Dijon is a city that rewards the curious. While the medieval streets and the gilded spires of the Palace of the Dukes draw you in, it is the underground cellar doors and hidden courtyards that will make you want to stay. The capital of Burgundy is synonymous with world-class wine, but its drinking culture extends far beyond the famous Pinot Noir.
The local scene is a fascinating blend of old and new. You can sip a glass of Chardonnay in a centuries-old timber-framed building in the morning, then finish the night in a sleek, modern cocktail den that would not look out of place in Paris or London. The density of the historic center means you are never more than a five-minute walk from your next great drink.
Navigating this landscape requires a bit of local knowledge. While tourist traps linger near the central squares, the true heart of Dijon’s nightlife beats in the narrow lanes around Rue Berbisey, the antique district, and the vibrant Place Émile Zola. Knowing where the locals go is the difference between a good night and a great one.
Because Dijon is a university town, the energy is youthful, yet the sophistication of the wine trade keeps the standards high. You are just as likely to find a dive bar with a punk rock soundtrack as you are a hushed wine library serving Grand Cru by the glass. It is this contrast that makes the city so compelling for a night out.
Whether you are here to taste the terroir of the Côte de Nuits or simply looking for a perfectly balanced Negroni after a day of sightseeing, Dijon has a stool with your name on it. The key is knowing which door to push open, as some of the best spots are deliberately discreet.
To help you drink like a true Dijonnais, we have curated a list of the essential stops. From historic institutions to modern speakeasies, here are the venues you cannot afford to miss.
Pub Mac Callaghan

| Address | 8 Rue Bannelier, 21000 Dijon |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Wednesday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Thursday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | 03 80 30 82 46 |
Patrick Nijs★★★★★
Nice bar in and outside with very friendly staff and good assortment of beers. Best bar in Dijon by far.
Lina★☆☆☆☆
I went there with my colleagues after work. We patiently waited for a while at the bar since the bartender seemed busy. She then turned to us by saying “What?!” (“Quoi?!”). Although it was a few years ago, the rudeness of the bartender made it one of the worst service I’ve experienced.
Francisco Magalhães Santos★★★★☆
While it may look like a typical Irish/British pub from the outside, this establishment offers a surprisingly good selection of local beers alongside the usual international fare. Their wine list is also noteworthy. Centrally located, it's a great place to soak up the vibrant atmosphere, especially with the local market just across the street. It proved to be an excellent choice for a relaxing beer.
XW H.★★★★★
They don't serve the seafood plate which we get from the seafood corner shop in the market. But we take drinks here and they allow you to eat from others if you order their wine. Quite good way to start a day.
Ian Hawkesworth★★★★★
Awesome pub which a lot of places could learn from! We brought our dog and she was immediately offered a drink as well. Bartenders were super nice - they even gave us some free chips with dips with our beer. There was a good music selection and best of all they have a Stern Kiss pinball machine 1€ per credit with replay scores and match. I would be a regular if I Lived in Dijon.
L'Archipel Cocktail Bar

| Address | 15 Pl. Grangier, 21000 Dijon |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 4:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 4:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 4:30 PM – 1:30 AM
Friday: 4:30 PM – 1:30 AM
Saturday: 4:30 PM – 1:30 AM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | — |
Joyce Vda★★★★☆
We just happen to pass by when arriving to our hotel. What a pleasant surprise! Even though it was already past 22h30 they still offered food. I can tell you that the pulled pork burger they had on the menu must be the best I ever had! It was so juicy! Delicious! The staff was also very friendly. Recommend!
M.M. R.★★★★★
Best Tiki drinks and rum selection. Service is amazing, with a special shout-out to Tomas for his rum knowledge. We came back over multiple days because of the drinks - especially the Bahama Mama, which is the best I have ever had.
Michael Lane★★★★★
Spent a nice evening here enjoying great craft cocktails and good bar food. The owners are great people, the atmosphere is lively and welcoming, and the service is excellent. We plan to go back soon!
Deniz Rieck★★★★★
We had a delicious cocktail and mocktail. The staff is very friendly. They have original creation of cocktails, would happily come again.
Arthur Wong★★★★★
Amazing drinks, service, and atmosphere. Tiki-themed with island vibes to match. Highly recommend.
SIMONE

| Address | 38 Rue des Godrans, 21000 Dijon |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 03 80 40 48 74 |
Elle How★★★★★
My husband and I visited on a rainy day in Dijon, and the service was spectacular and friendly. The staff were wonderfully welcoming to tourists and really helped ease my anxiety about traveling in another country. Their level of attention was great, and the wine was excellent quality.
Ekachai Maskulrat★★★★☆
The food was quite good for the price. I had pork chop with gorgonzola sauce, a glass of red and lemon tart as dessert. The service was a bit slow but was alright. We sat outside on a sunny day so we liked it.
Guillaume Severin★★★★☆
Nice bistrot atmosphere at Simone in Dijon. The daily menu has fresh products and plenty of variety. Staff are friendly, and service is almost quick. A great spot for a relaxed meal.
Cléa Pariseau★★★☆☆
Seems like a great place to come with a group of friends or family in the afternoon or for a light snack and a low maintenance glass of wine. However, the ambience is not in the slightest bit “cozy” or “romantic”. There was an odd smell (more like cleaning chemicals than strong cheese) and lights were very bright. For a wine bar, we expected a bit more guidance when asking for recommendations but the waitress didn’t seem to be able to advise.
Fernando Guerra★★★★★
Nice wine list. Prices are reasonable.
Burgundy wines, but also Beaujolais, Italy...
Le Triton à Casquette

| Address | 48 Rue Monge, 21000 Dijon |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 2:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Friday: 2:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Saturday: 2:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 09 74 64 11 37 |
alan benger★★★★★
A fabulous place if you love beer!!! A friendly and knowledgeable bartender. A great choice of local beers. On my to visit again list 😎
Benjamin Byholm★★★★★
I had a couple of nice tasting flights, thereby discovering some pleasant surprises amongst the local beer offerings. Highly recommmended for beer afficionados and others alike.
Christine Bryden★★★★★
What a fabulous bar! A warm, welcoming ambience and a phenomenal range of local beers on tap and in cans and some truly delicious gins. Within moments of my half joking suggestion, and seeing I really could not choose which to try, the owner created a " flight" of them with a high quality tonic just for me. He was full of information and enthusiasm for the products. My husband's flight of beers was just as delicious and the owner immediately fetched a "room temperature" can of a fine local mild when the refrigerated version was too cold for his Scottish taste buds. So glad we dropped by during our short visit to Dijon and we will certainly be back!
Leigh Hall★★★★★
Good beers on taps
Alessandro Castelli★★★★★
Amazing place with amazing beers and amazing cellar. The owner is super nice.
Caveau de la Chouette

| Address | 39 Rue des Godrans, 21000 Dijon |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 AM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 AM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 06 77 35 58 99 |
벨루가★★★★★
Very nice atmosphere with great wines at reasonable prices right in the center of Dijon! The owner is incredibly friendly and professional, which makes this place truly special. I’d definitely recommend visiting and I’m already looking forward to coming back soon 🙂
Stefan Reed★★★★★
I just went for some beers twice ,but defenetely the place have own vibe,nice servers and the 90BPM blonde beer is my top pick.
Brian Schofield★★★★★
One of the best cocktails bars I've ever been to - Brian smashed out some awesome house specials, a perfect Jungle Bird on the fly, and some great wine to boot. Very highly recommended!
Kinsuk 31★★★★★
Very good service with a smile and great wine collection.
Christopher Ewers★★★★★
Excellent service from the owner Brian. Providing great reviews of food and wine. The atmosphere is amazing whether you are outside or sitting inside. Just amazing.
Delirium Café Dijon

| Address | 5 Pl. François Rude, 21000 Dijon |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 03 80 51 14 85 |
Mark Farley★★★★☆
Food was ok, great location, lots going on, good place to sit and drink local beer.
ajith lewis★★★★☆
Right in the heart of the city. Great place for a beer lover to chose over 2004 beers from tap. Amazing staff and with easy payment options. A glass of beer roughly cost €5~, yeah I know it's kinda expensive but you can experience the different in house ones if I were you. A walk after those beers into grand place gives you good vibe if you are a tourist
Matthew James★★★★★
The food is nothing special. The fries were good though.
The service was fantastic and the location is ideal.
Peter S★★★★☆
I can’t really comment on the food as I stopped here for a drink. It’s a lovely bar with three floors. The staff were very pleasant and off course they have a great choice of beers to pick from.
It was very busy when we were there and I can imagine the three floors would be rammed on a weekend.
Douglas EC★★★★☆
Dijon has a cool brunch from Delirium Cafe with a nice mix of Delirium's beers and some local crafts as well.
The service is OK and the tables on the outside are charming.
Trinidad

| Address | Pl. du Théâtre, 21000 Dijon |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | 03 45 83 63 25 |
Rory★★★★★
We only sat down to have a drink here but they have fantastic sangria. If we'd been in Dijon any longer we would have definitely come back here for that alone.
Ahmad AI Alzghoul★★★★★
Very good coffee with milk 🙏🌺thank you
Michael Nelson★★★★★
Great food and perfect location. Prices are very reasonable and the staff are amazing.
Skin Dude★★★★★
Love this bar! 200 students outside and all being served quickly by competent staff. Happy Hour cocktails were excellent and good value. Shame we only had one!
Tilly Poynter★★★★★
Such a beautiful last dinner in Dijon, I highly recommend it. Thank you Trinidad for the amazing service and the brilliant last meal.
The 4 fromage pizza was beautiful omg I am a cheese lover but oh my days that was stunning!!
Madame Mousse

| Address | 8 Rue Odebert, 21000 Dijon |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thursday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
Anais Caubet★★★★★
Great little bar! Friendly waiter, quick service! We went early in the morning for a drink, happy hour, €7.50 for two! We didn't eat, but I recommend it for a drink!
claude chenevoy★★★★★
A very pleasant and well-decorated place... the staff are friendly and smiling... the platter we ordered was good and generous...
Elsyyy★☆☆☆☆
Over an hour and a half wait for three drinks, a sausage that wasn't even the right one, and three pieces of cheese with frozen bread. The waitress was particularly awful, brushing us off when we asked about our order, saying there were only two of them. No compensation whatsoever for the mistake or the incorrect product (yes, you have to understand that the sausage we ordered was out of stock and they couldn't let us know). In short, we won't be back.
Les Moulins Bleus - Craft Beer and Food

| Address | 4 Rue Musette, 21000 Dijon |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 03 80 30 81 02 |
Nicole Gera★★★★★
Brilliant craft beer place with an excellent selection of both local Dijon and other French (eg Piggy brewery) beers. Brut cider is also delicious, and would go well with the galettes they serve at lunchtime (note: they do not serve dinner, only bar snacks). Dog friendly too, which is great!
Kseniia M★★★★★
It’s a nice place, cider and food are good. Portions are big. The crepe with the side salad cost 12€. Waiter is great
TurskaO★★★★★
Friendly staff, good crepes and you can enjoy them with local craft beers. Perfect!
Beemer Berzins★★★★★
Just GO! Don’t think about it. Great crepes, great service, , great salads, great beer selection. The owner and our waiter, Hector, were amazing. Only disappointment is that we did not find them our first day in Dijon. If you are still reading this, STOP and go here.
Calvin Locsin★★★★☆
Visited: 25/8/2022
The patio is located in a touristic area in a cobblestone street. I ordered this citron vert beer en pression and it tastes good for people who like citron vert taste. The server in the patio is friendly and efficient. It is pricey for what it is, what can you say it is artisan beer. I'll come back to try other beer with friends.
Beer Country

| Address | 2 Pl. 30 Octobre et de la Légion d'Honneur, 21000 Dijon |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | 03 80 38 26 92 |
Linnea Jämsä★★★☆☆
The AC units are in wrong places and don't cool down the place. We were sweating indoors. Beer was warm and the bartender didn't cool them even when asked.
Yurii Moiseienko★★★★★
Love the music, rock metal atmosphere. Darts and 🎱 2€
The one thing is long waiting, cause they was short stuff, but if yiu with big company that's nothing
Vincent Touati-Tomas★★★★★
Beers were great, and super nice atmosphere for a drink. Dogs in leash are accepted.
Emmanuel (Haribomann)★★★★★
A nice place for beer lovers (and not only). A huge variety of mainly Belgian beers, on tap or in bottles, in a nice atmosphere. The place is very spacious and the service is great. I also tried the burgers and they were tasty 😋 A venue worth visiting when in Dijon
Romie★★★☆☆
Great music. On the other hand, very rude and unfriendly staff... will make you feel horrible for simply asking a question. Also, the burger was okay and fries were good, but for the price, they were definitely not worth it.
All in all, it's a nice place to have a drink and some fun with friends especially if you like rock and metal music, but don't expect friendly staff.
Café Chez Nous

| Address | 6bis Rue Musette, 21000 Dijon |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 AM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 03 80 41 49 56 |
Lily Fang★★★★★
Really homey café with inexpensive comfort food. The vegetarian entrée and dish is only 7€ total! Be sure to book in advance, as the place is often packed (especially on weekends). You may have to do this in-person since their phone number doesn't work. I believe this is really only a lunch place too, though sometimes they have dinner. Would highly recommend!
Raquel Rivers★★★★★
Went for after dinner drinks, really quirky divey bar in a graffiti filled alley with super friendly bartender and clientele. Cheap drinks, no pretense, absolutely lovely.
Jordan Hughes★★★★★
Our favourite bar in Dijon. Friendly and eccentric crowd, not pretentious like other bars we went to. Huge thanks to the young guy working Friday and Saturday - he was incredibly helpful and welcoming, especially since my French is horrible. He also told me it’s the oldest bar in Dijon which we didn’t know.
Ken Paul★★★★★
Cheap drinks, house wine is great value and the staff and customers make the place. If you can’t speak French someone might speak your language and start a conversation. Go for the atmosphere, good coffee and it is a hole in the wall that is worth finding. Don’t be intimidated by the posters and graffiti on the walls down the alley.
Nikki W.P.★★★★★
I have lived in Dijon for 10 years now and there is no place like the Chez Nous. Eclectic energy of artist, locals, tourists, and friends. I'm going to be honest, I stopped going for a while. The vibez were low, the place was dirty and the atmosphere was just not the same. However, after the pandemic, I wanted to reconnect and started going again. Wow!! Is my new reaction, what a pleasant change. I even bring my clients in after meetings for the returned authentic Dijonnaise vibesz, drinks & food. Market days are fun! Super dog friendly and the dogs love the Chef!!
La Gobeleterie

| Address | 1 Rue Bannelier, 21000 Dijon |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Thursday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Friday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 06 11 13 37 21 |
Archer★★★★★
The best cocktails I’ve had in Dijon. If you like spirit forward drinks, you have to try the “Captain Crunch” photographed below. The bartenders are very friendly. I came in on a Monday and it was surprisingly quiet considering how high-quality the cocktails seem to be. I had to come back the next day before my departure from Dijon and still had a great time. The atmosphere has a quirky charm, and the music tends to be tastefully retro. I hope to come back to it the next time I’m in Dijon.
Jes★★★★★
Wonderful treat in all of France. I’m a big cocktail fan. Been in the industry my entire life. The staff - owner included were super kind, generous and outgoing. I speak very little French and they took such good care of me on my journey in Dijon. I had 4 cocktails and each was different and perfectly balanced and executed. Being from the USA and from a huge cocktail scene France still lacks the knowledge of the cocktail in my opinion and experience. Which is very exciting! There’s so much room for growth and exploration. I can’t wait to visit again!
The place is in a very happening and bustling area. Clean and simple and chic — the owner is a fantastic person. If you don’t like cocktails or know the industry go drink wine elsewhere. You’re in the best area of the world for Burgundy wines!
Tess Lane★★★★★
A lively and welcoming bar with creative craft cocktails. The menu describes each drink in detail and even shows the type of glass and in which it is served - very helpful. My husband and I tried 4 cocktails and each was well balanced and delicious. The owner and server were efficient and friendly.
Thomas L★★★★★
Very welcoming very nice. The name is 10/10 I liked the cocktail very refreshing during this excruciating canicule of june
Aurrie★★★★★
Probably the best cocktail I’ve ever had .. cheers !! Worst the visit
Le Chat Qui Fume

| Address | 10 Pl. de la Libération, 21000 Dijon |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | 03 80 27 18 97 |
Armand Del★★★★★
A very interesting cocktail bar with creative, unconventional drinks. Some cocktails are quite unusual—one was served in an ashtray, another featured mustard—but they were a fun experience.
The location is excellent, and service is very friendly.
Alistaire Knight★★★★★
Either sitting out in the square or in the interesting cellar like bar, le chat qui fune is a great experience. Friendly and quick service - but don’t forget to at least try the colonel mustard cocktail - even with the mustard liqueur surprisingly good!
Linnea Jämsä★★★★☆
We went for brunch. The portions were small and food took long time to come. Also they mixed up our orders. Terrace was still nice and waiter tried to make up for the mistakes.
Lesley Cameron★★★★★
We loved our visit! The team who work there are very friendly and welcoming. The ambience and decor is delightful and we thoroughly enjoyed our drinks. Definitely worth a visit
CU Hecker★★★★★
The cutest place for a drink - a historic building, cool soul music in the background, very friendly staff and an intruiguing menue. Try the surprise shots the friendly Barkeeper will create for you!
Les Berthom

| Address | 32 Rue Monge, 21000 Dijon |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 5:00 PM – 1:30 AM
Saturday: 4:00 PM – 1:30 AM
Sunday: 5:00 – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 06 07 41 15 86 |
alan benger★★★★★
Another good find in Dijon, friendly staff and great beer selection
P J★★★★★
Pretty nice bar beer with some snacking menus and plenty of beer choice
Luke Taucher★★★★★
Found this place by accident whilst wandering around Dijon on a quick tourist visit. I love craft beer and this spot had an absolutely amazing range. The staff were super helpful in providing recommendations for taps from local breweries, and the snack/bar food offering was great. I thought there’d been a mistake when the bill came out as well - very affordable for the quality you get. Wish I could’ve stayed longer.
Lidia Kiszewska★★★★★
The outside is cool, and the inside is cool. Big drinks selection + some snacks. You also get a little bombay mix saucer with your order, which is a delightful touch. Smiley, friendly service. Great people watching spot as well!
Zoe “ZipZapZoe” Lisson★★★★★
The staff are super friendly and helpful! Service is like a high end restaurant (Park Hyatt) the cacahuetes are the best in town!!!! Must visit.
Nuage Cocktail Bar

| Address | 35 Pl. Bossuet, 21000 Dijon |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Saturday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 03 80 61 69 57 |
Matthew James★★★★★
Came here at a recommendation from another bar and it’s amazing. The cocktails are fantastic and the bartender/mixologist is great. I sat at the bar just to watch them work. She was great and made me anything I asked for. The best cocktail I’ve had in Dijon for sure. A must visit.
Igor Georg Schneider★★★★☆
Cozy athmosphere in a nicely decorated bar. Service was very good and fast. The cocktails are good with some interesting inventive versions of well-known cocktails - but they're not mind-blowing. But definitely decent, good drinks. Would go again.
Caro Boeri Dollberg★★★★★
Loved the parsley cocktail 🔥 cocktails are really really good. So it’s a must in Dijon!
Rebecca Van Reken★★★★★
Charming and cozy cocktail bar with inventive local cocktails and delicious small bites. Service was very friendly and accommodating to our absent French language skills. We had 4 different cocktails between us, and all were excellent and unique. Highly recommend!
Arthur Wong★★★★★
We didn't try the house cocktails, but the team made beautiful negroni and old fashioned-style drinks for us with French spirits that were delicious. Small plates were also very good, but especially the époisse emulsion served with roasted potatoes. Very welcoming service and cozy atmosphere.
Tips for Enjoying Dijon’s Bar Scene
To make the most of your evening in the Burgundian capital, it helps to understand the local etiquette and logistics. The city is compact and safe, but knowing when to arrive, what to order, and how to navigate the culture will significantly elevate your experience. Here are five essential tips to keep in mind before you head out for a drink.
1. Embrace the "Apéro" Culture
The French concept of apéritif is sacred in Dijon. Between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, bars fill up with people unwinding after work. This is the best time to soak up the atmosphere, as many venues offer discounted drinks or complimentary snacks like gougères or olives during this window. Don’t rush; the pre-dinner drink is meant to be savored.
2. Don’t Skip the Local Wine (Even in a Cocktail Bar)
You are in the heart of Burgundy, so even if you prefer spirits, you should acknowledge the local specialty. Many of the best cocktail bars in Dijon use local crème de cassis or regional wines in their mixes. If you are ordering a Kir, ask for a Kir Royal made with Crémant de Bourgogne instead of standard white wine for a true taste of the region.
3. Look Up and Down
Unlike many cities where nightlife is concentrated on a single strip, Dijon’s bar scene is famously vertical and hidden. Some of the best speakeasies and wine caves are located in medieval cellars below street level, while others are tucked away in interior courtyards. If a door looks interesting, don’t be afraid to push it open—you might find a hidden gem.
4. Check the Seasonal Schedules
Dijon is a student city, which means the vibe changes drastically depending on the time of year. During the summer months (July and August), many locals flee the heat and the city can be quieter, with some independent bars closing for annual holidays. Conversely, during the International and Gastronomic Fair in November, reservations are essential.
5. Pace Yourself with Food
Drinking in Dijon is a marathon, not a sprint, largely because the alcohol is often accompanied by excellent food. Many wine bars serve substantial planches (boards) of charcuterie and local cheese. Ordering food not only keeps you going longer but is also considered polite etiquette; bars in Dijon are for socializing and tasting, not just rapid consumption.
The beauty of drinking in Dijon lies in its authenticity. Unlike larger French cities that can feel overrun by tourism, the bars here still cater primarily to locals. This means the service is genuine, the wine lists are curated with pride, and the atmosphere remains unpretentious despite the city’s prestigious culinary reputation.
As you wander back to your hotel through the illuminated streets, perhaps with the taste of cassis or aged Burgundy on your lips, you will understand why this city is more than just a stopover. It is a destination where the history isn’t just in the architecture—it is in the glass. Take your time, talk to the bartenders, and let Dijon pour you a story.
Freya Belle is a content writer and travel journalist specializing in European destinations. With experience exploring over 30 European countries, she focuses on providing in-depth guides to authentic cuisine, historical culture, and hidden gems often overlooked by mainstream tourists. Her writing helps travelers experience Europe like a local.