Anyone been to Harry's Bar in Paris recently? My girlfriend loves Hemingway and really wants to go. How is the food? How much is the Bloody Mary? Thanks.

As I recall it, Hemingway hung out at Harry's Bar in Venice and at the bar of the Ritz in Paris.

correct, the bar in the Ritz is the Hemingway Bar.

Looks like you are going to have to take her to Paris AND Venice!

Indeed, Hemingway's Harry's Bar is n Venice - and owned by the Cipriani family group.

It is quite expensive, but worth it IMHO for the quality of the food and service, as well as the ambiance and view. (Keep in mind this is Venice - where really good food is an arm and aleg unlike most of Italy).

And one drinks bellinis - not bloody mary's. I seem to recall they were about $15 each or so - similar to what you would pay in New York.

You people are confusing me. Let's leave Harry's Bar in Venice out of this since geoflag is clearly talking about Paris.

The Hemingway Bar is indeed in the Ritz in Paris. It was named for Hemingway because he spent so much time there. I've never heard of having a Bloody Mary there, but I suppose they'll make you one.

Harry's Bar, Paris is at 5 rue Daunou and is a two story bar where the Bloody Mary was first created. But I never heard that Hemingway spent time there.

Harry's Bar, Paris:
http://tinyurl.com/g4y2m

Hemingway Bar, Paris:
http://tinyurl.com/hm33w

OK, in reading those two sites I just posted I see that Hemingway did spend a lot of time at Harry's Bar in Paris as well as the bar at the Ritz that they named for him.

Does every major city in Europe have a Harry's Bar? I've been to the one in Munich!

Blimey!
Nearly as common as Haagen Dazs cafes!!!

We were at Harry's Bar in Paris last October, and we think the drinks averaged about 16 euros each.

There were 11 in our group --10 of us and Michael Osman, the guide-- the the tab for one round was 176 euros plus the tip.

I don't know about the Bloody Marys. We had gin and tonic, others had cosmopolitans and martinis. I think Michael had a Sidecar.

It wasn't cheap, but was lots of fun, and a great way to end a day of touring catacombs and cemeteries with Michael.

Byrd

Harry's Bar in Paris is all about second hand smoke; low ceilings make this place a smoker's dream. The drinks are well prepared and pricey, almost as much as you would pay at the Ritz.

I would like to visit that cafe where he would sit and write. I'll have to scout around on Google.

Dear Geo:

Some of my greatest and infamous moments of outright hedonism and debauchery have taken place at Harry's Bar. I love the place! Harry's was founded in 1911 by Harry McElone, an ex-pat Scotsman. To this day, Harry's is still a family owned business, run by Harry's grandson.

Harry's Bar is at number 5 rue Daunou, over in the 8th, near the Opera Garnier. There is no food, unless you consider boiled "Red Hots" brand hot dogs food.

Hemingway did indeed spend time at Harry's. In June 1944, when the Nazi's were on the run, there were gun battles being fought between Allied troops and Nazi troops in the streets of Paris. Hemingway was said to have ordered a cocktail while a raging gun battle took place just down the street near Rue Scribe.

Lastly, Harry's is the headquarters of the IBF's or International Bar Flies, of which I am a memeber; a loose confederation of ex-pats, local Parisians and people of generally morally lax character (of which I am prime example)..

Hope this helps to clear up some of the mysteries..

Regards..
Luis

I still don't undestand why there are Harry's Bars in so many cities??? Are they connected?

I actually drank a Petrifier there once.

My husband and I spent a wonderful hour in Harry's Bar last month. We stood at the bar and drank the French draft beer, Balzane, and had a great conversation with a couple local "solicitors" (lawyers), who ended up picking up our bar tab!! (We found out after they left and we went to pay and the bartender told us it was paid for!) So much for the French being snooty! We were told that indeed Hemingway patronized the place, apparently he drank A LOT so he was known in many bars. We were also told that Harry's created the Bloody Mary and the Sidecar. While we did not drink cocktails, one of the bartenders appeared to be the mixmaster, making margaritas and such, while the other poured draft, wine and champagne. The drafts were 4.50 Euros. It was very smokey, but was a fun atmosphere. I did not see any food except for the "chiens chauds, toute heures" (hot dogs, all hours) in a steamer on the bar. There is USA college memorabilia all over the walls as well as some sports photos. This bar is very close to the Ritz, a totally different experience. We could not get into Hemingways Bar there as my husband had shorts on, but it is worth going in to look around. Harry's was a hoot, check it out.