink showcases Nino’s skills, balancing a range of flavors to cater to varied palates. My favorite is the daiquiri with a coconut wash—its acidity perfectly rounded out by the additional richness. The Negroni, made with Cynar, is excellent – highlighting this Italian bitter aperitif that is less frequently used, but deserves more play. Having had the chance to taste all the cocktails, I can attest to overall quality.
For guests not into the rum cocktails, wine is also a possibility. This Paris rooftop bar also has a grill station in the corner where the chef turns out Caribbean style tapas like prawns with mango vanilla chimichurri or Cuban pork sandwich that align nicely with the bar’s theme.
As a bonus, Eminente bar opens earlier than average at 5pm, but they also close early at 10pm to avoid too much noise for neighbours and hotel guests. And there’s more than cocktails and snacks at this establishment. The Drawing Hotel is home to the Drawing Lab, a small lower level exhibition space for contemporary artists and a worthwhile pre-cocktail cultural stop.
The Eminente rooftop bar is one of my funnest new bar discoveries so far this summer. Make a stop into this Paris rooftop bar for a sunny escape before the end of the season
Eminente Bar
Drawing Hotel
17 Rue de Richelieu
75001 Paris