Esteban D.
Yelp
A very interesting and fun gay bar in the heart of the gay district. Our Recent trip to Raidd bar was very fun and despite actually finding this place on YELP and reading the review's, we decided to check it out and see what the true meaning of this place. I must admit, it did NOT disappoint.
We checked it out on 2 different nights 7/17/15 - Friday, and 7/18/15 - Saturday
First off: For those wondering... because I was... The dress code is casual and shorts, flip-flops or sneakers are acceptable. Note: most french are wearing jeans, shirts (long-sleeve or button down short sleeve) and shoes. If you want to "fit in" i suggest you go with that. Also there is NO COVER CHARGE (at least those nights we went)
Space: The location is off in a nice district of Paris, you can take the Subway there and it leaves you 1.5 blocks from the spot. It is a very nice and easy walk. The place is divided into 2 spaces ... "Upstairs" which is the packed crammed area that everyone tends to linger in and has the infamous 'shower' bar and the gogo dancers. "Downstairs" is more loungy and more relaxing. *Bathrooms are downstairs so when you go its a trip and a half!*. The upstairs is crowded crammed and full of people - We got there at 10 so it was worse and 11 the following day and it was just as full. Eitherway, little A/C and lots of people is a good time but also a recipe for people stepping on each other and a few drunk patrons acting a fool. So if your not used to it, i suggest you stay away.
Drinks: Selection is limited to what is available via the bar and the drink pourage is not what one expects in America or other countries. They do limit the drink pour to what is appropriate and accepted which is very limited to the equivalent of a shot (a small shot). They have liters for sodas which again limits their selection of mixers but none the less it gets the job done. They have beer and naturally, wine.
Best bang for your buck? Order beer. Large beers are least expensive and get you more and you get your buzz on faster (if that is what you are looking for).
Cost: Its about average but costly. 100 Euros goes fast there if you are paying for 2 people On average, we spent about 150-200 each night (we aren't heavy drinkers but we drink and were there for a while).
Staff/People: What surprised me the most about most reviews here is that most knocked the place quickly about staff. Truthfully, i found it like any other place. If you TIP a bartender, they will help you out and be nice to you, remember you, serve you first, and tend to cater to you. If you, like most people we saw there, who just grabbed and left without even a "thank you" I can see why the staff was cold and cop an attitude with people. We tipped 1 Euro per drink (as our custom here in the states) and very quickly the bartenders were happy to assist and give us what we asked. Even when there was a packed line, we were acknowledged (since we were drinking the same thing) and quickly able to get our drinks and get back to what we were doing - so overall the Staff/People are very nice
GoGo boys/Shower bar: For us who frequent the gay scene in the US, not having GOGO boy's is a sin at a gay bar, therefore, it must be a reward to the gay people in France. Most were oogling over it and they are very good looking, know they are good looking, and enjoy the attention. It is not consistent and it is not daily, HOWEVER it is nice to have someone PUMP up the crowd and provide a good dance routine to keep you on your toes. The shower bar is a shower, with a glass window, where a guy takes a sexy shower and you can view through the window. Again, for those who know the male nude revue's here in america or other places, you might just say "this is it? i've seen nude guys dancing in front of me" but this is what they do in France and again most know they are hot and enjoy the attention. Overall its a cool thing to see how it varies from our side.
Final assessment: If your in Paris France, this is a must stop in bar and check it out. Very nice and very fun. We ended up both nights (after checking out several other gay bars) at Raidd and always closed down our night with the bar. Enjoyed the staff and the scene. We met some great people and anticipate to return when we go back.