Coyo Taco Tequila Club

Whether you’re stumble into one of their taquerias in Florida, Panama or the Dominican Republic, Coyo Taco always serves two things: terrific tacos and a well-hidden bar. The Parisian location is no exception to the rule, since the discreet flight of stairs to the right of the bar leads you to the Coyo Taco Tequila Club, a speakeasy decorated like a miniature Miami swinger’s club – midnight blue carpet and banquettes, pink neon lights, a round mirror. Behind the bar, Ben Tyler (ex-Mezcaleria) shakes up an erudite selection of twelve creations with lots of groovy flavors and plenty of agave, including: a strong, graphic Yellow made with tequila, pineapples, BBQ flavored bitters and a Noix de la Saint Jean apéritif liqueur, poured into a blue chalice (€13); or a Lupe Sunrise (€15) combining tequila, Champagne, amaretto, hibiscus, orange and carrot, that’s as fresh as a midnight dip at Palm Beach. They also offer up 70 different tequilas, from basic to baller – ranging from €7 to… €50 a shot! Plenty of good things to sip on while listening to the DJ, who livens up the restaurant from his hiding spot. // Paul Hackett