The best bars and cafés Caen

We wanted a simple and friendly moment around a good glass of wine. So we went to the Vaugueux, where we pushed the door of a charming little establishment. Marc, Hugo and Claudia, and their portraits drawn on the mirror behind the bar, welcome us in this warm place. Together, they opened this simple and authentic bar to share. To enjoy a good bottle or simply a drink, they propose a large selection of wines and cocktails but also plates to share (or not !).

It's "the" neighbourhood bar par excellence! Here, usability is not lacking. The boss always has little attention for the regulars, but also for the newcomers! As well as being a pleasant bar, the Baritone is also a brasserie that is worth a visit! Its small dishes at midday compete with freshness and degoûts, always at very affordable prices. A place Embracing so… without false note!

The Suite… clearly displays color. Large terrace at the entrance (very… rue Ecuyère). Inside, the green anise parallels the zebra and zinc flirts with the apparent stones. Stéphane left Modena to offer a rather successful lifting. If you prefer intimacy, direction the floor (attention at the last step) with a very cosy small room. If you don't want to have a drink, you'll find a nice little card, with sandwiches, burgers, small salads, and what to get a fain without getting ruined. On the drinks side, the map makes a beautiful part of champagne. This-says the house also offers cocktails and a selection of wines with glass. If everyone is welcome, it is rather «branchouille», advice to zintéressés…

In the middle of Écuyère Street, here is a nice "place". And the "place" that customers prefer in this "place" is the terrace. Always taking an assault when the sun shows the end of its nose, you have to be lucky or diplomatic to get there. On the map, you will find everything you need to drink, with or without alcohol, at reasonable prices, but also to eat at midday, thanks to a well done and rather with card. In short, a place to discover if you have not already established your neighbourhoods.

This is a small district bar, as indicated by its name. No extravagance at the program, although the th, beige and red, tape in the eye and not pass unnoticed at the corner of rue Saint-Jean and Le Havre. The location is ideal for a small black or a good foam. At lunchtime you will be able to restore it: The head of the scene decorated a dish of the day, different kinds of sweets and salads. The beautiful days can also take advantage of the "small" terrace. For rehearsals, I know, it's a little little bit, sorry!

This small tavern is held by one of the great figures of the night caennaise, the famous Raymond. It is thanks to this plumber, a training butcher, that the Caennais can be proud of a drink that the rest of France would envy them if she knew her, namely "Ambush." Raymond served this cocktail already when he held the bar on 23, rue Ecuyère. Since then, "Ambush" has taken on all the bars of the city. If you don't know, it's THE cocktail to discover on Caen. The other boss's speciality is "Nuclear". Needless to say, it's very hot and Raymond will look at you differently if you finish it. A counsellor only to the brave of you. The evenings are no longer lively and drink in this cozy bar where the generational divide does not feel. Everyone talks to everyone. Here the word party really means something.

Jacob has character and knows how to give his bar. The boss offers a simple and détour welcome to the colours of his Ethiopian origins. It offers the traditional dishes of the brewery and the snack at any time of the day, those that African flavours interest will be able to order an order of Injéra, Ethiopian speciality based on meat and vegetables framed in a big thumbnail that they will be happy to taste at table or counter. Jacob has his followers: the students opposite (Victor-Lépine), the people of the Sainte-Thérèse district (the Kactus is located on a one-way street, 200 metres from the Lux Cinema) and the local inhabitants are ready to make an edge to find a unique atmosphere here.

Le is a classic and well-kept hotel. Its classy decoration, in the Belle Epoque atmosphere, is the image of the choice shops located in this same neighbourhood (the parking passes opposite the famous church St. John). In fact, not far from here, the famous Pâtisserie pastry, where it is possible to spoil itself in a garden over time. During the day, we come here to drink a tea, in peace, away from the hustle and bustle of the centre. For lunch, the very friendly Équipe team also offers a quality brasserie service and manages to renew daily its choices of dishes of the day! An effort that we can only applaud!

You can't miss the Café des Mist. Its terrace is open all year round, enjoying the shelter of the arcades where you can enjoy Sunday the bal of the walkers of the market and take a look at the possible rarities to find in the nearby brac. Inside, a friendly and warm atmosphere: You can enjoy the comfort of the big benches and to change the ideas to the flat screen on which to continuously pass variety clips. The footeux will also have their 90 minutes to accompany the Malherbistes (in their exploits?) at the time of the games retransmission. These animations provide a great deal of passage to the Café des Mist, including the afternoons, since you can eat it at a good price!

Chess players gave them an appointment over time. The photos of clients taken at special evenings are attached to the walls, the opportunity to find people who are known (folder sometimes). Despite the change of owners, the retro-déco has not changed for at least ten years (one can take an old shot…) and recalls the Paris of the 1900 s, that of Toulouse Lautrec and Aristide Briand, with its old (Black Chat) posters, its large mirrors and its fine art deco lamps. A library corner has been arranged with some lyrics, not far from the poster of the three large (Ferré, Brassens and Brel). Black and white photos at the Doisneau complete the whole. Music is never too strong, which makes it possible to hear. Large terrace for smokers, or for lovers of the sun (it occasionally happens in Caen, if so).

From a certain hour, this place is fast crowded! In the "Séma", as used by the regulars, no déco in the eye, but an original setting that lends itself very well to glasses among friends late in the day! But not comfortable sofas, but seats in height! Stool for everyone. Brick walls, a collection of pieces and notes by here, some mirrors by this. The decor is planted. Side of the atmosphere, it's definitely rock! It's a pleasure to listen to classic AC DC, Led Zepp or Stones. 80 ' s or soul evenings, everything depends on the customer. The celebration program is displayed above the bar at affordable rates.

Pillar of the counter of the Arcisse de Caumont street with (almost) as many years on the counter as regulars, welcome to the Garsouille! The furniture is made of bricks and mortar and all generations meet there. It is a little the bar of the artists, the students in Fine Arts have their habits there. The music is eclectic and DJs play regularly. On the terrace, you can sit or lean against the high tables to drink a draught of Goudale, the famous ambush (Caen's beverage par excellence to be discovered urgently!) or a house cocktail.

A muy caliente atmosphere for the French! The decor is modern, with a Sunday flea market feel, while the music is, as you may have guessed, French! Out with the international, avis fervent defender of the language of Molière! It's the identity of this bar, and fashions and trends be damned. You can also come here to watch a Stade Malherbe match. But also, and above all, for the karaoke, which is an essential part of the bar's identity. To say that it contributes to the atmosphere would be an understatement... it sets the mood. No less than 6,000 songs!

El Camino: a must for café-concert fans! Pierre-Emmanuel and Morgan, at the helm, have preserved the "extra something" of the place: 3 to 5 concerts or shows a week, 1950s decor. This music bar, nestling at the foot of the Vaucelles church, is a meeting place for friends, families and locals alike. The basement room hosts a varied program of concerts. On the catering side, aperitif boards are available to accompany your evenings!

What a joyful mess! Bright colors galore, furniture and walls included (with this big fresco of the Caen graffiti artist Wakse), La Pagaille is also a bar with several facets: for the aperitif, for eating and for the night birds! A nice cocktails menu (more than thirty), draft beers... and on the food side, there is also a lot to offer. Their homemade nibbles to share make your mouth water. Between giant sandwiches, corn dogs, cromesquis, plates of Iberian cold cuts, there is enough to fill you up. Festive atmosphere guaranteed!

Looking for a place to relax and unwind, in a peaceful garden sheltered from the wind and all eyes? Rendezvous at Les Dunes. It's the perfect address! Come and enjoy a hot drink with a crêpe or pastry in the tea room. Everything is homemade (crumble, tart, cheesecake...), and the sweet treats are made according to the cook's daily whims. As well as having a great time, you'll be refreshed for the end of the day and full until dinner!

Here is a very nice address, full of freshness! Both a coffee shop and a lunch restaurant, the Mug is ideal for a break worthy of the name. We tried it for lunch and it's really worth the detour! A split pea puree, soft egg, leek and livarot croquettes, or a homemade bun with pork shreds, yum! And because we had a very small place left, we fell for the banana-chocolate crumble! We might as well tell you that all the pastries are tempting, a good excuse to come back for a snack!

If you're looking for a place to chill out at the foot of the château, Les Déserteurs is the place for you! This is the place to be for a relaxing moment. On the menu: beers from all over the world, wines, whiskies, rums and cocktails! As connoisseurs, the dream team prepares beverages you won't find anywhere else! The ambience is simple and noble, with an old-fashioned factory decor that makes you feel at home. To complete the picture, you can accompany your tasting with succulent "Miams". A place you won't want to leave!

At this address, there's no time for boredom! After several name changes, Sauvage is the latest. Despite the metamorphosis, the originality, quality of the menu and ambiance we love are still there. The decor focuses on raw, "wild" materials (grrr...). On summer evenings, take advantage of the terrace and relax with a drink or cocktail. Owners Clément Ramakers and his partner Aurore Morel also run a restaurant, with occasional exotictouches. Worth a visit!

New owners but the regulars can be reassured, the Antirouille remains the Antirouille, a small and welcoming bar far from the crowd with audio cassettes on the wall! Taken over by Jean and Léo, the relaxed and timeless atmosphere of this bar is always present. Concerts, Beaujolais Nouveau tasting, funky evenings, so many occasions to feast at reasonable prices. For the rest, we come here for a chat or why not to hit the cardboard. And for the amateurs, the table soccer made its great return, we say that...

This restaurant and tapas bar smells of Spain, its nightlife and typical dishes! Pushing open the door of this 100% Spanish restaurant (we love the interior courtyard!) is like plunging into a little piece of Spain, with a friendly atmosphere and a spirit of sharing. The menu, featuring tortillas, empanadas, albondigas, cheese platters and typical charcuterie, is right up there. To accompany this homemade cuisine (which can also be enjoyed at lunchtime), the place offers sangria, wines and Spanish beers, always with an Iberian accent.

The good thing about this place is that it's easy to recognize the team - they don't move around much... or at all! From the top of his Arbuste, Jo, who now also markets at Place Saint-Sauveur on Fridays, is a passionate artisan who swears by high-quality 100% organic beans. On site or to take away, he offers several exceptional vintages, as well as a special beverage every month. Latte, flat white, cortado, mocha or chai latte? Artisanal roasting is the key to sublimating coffee beans, and Jo knows how to vary flavors and aromatic profiles!

For lovers of beauty, good food and greenery, there's a summer restaurant and tea room in the Jardin des Plantes Orangery. For the first time, Caen's green lung is hosting a place to relax and enjoy a snack. You'll love it! Inès and Axel concoct fresh tartines, salads, gazpacho, club sandwiches, milkshakes, ice creams from Ferme du Bois Louvet, cookies and smoothies. New: hot dishes will be introduced between now and September to warm up cooler days. After l'Aromate (rue Gémare), this couple is not short of panache!

An address not to be missed, located in the historical and trendy Vaugueux district. On the program of the Gavroche: tapas, pizzas to share, wines, vintage wines, cocktails... A menu prepared in-house with fresh products. Italian inspiration, but also seafood or salmon gravlax, for this bar of friends where the atmosphere is assured. Without forgetting the decoration, from the flowery vintage to the retro on the floor. Romuald and Justin, two lovers of good food, are at the helm and they prove it once again!

It is clearly the address to be tested urgently for the amateurs of beers because here, they are local "crus", you read well! What's more, one of these beers is brewed on site. That's a mouthful, isn't it? It's true that Ross knows a thing or two about hops and malt as he created his own craft brewery, Brewmaker, not far from here, in Saint-André-sur-Orne. You will also be able to taste beers from around the world, cocktails, wine and other craft spirits. And for the small hollows or the aperitifs, it is tapas with local products!

Don't forget this address! In homage to the Beach Boys song featured in the film Cocktail, the Kokomo (without Tom Cruise, of course!) offers a long list of recipes for the aforementioned beverages! In association with Scottish brewer Brew-dog, you can also enjoy some great "mousses". It has to be said that owner Jorge Dias knows his stuff: he already owns Le Préau, a Mecca for good Caen parties. And if you're feeling peckish, there's a selection of appetizers to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites!

Tired of rue Écuyère or rue Saint-Sauveur? These Trois Marches are well worth the detour! Then head for the lower part of the Vaugueux, and this charming neighborhood bistro. Here, you'll find a wide range of cocktails, wines and beers, as well as snacks from Malo Taqueria. Here, the atmosphere is perfect, whether by the fireside on winter evenings or to the sound of music on lively evenings. It's a place to enjoy life to the full, and their "vivanterie" has definitely won us over!

From 5pm, the doors open to reveal a warm, lounge-like decor with sofas and old armchairs, and even a tree in bloom! We'd love to share tapas, pizza or a charcuterie and cheese board. As for cocktails, prepared in-house, you can choose between a classic, an inventive or the cocktail of the month. If the evening lasts, because the music is good, good, good, the menu plays the gourmet card... We opt for the Angus entrecôte: 300 grams of tender meat served in strips. Tonight we share everything! Even our favorite spot in Caen!

It's always the right time to push the door of Gloriette! Because, in addition to being able to have lunch there, to do your shopping (not cheap but at the same time the brands are famous), you will also be very well there at tea time, around a hot drink (notice to the amateurs, the mocaccino is unctuous as in Italy!). In a clear, calm, vegetal and inspiring atmosphere, you can work or write, as we did. And why deprive yourself of the pastries on the counter? The cinnamon roll and the cheesecake are worth the detour.

Apparently, it's the best mojito in Caen! We also loved the cider, pommeau and blackcurrant cocktail! The atmosphere at Gini's is relaxed. Comfortable with its cushions, the terrace (quieter in the evening) boasts a breathtaking view of the château and Saint-Pierre church. At the helm are Gilles, an old hand from La Bourride, and Nick, of Croatian origin (we speak French, English, Spanish and, of course, Croatian!). Depending on the inspiration of the day and the market, the duo prepare tapas to share. So, t'ché qu'tu bé?

This atypical, ethical venue run by 2 sisters brings together a florist, a coffee shop and a decorating corner. On the first floor, Pauline offers seasonal flower arrangements from France and Normandy. On the^{1st floor} is Clémentine and a coffee shop with a flowery decor and a British accent. The café's philosophy is based on short circuits, and offers a vegan, homemade and seasonal menu for breakfast, lunch and snacks. Finally, on the 2nd floor, the decorating area features handicrafts, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

A Club Dorothé fan since childhood, Stéphanie passed on her passion to her children, opening a place that would welcome enthusiasts, the curious and anime fans alike. With her daughter Naomie, Stéphanie opened this tea room dedicated to the world of Japan. Le temple du geek is a journey to the land of manga, where you can enjoy homemade Japanese pastries(mochi, taiyaki, dango), as well as bubble teas and other ramune. an Asian grocery section and manga-related products are also available.

When you walk through the door, the magic happens and we are all 10 years old again. The eyes shine and look for the game that attracts us first. Pinball, dance mats, foosball, simulators, car racing... family's Game promises to entertain you with about 40 arcade games. Alone, with 2, 4 or more people, the whole family will find something to laugh about and have a good time. One establishment in Caen and another in Ouistreham, it is possible to privatize the establishment but also to rent the machines for your events.

With its decorjungle, and its love for mixology, the establishment will make the cocktail lovers roar with pleasure! This bar, located on the harbor, proposes many cocktails with or without alcohol. You will find the great classics but also original creations. More into beer or wine? No problem, the bar also offers 6 draft beers and a nice selection of wines. You will be able to accompany your drinks with boards (cold cuts, cheeses and even vegan!) and bistronomic tapas worked with fresh and local products.

A dining bar with a cosy, intimate ambience: dark colors, ochre-hued furniture and subdued lighting, Scandale leaves no one indifferent. Comfortably seated in our sofas, the cocktail menu offers a vast choice of recipes, from the most classic to the most daring, with or without alcohol, and the results are up to scratch. On the other hand, the mixed cheese/charcuterie board was nothing transcendent (an opportunity for us to come back and try the other tapas?). A quick pause in front of the angel wings in the starter before leaving, and that's it!

Behind the pink façade of their bar, the Nonna team welcomes you according to your mood. Terrace, huge bar or seventies-style room upstairs: it's up to you! A friendly, family atmosphere that attracts a clientele of young professionals. We love their menu, which is resolutely focused on local produce. The place offers local beers and 100% vegetarian snacks made with vegetables sourced locally. And what about their organic wines, cocktails and succulent turbo fries?