La Plaisir

If you’re looking for a space where you can come exactly as you are, head to La Plaisir! In the middle of the République neighborhood, Joy Thomas (alias Cool Kit) and Justine Sevêtre (a former exhibit curator) built the queer disco bar of their dreams: a mosaic tile bar, Klein blue walls, Drag Race summaries and burlesque joys. In Joy’s shakers, you’ll find mixes with chic and shocking names (€7.50): Gina Pane, named after a performance artist from the 1970s (gin, lime juice, basil, basil syrup); Annie Sprinkle, a feminist porn director (tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, kaffir lime, ginger); or even Dua Lipa (who needs no introduction, surely), a mix of vodka, lime and apricot juice, orgeat syrup and basil. In addition to the homemade focaccias and tortillas, Justine concocts the aperitivo on Wednesdays (pita bread and zucchini tzatziki) and, two Sundays a month, a big communal meal at €23 a head, with natural wine included in the price! // Kate Bouche