Bar
clouds Bar and Heaven’s Nest
A bar, restaurant and open rooftop terrace at the top of the Dancing Towers on the Reeperbahn, 98 to 107 metres above the Elbe, with cocktails…
Le Lion Bar de Paris
A small classic cocktail bar near the Rathaus where the Gin Basil Smash was created in 2008, serving cocktails, chilled champagne and canapés without reservations.
At a glance
- Type
- Classic cocktail bar
- Area
- Altstadt, Hamburg, Germany
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- lelion.net
Good to know
- Birthplace of the Gin Basil Smash
- Champagne
- Canapés
- Card only
- No reservations
Why we recommend it
Le Lion, Bar de Paris, is the Hamburg cocktail bar with a claim to modern fame: it says it created the Gin Basil Smash in 2008, and the drink has become the bar's calling card. The bar itself is small and focused, serving classic cocktails, a short selection of well-chilled champagne and canapés, and it sits on Rathausstraße, a few steps from the City Hall in the old town.
Ordering is straightforward. Start with the Gin Basil Smash, since you are at its source, and then explore the list of classics with the bartenders' help. The champagne selection is small but carefully kept, and canapés make it possible to linger without heading out for dinner straight away. On some afternoons the bar holds champagne sessions it calls Après-Midi, and gift vouchers are available. Regulars can sign up to a Friends of the Lion newsletter, and the bar posts news on its Instagram account, which is the place to check for special openings.
The house rules are worth knowing before you go. There are no reservations: the bar's message is simply to come by. Groups of more than eight are not served, so this is a place for couples, friends and solo drinkers rather than big parties. Guests must be 18 or over and may be asked for ID. Payment is by card only, with debit cards, Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted, and cash is not taken. Dogs and cats are not allowed, and the toilets are not wheelchair accessible.
Le Lion opens from 17:00 on weekdays and from 13:00 on Saturdays, and is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Last orders are just after midnight from Monday to Wednesday and just after 01:00 from Thursday to Saturday. Because it is small and does not take bookings, arriving early in the evening gives you the best chance of a seat, especially at weekends.
The bar is ideally placed for an evening in the centre. Combine a drink with dinner at Café Paris on the same street, or with an evening walk around the Rathausmarkt and along the Alsterarkaden. It is also a good first stop before heading on to St. Pauli for a later night.
Le Lion Bar de Paris FAQs
What is Le Lion known for?
The bar says it created the Gin Basil Smash in 2008, and it specialises in classic cocktails and champagne.
Can you reserve a table?
No, Le Lion does not take reservations; just come by.
When is it open?
From 17:00 Monday to Friday and from 13:00 on Saturday; closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Can large groups go?
No, groups of more than eight guests are not served.
Do they take cash?
No, payment is by card only.
Is there an age limit?
Yes, guests must be 18 or over and may be asked for ID.
Is the bar wheelchair accessible?
The toilets are not wheelchair accessible.
Where is it?
At Rathausstraße 3, a few steps from Hamburg City Hall.