Andy Wahloo
A strong and extravagant taste of the iconic Studio 54 + fresh Parisian charm, and a dash of Moroccan spice, all served with a mysterious story = a recipe for a funky Friday night.
While you might be immediately reminded of the famous contemporary artist Andy Warhol (which definitely explains the décor), the name of this place is, in fact, a play on the Arabic word ‘Wahloo’ which means “nothing” — alluding to its Morrocan roots — but don’t let that dissuade you: this kitch little creation actually has substance in spades.
One of the many creative and successful projects by brothers Mourad and Hakim Mazous — the duo behind Sketch, Momo and Double Club in London, as well as several other bars in Paris (Le Derrière) — for Andy Wahloo they’ve created a whole back story: one of a quirky, globe-trotting socialite who lives an amazing and glamorous life, and returns to us every so often to share his stories and new cocktail reveries from all over the world.
Sounds fabulous enough — but in sync with this, the entire menu of signature cocktails here is also represented as a small notebook, filled with Andy’s adventures and jokes, and illustrated with funny sketches and collages, making it super fun to flip through and choose.
Once you do, what’s for sure, is that you’ve never tried anything like it before.
All creations and concoctions here are the brainchild of head bartender Clement Faure, who — bringing his vast experience from the Mama Shelter (Bordeaux) and Shirvan, Café Métisse to the fold — has become the face and soul this place, and is always creating new beverages for clients to suit their various preferences.. That said, if you’re lucky on the night you visit, he might even create a signature cocktail for YOU (not from the menu), based on your taste and his mood, so there’s a quick tip when you go ;)
Harking back to the glorious heyday of NYC circa-70’s (a glamorous mess), the design of this place is also a delight — think: pop-up art mixed with the sleek, dim-lit mood & style of a French hôtel particulier, which adds to the Studio 54 vibe and gives it some sass.
As a plus for our smoking friends, there’s also respite in the form of a courtyard terrasse tucked into the back of the bar, where you can chat with your friends and even meet someone from the neighbouring bar 404 or the fancy Derriere Restaurant down the road (also run by the Mazous brothers).
If you like to dance — they’re also always up for a party at Andy Wahloo, and they regularly invite a string of different DJ’s to spin beats and get guests in the mood — just check out the program on their Facebook Page to see who’s up on the night.
All up, a good go-to for a pick-up when the weather gets grim, and — with the crazy stories from its cocktail list no doubt spawned from the real-life antics and adventures of its staff and cool crew of customers — you’ll be sure to leave with a tale or two of your own…
Perfect for: Friday night drinks, if you want to explore new tastes and meet interesting new people.
What to order: Our personal choices: the Sérénity (a gin-based cocktail) to start, and El Pardon once you’re on a roll, and ready for the dancing part of the night.
Address: 69, rue des Gravilliers 75003 Paris (Google Maps)
Trading hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 6.30PM-2AM.
Website: https://www.andywahloo-bar.com/
Insta: @andy_wahloo
