Mila: the go-to bargain bar with €6.50 cocktails, €4 pints, and DJ sets in the heart of Paris

While Paris life can feel fairly pricey, the bons plans are plentiful once you know where to go. Yes, you don’t have to cut back just because the budget is tight. And this place doesn’t suggest otherwise. Nestled between the lively terraces of the rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard in the 5e arrondissement of Paris, this little bar with big promises stands out as an oddity.

Mila, it's an alternative vibe where everyone can feel welcome, a place where affordable prices meet creativity, all with a sense of celebration. Opposite Jussieu University, near the Jardin des Plantes and the Institut du Monde Arabe, you’re literally at the crossroads of student Paris, tourist Paris and cultural Paris. On the terrace, the early arrivals bunch together to let latecomers slip in as much as possible. Inside, it’s a TARDIS effect: the small bar actually hides three rooms: at the entrance, the bar with its long banquette. Upstairs, the lounge area, still being set up at the moment of our visit. Downstairs, the decks set the tone: this is where the dancefloor begins. At the end of the week, when the night has really started, Mila comes alive.

We aren’t here for a quiet drink: the place is loud, the music is blasting, conversations echo just as much. It’s a lively buzz, well loved by students and more. And for good reason: the menu is friendly to small budgets while still offering a crafted, standout lineup.

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Here, you’ll find cocktails priced at €6.50 (calculated at €4 for a mocktail) with unexpectedly inventive recipes, mostly vodka-based, including the Matcha Martini in caramel, vanilla, and lavender versions that should particularly appeal to fans of the famous green tea. The surprising Brazilian Lemonade, offered in a non-alcoholic version and built with condensed milk, lemon, and vanilla, delivers a refreshing, less-sweet result than you might expect—perfect for the bold experimenter. For the more cautious, the classics—Amaretto Sour, Spritz, Espresso Martini, and Caipirinha—are well represented. All in all, the value for money proved to be a very pleasant surprise.

You’ll also find a homemade Bissap, available as a cocktail or in its non-alcoholic version, plus maté, yuzu cider... and beers on tap (expect around 4€ for a pint of blonde ale, 6.5€ for an IPA). There’s a wine selection where none of the bottles exceed 26€, so everyone can find something to their taste. To nibble, three dips are on offer. Not a lot, but surprisingly original and vegetarian-friendly: Muhammara (roasted peppers, walnuts and pomegranate), hummus (chickpeas, tahini, lemon and honey), and whipped feta (feta, Greek yogurt and honey). We’ll choose the whipped feta, and you’ll discover a texture that’s unexpectedly well-crafted—creamy yet light, reminiscent of whipped cream. The honey tames the feta’s acidity: simple, yet effective.

If you really want to dive into the full experience and feel like toasting and dancing, weekend nights are the way to go—Thursday through Saturday. Earlier in the week you’ll still find a fairly lively vibe. If you’re after a spot with a slightly calmer atmosphere where you can sip creative cocktails and tasty tapas, we recommend the Dirty Lemon in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. Another intimate option for fans of signature concoctions, with a 10€ happy hour every evening, awaits at L’Arbane, located just near the Monnaie de Paris. And for more ideas on great spots for a first-rate, indulgent aperitif, follow the guides:

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This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.