Top 12 best bars in Saint-Étienne for your nights out

You’ve just arrived in town, or maybe you’re already settled in Saint-Étienne, and one question is burning on your lips: “Where can I have amazing nights out in this buzzing city?” That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best bars in Saint-Étienne so you can effortlessly find the perfect bar to match your mood.

In this detailed article, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of the 12 best bars in Saint-Étienne, organized by atmosphere to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. We’ve taken into account reviews, vibes, offerings, and those little extras that make all the difference. Some even offer a proper restaurant menu, perfect for dinner before extending the night. You’ll discover places for every mood, from must-visit addresses to hidden gems, all complete with practical information and smart tips for your nights out.

Key takeaways :

• 12 addresses: A selection of establishments open in Saint-Étienne, located mainly around Place Jean Jaurès, Rue des Martyrs de Vingré, and the Saint-Jacques neighborhood, with each area having its own must-visit spots.
• Three distinct atmospheres: 12 bars categorized into 3 types: cocktail and wine bars for a relaxed vibe, pubs and beer bars for sports and socializing, and lively bars for late-night fun.
• Complete practical information: Exact address, opening hours, prices (from € to €€€), and reviews.
• Local specialties and themes: Highlighting unique concepts like 100% craft beers (Hop Square), the games bar (Pile ou Face), the pirate rum bar (Le Barberousse), or the natural wine cellar (La Cave Jovin).

Cozy and chic bars : For keeping it relaxed

1. Le Lipopette Bar

An essential institution in the city center, Le Lipopette Bar, affectionately nicknamed “le Lipo'” by regulars, even takes its name from an Oxmo Puccino song. In this warm, all-wood bar, you’ll find 11 draft beers, 60 bottled options, foosball, darts, and other activities. The rustic, friendly atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a laid-back evening, and ASSE matches are shown on two screens.

• Exact address: 5 Rue Saint-François, 42000 Saint-Étienne
• Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 3:00 PM – 1:00 AM; Sun: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• Services offered: Draft and bottled beers, foosball, darts, sports broadcasts.
• Price range: €1 – €10 per person
• Reviews: 4.6/5
• Link: facebook.com/lipopettebar

2. Demain les Vins / La Cave Jovin

The establishment is located facing Jovin-Bouchard square. You can explore over 600 natural wine references from committed winemakers, for on-site consumption (€8 corkage fee) or takeaway. Charcuterie and cheese boards perfectly complement everything, and themed tastings are organized monthly. The cellar can also be privatized for your special occasions.

• Exact address: 1 bis Cours Jovin-Bouchard, 42000 Saint-Étienne
• Opening hours: Tue-Wed: 10 AM-1 PM and 3-7 PM; Thu-Fri: 10 AM-1 PM and 3-11 PM; Sat: 11 AM-7 PM.
• Services offered: Natural wines (600+ references), aperitif boards, themed tastings, private hire.
• Price range: €€
• Reviews: 4.7/5
• Link: lacavejovin.com

3. Le Méliès Café

Adjacent to the cinema of the same name, Le Méliès Café is the meeting point for locals who love gathering in a chic, cultural setting on Place Jean Jaurès. Its 1920s Art Deco decor and impressive wine cellar displayed behind glass immediately set the tone. The massive terrace accommodating 200 people is the perfect spot on sunny days. Events and entertainment fill the calendar all year long!

• Exact address: 10 Place Jean Jaurès, 42000 Saint-Étienne
• Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM (1:00 AM Thu-Sat).
• Services offered: Mixed drinks, wine list, large terrace (200 seats), dining, themed evenings.
• Price range: €20 – €30 per person
• Reviews: 4.3/5
• Link: lemeliesbrasserie.com

4. The Smoking Dog

This old-school English pub is one of the most beloved addresses in town, with wood paneling and exposed beams that instantly transport you across the Channel. On the menu: draft and bottled beers, rums, whiskies, darts, chess, and even a piano. All Premier League and Ligue 1 matches are broadcast, and the terrace is perfect on sunny days.

• Exact address: 5 Rue Georges Dupré, 42000 Saint-Étienne
• Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 3:00 PM – 1:00 AM; Sun: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• Services offered: Draft and bottled beers, whiskies, rums, darts, sports broadcasts.
• Price range: €10 – €20 per person
• Reviews: 4.5/5
• Link: facebook.com/smokingdog42

Pubs and beer bars : For mates and pints

5. Hop Square

A true institution in the Notre-Dame neighborhood, Hop Square is THE craft beer kingdom in Saint-Étienne: 15 draft beers in constant rotation with a strong presence of local breweries, and over 60 independent spirits. The steampunk and industrial decor immediately sets the tone. Tap Takeovers and meet-the-brewer evenings regularly fill the calendar. Smash burgers, flammekuchen, and aperitif boards complete the menu, with happy hour daily from 5 PM to 8 PM.

• Exact address: 10 Rue Notre Dame, 42000 Saint-Étienne
• Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 5:00 PM – 1:30 AM
• Services offered: Craft beers (15 rotating taps), spirits, flammekuchen, smash burgers, entertainment, terrace.
• Price range: €10 – €20 per person
• Reviews: 4.7/5
• Link: facebook.com/HopSquareBar

6. Le Saint-Patrick

An institution on this iconic city center street, established over 25 years ago, this is THE go-to Irish address in Saint-Étienne. About fifteen draft beers, a great whisky selection, four screens to catch every match and especially every ASSE game. The 50-seat terrace is perfect on sunny days, and the fish and chips is a classic you absolutely must order.

• Exact address: 44 Rue des Martyrs de Vingré, 42000 Saint-Étienne
• Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 3:00 PM – 1:30 AM.
• Services offered: Draft beers (15+), whiskies, sports broadcasts, outdoor space, themed evenings.
• Price range: €€
• Reviews: 4.4/5
• Link: saint-patrick.fr

7. Pile ou Face

This board game bar is among the best of its kind in Saint-Étienne: game enthusiast Audrey has gathered nearly 500 board games for all ages, and she helps you choose and enthusiastically explains the rules. On the drinks and snacks side, draft beers, wines, local charcuterie, homemade spreads, and muffins are on offer. Important note: Pile ou Face doesn’t take reservations!

• Exact address: 10 Rue de la République, 42000 Saint-Étienne
• Opening hours: Wed: 6 PM-12 AM; Thu-Fri: 4:30 PM-1 AM; Sat: 3 PM-1 AM.
• Services offered: 500 board games, local beers and wines, snacks, gaming events.
• Price range: €10 – €20 per person
• Reviews: 4.9/5
• Link: pileouface42.fr

8. Le Six Nations

Proudly positioned on Place Jean Jaurès, this bar is your go-to destination if you love sports and especially rugby. As its name suggests, it offers beers from each of the six tournament nations and has a lovely shaded terrace for sunny days. The atmosphere is always friendly and the place was a hit during the last Rugby World Cup. The onion rings are particularly renowned too.

• Exact address: 14 Place Jean Jaurès, 42000 Saint-Étienne
• Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 5:00 PM – 1:30 AM; Sat-Sun: 2:00 PM – 1:30 AM.
• Services offered: Beers from the 6 nations, giant screens, sports broadcasts, terrace, food.
• Price range: €10 – €20 per person
• Reviews: 4.4/5
• Link: instagram.com/six.nations.pub

Lively bars and clubs : For partying till the end

9. Le Soggy Bottom

This place is known as one of the liveliest bars in this festive city center area—the Soggy’ is the hangout for Saint-Étienne’s youth. The music cranks up in the evening, beer flows freely, and events follow one after another all year long, with Saint Patrick’s Day being a legendary celebration. It’s your essential address to kick off your night with pure energy before heading to a club if you want to keep going.

• Exact address: 9 Rue de la Résistance, 42000 Saint-Étienne
• Opening hours: Tue-Sat: 5:00 PM – 1:30 AM.
• Services offered: Pints and shots, entertainment, lively outdoor space.
• Price range: €1 – €10
• Reviews: 4.6/5
• Link: facebook.com/soggy.bottom.ste

10. Ninkasi Saint-Étienne

Much more than just a bar, this place is a true 620 m² brewing complex set in a former industrial wasteland, opposite the Zénith. Thursday concerts, trivia nights, karaoke, DJ nights, pétanque court, and terrace: the venue is buzzing all week long, halfway between bar and club. Food-wise, the XXL burgers and award-winning craft beers are must-haves, with happy hour daily from 5 PM to 7 PM.

• Exact address: 11 Rue Barrouin, 42000 Saint-Étienne
• Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 9:00 AM – 1:30 AM.
• Services offered: House-brewed beers, burgers, concerts, trivia, DJ nights, terrace, pétanque court.
• Price range: €20-€30 per person
• Reviews: 4.4/5
• Link: ninkasi.fr

11. Le Barberousse

Saint-Étienne’s pirate hangout since 1997! In a stunning vaulted room of the old arms factory, decorated like a buccaneer’s hold, Le Barberousse takes you sailing through 40 shooter flavors and a dozen house-made planters. Happy Hour from 8 PM to 10 PM on bottles and shooters. It’s the perfect stop for a night that starts strong, and every evening here is unique.

• Exact address: 27 Rue Léon Nautin, 42000 Saint-Étienne
• Opening hours: Thu-Sat: 8:00 PM – 1:30 AM.
• Services offered: Rums, planters, shooters (40 flavors), cocktails, festive music atmosphere.
• Price range: €10 – €20 per person
• Reviews: 4.3/5
• Link: facebook.com/barberousse42000

12. L’Antidote bar

Opened in May 2024, L’Antidote is one of the new addresses creating buzz in Saint-Étienne. Located in this lively city center area, it offers a dance-floor atmosphere with a great selection of fruity cocktails and stylish decor. It’s the perfect remedy to end an evening in style when other bars start closing.

• Exact address: 14 Rue G. D., 42000 Saint-Étienne
• Opening hours: Wed-Sat: 7:00 PM – 1:30 AM.
• Services offered: Creative drinks, dance atmosphere, party music.
• Price range: €1 – €10 per person
• Reviews: 5/5
• Link: instagram.com/lantidotebarsaintetienne

How to organize an event or group outing at a bar in Saint-Étienne ?

Organizing a birthday party, a student association welcome event, or simply a big night out with friends requires a bit of planning. Here’s a simple guide to help you:

Step 1: Define your needs.

• What type of bar are you looking for? (Cozy atmosphere, pub, lively?)
• How many people will there be?
• What’s your budget per person?
• Do you need a space for private hire or just a reservation for a large table?
• Do you want additional services (tapas, food, specific music)?

Step 2: Make your shortlist.

Use this guide to choose 2-3 bars that match your criteria. For example, if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere with music, Ninkasi or Barberousse could be good options. If you prefer something more unique for a group, Pile ou Face or Hop Square are ideal.

Step 3: Contact the establishments.

Don’t hesitate to call the bars or send them an email to discuss your needs. Ask about their group offers, reservation options, or private hire conditions. Contact them directly to discuss your needs and get a quote. Some also offer restaurant packages to complete your evening, or special deals for corporate events. Concrete example: For a partial private hire of Hop Square for a birthday party of 20 people, you could ask about the “flammekueche + craft beers” packages and available slots for a private Tap Takeover.

Step 4: Confirm your reservation.

• Make sure you have all the details in writing (date, time, number of people, services, price). It’s always better to book several days in advance.
• Plan for a deposit if necessary.