What Bar Did Hemingway Frequent in Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

Ernest Hemingway, the legendary American writer, spent a considerable amount of time in Paris during the 1920s. Hemingway was part of a group of expatriate writers and artists known as the “Lost Generation,” who were seeking inspiration and freedom in the bohemian lifestyle of the city. One question that often arises among Hemingway fans is – what bar did he frequent in Paris?

After some research, it turns out that Hemingway had several favorite bars in Paris, but one that stood out was Harry’s New York Bar located at 5 Rue Daunou.

Harry’s New York Bar:
Harry’s New York Bar was opened in 1911 by an American jockey named Tod Sloan. The bar quickly became popular with Americans and Europeans alike due to its unique atmosphere and exotic drinks menu. During Prohibition in America (1920-1933), Harry’s became a haven for American expatriates who were looking for a place to drink legally.

The Atmosphere:
The atmosphere at Harry’s was unlike any other bar in Paris at the time. The walls were covered with American memorabilia, including dollar bills, license plates, and even a stuffed crocodile hanging from the ceiling. The bartenders were all American ex-pats who knew how to make classic cocktails such as the Bloody Mary and Sidecar.

  • The Bloody Mary: This cocktail was invented at Harry’s New York Bar by bartender Fernand Petiot in 1921. It is said that he came up with the recipe when a customer asked for something to cure their hangover.
  • The Sidecar: This cocktail is made with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. It is believed to have been invented at Harry’s during World War I.

Hemingway’s Connection:

Hemingway was a regular at Harry’s and even mentioned the bar in his novel “The Sun Also Rises.” In the book, Hemingway’s character Jake Barnes says, “The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes ‘Awww!'” This quote was said to have been inspired by a conversation Hemingway had with a fellow patron at Harry’s.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Harry’s New York Bar was one of Hemingway’s favorite spots in Paris. The bar still exists today and has become a popular tourist attraction. If you ever find yourself in Paris and want to experience a piece of history while sipping on a classic cocktail, make sure to stop by Harry’s New York Bar.