Service is excellent at Le Lion. It's a speakeasy so you do need to ring and be let in. I went earlier on a Saturday evening so it wasn't packed yet. I have also been very late (post-theater) on a Saturday evening and we never made it inside; we had to sit outside. The decor is subtle and classy. Le Lion is the cradle of the gin basil smash (I had never heard of it until I came here but it seems to be a Hamburg thing). You do pay a premium for the drink but it's the original and it's also a good drink. In conclusion: Come early to get inside for the full speakeasy experience. Come late and understand if you have to sit outside. Don't miss the gin basil smash; they invented it. read more

This speakeasy bar is wonderful, not just for its service and decor, but for their well thought out cocktail menu. The drinks are extremely well made. I would definitely return here. read more

Le Lion - Lounges Near Me - Hamburg, HH

Was here around 8pm on Saturday evening and luckily it wasn't too full yet. Overall we waited about 20 minutes to get seated. The concept is a bit strange and maybe trying too hard. But omg the gin basil smash makes it all worth it! It's so tasty. Interesting clientele as well - so pretty good for people watching if that's what you're into! read more

Loved this place. It was a little hard to find but once inside we were welcomed with friendly service and a warm atmosphere. The drinks were unique and delicious. We had the famous Gin Basil Smash and Cameron's Kick, neither of which disappointed. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a cozy, romantic stop for drinks in Hamburg. read more

Le Lion - Camerons' Kick and Gin Basil Smash - Lounges Near Me - Hamburg, HH

Terrible rude service. Honestly not worth the bother You can get high end cocktails with better servers elsewhere in Hamburg.

This is a true hidden gem that you not can miss if you like great tasting cocktails! We where having dinner across the street at Café Paris and where on our way home when the waiter told us about this nice cocktailplace just across the street. It does not look like much from the outside with a plain black door and a doorbell but once inside it gets a lot more interesting....... This is a small swanky place with soft velvet wallpapers and plush furniture playing some soft jazz. Its not a place to have a few fast ones before going clubbing on the Reeperbahn. Drinkguru Jörg takes his time preparing the cocktails and it is so worth the wait. He mixes and taste during the blending and when he is satisfied with the result, so will you be. Tried his award winning Basil Smash and it was one of the best cocktails ive ever had. Its a strong gin cocktail with lime and syrup infused with smashed basil leaves. So fresh and tasty! Prices are high for Hamburg (around 15 €/drink) but similar what we swedes pay for a simple standard drink at any place back home. And this is by any means any standard drinks. I certainly understand why this place is on many toplists of the best bars in europe and even in the world as you dont often stuble across places like these even if travelling a lot. Do yourself a favor, go here and have one of the best drinks you have ever tasted and enjoy that smooth jazz.......... read more

Le Lion - Lounges Near Me - Hamburg, HH

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Extraordinary place to "pull back" and enjoy your time, accompany and excellent drink. Mainly anything around gin. Go there and try it out! read more

The drinks are awesome, the service is great, the space is swanky and velvety, however the price per drink is grand. It's true...you will have some of the best tasting, and most intoxicating (but you won't know it until later) crafty cocktails of your life here. And they will cost you a pretty penny (or a couple thousand of them) -- even from the standpoint of an American that used to live in a city that is a big part of the world-wide mixology movement. You're still sure to enjoy yourself here though, so just be sure to have a reservation or know the all-important password in order to get in. read more

Japp! I'm definitely a fan! It's this hidden "undergroundy" bar, where you have to make reservations before hand and ring at the door in order to get in. Usually i would be like "Ah they probably don't have a license and it's probably gonna be trashy inside" - but no! After you ring the bell a waiter/doorman opens the door and takes your coats and shows you the way downstairs to the bar. You instantly feel welcome! The bar itself has a lounge character, so not too noisy and perfect to have a conversation. Even though the drinks are a little pricy, it's worth spending, because those guys know what they're doing. Pretty much any flavour-direction you have in mind..they'll mix you - and it's tasty! read more

I Love You People, but go and stash up the vodka. One brand (hilarious for a bar of your range), not even a particularly good one (overpriced and overrated if you ask me) in a top notch bar with top service, top interior, top location... Just please tell me, why? The fifth star is so close!!! Get a bottle of vodka Chopin for the masses and a vodka Ciroc for the eccentrics and hell, I will give you five stars to celebrate the heaven of alcohol you call your bar. read more

Bar de Paris is certainly unique. From the street you can see the sign, but there are no windows, just a big, imposing, black door. You ring the bell and wait for the door to be opened. I was shocked by how small the place is. You don't /have/ to book a table, but if you want to drink in comfort it'd be a good idea. Personally however, what I'd want from a bar like this is to sit at the bar and discuss the drinks with the bartender, but unfortunately the bar too was packed. The cocktails themselves were superb, but lacked the personal touch that I'm sure would be available had the bartender had a little more time and space. I'll come back, hopefully on a quiet day, and then I'll probably give them 5/5. read more

Great Cocktails! We had to try this place while in Hamburg and it did not disappoint. Atmosphere was beautifully decorated and the service was top notch! Our server was super friendly, funny and made great recommendations. (She had dark hair and bangs) Buttermilk Margarita was to die for!! Yes this place is pricey but you get what you pay for. Awesome hand crafted drinks, upscale, beautiful ambiance and wonderful service. We hope we get the chance to return one day! read more

One of the best bars in the world? Perhaps. The best bar in Hamburg? Probably. A great place for a late drink? Definitely. Super friendly and professional staff serving eye wateringly strong and pricey cocktails. Amazing olives, lovely decoration, good company. Always best when someone else is paying though! read more

Le Lion - Lounges Near Me - Hamburg, HH

Very recommendable bar. The drinks are pricy but definitely worth it. The bar is very classy with and old touch but still cozy and comfortable, which makes the whole experience absolutely great. Nice waiter/bartender who had a good grip of his costumers wishes and recommended suitable drinks. read more

Le Lion - Lounges Near Me - Hamburg, HH

You know your going to love the venue when you walk in and instantly want to touch the wallpaper! Amazing cocktails, relaxed atmosphere and lives up to the billing of one of the best bars in Hamburg. I sampled the Santa Marta which is a rum based cocktail. I was very impressed when I asked for a spiced rum that they recommended the Sailor Jerry's (Which is my favourite choice of Rum). Will be visiting again, when I take out a second mortgage =D read more

Almost a speakeasy but more of a booshie french cocktail bar. Excellent mixology without the theatrics. Huge selection of drinks, this is more for the drinker who knows what to order and knows his spirits. I'll visit again. read more

Some people claim that Hamburg is just a provincial town and too pompous and arrogant to accept it. According to the same logic, Munich is supposedly the more glamourous place, with better dining and nightlife, while Berlin is just so much more creative and outright kerazy. Well, if Le Lion is a provincial kind of bar, than I'll gladly be a hillbilly. There is no ignoring the fact that this is, quite simply, the best bar in town and one of the best bars - full stop. The ambience is classy and tasteful without trying too hard and the drinks are, and I'm careful with that word, divine. The bartenders and waiters are welcoming, but never brash, and seem to be genuinely excited about their work - and they should be, given the high level of service and craftsmanship that's been the standard since Le Lion opened not that long ago. Be warned though: if you're after a kewl place, stay away. If you like your bars loud and full of prime examples of the jeuness dorée crowd, better go somewhere else. This place is much more preoccupied with quality than image. You might actually find the newly opened Raven bar to be much more to your liking. Of course, that uncompromising quality comes at a price, which means I can't visit this wonderful oasis as often as I'd like to. But then again, I wouldn't like the old saying that familiarity breeds contempt to be proven true in this context. That way a trip to Le Lion always keeps the feeling of occasion. And my socks will be blown off after my first sip as if it were the very first time. read more

It is as good as it gets. Really nice atmosphere, yummy drinks and knowledgable crew. You do not wait ages for your drink, and nice and central bar- or we can also name it as lounge- to relax , talk and enjoy the time out..... read more

Speakeasy Bar, gentil bartenders, perfect drinks, but unfortunately a non smokers bar .

Le Lion is a really special place. It is just the right mix of your blast from the past speak-easy meets distinct London-style members club cum living room meets cocktailian meets style guru place that you always wanted but never found. The owner, Joerg Meyer, prides himself of being a great host- deservedly so. And he righteously so imposes his standards upon his knowledgable staff. This leads to a relax bar experience, a casual and quiet evening with great drinks, no stress and of course wonderful service. The clients at Le Lion drink Champagne or cocktails. Drinks that are made for serious, concentrated and intense drinking. Drinks that are made for grown up conversation. So don't run to Le Lion for your after-work pint. Make it a glass of champagne instead- it's worth it. The prices are up-market, still the clientele is a good mix, not stiff, however well behaved. Make sure to call, since seats in your soon to be living room are limited and thank god the staff makes sure there is no need to stare on someones behind whilst lounging in the comfy couches. read more

My search has ended! I read about the 'Le Lion' in a magazine (Beef!) and was really surprised about the central location and that I didn't know the place. I've never seen or heard about it, although I've been living in Hamburg for several years. The first visit was together with my girlfriend and the doorman received us with a warm smile, took care of the wardrobe and showed us to our seats. We started talking to a young couple next to us and they where drinking sherry. I'm not much of a Sherry drinker, but this one was tremendous - almost like port. Especially with the cheese platter it is a nice fit. Ever since I'm having it as a 'starter'... We had a very pleasant evening. On another occasion we where at the Le Lion with friends and I had a Gin Basil Smash, that blew me away. What a perfect drink for me! Friends had a Mojito and also a Martini and something based on Pimm's and Ginger Lemonade. The components of the Martini are served separately and you put them together yourself. Very cool... The prices are more than fair for the package of quality, service and ambiance you receive. I find it very pleasant that the hosts ensure that the Le Lion doesn't get overcrowded. Some have mentioned in other reviews the posh/trendy crowd, but during my visits I've never really noticed this and I'm definitely not part of the in-crowd... Of course this is not the right venue, if you are looking for happy hour 5EUR Caipirinha by the bucket, but the guests I've seen and met are not stuck up or appear to be arrogant. I've even been able to sneak in with my gym bag during the week... The drink menu is small but exquisite and the bartender can surely do any drink you desire and don't happen to find on the menu. The hosts/bartenders (so far we've met Carolin(e?) and Mario) are nice beyond description. They give excellent advice should you want to try a new drink and are not quite sure what you are after. The attention to the guests is simply perfect - not too much and not too little. The Le Lion is in a league of its own. Joerg Meyer -who owns the place- and his great staff have created an atmosphere where you feel at home. If I could move in, I would... Keep up the good work! Cheers, Don read more

A truly hidden gem in Hamburg :) The first time I came here, I'd only been living in Hamburg a short time and were seriously in need of a good drink after the stress of moving across the world with a 5-month-old. It's a bit hidden, you might not immediately notice it if you weren't looking for it. Trust me, this adds to the experience. Inside, it has a swanky classic speakeasy vibe. Low lighting, jazz music and velvet seating makes for a tres romantique setting ;) The service is amazing and the drinks are delicious. They also have a nice little bread and cheese plate. Take note, the drinks are on the pricier side but well worth it in my opinion. I personally recommend trying the Gin Basil Smash, it is dangerously delicious. It was originally created here by the founder of Le Lion, Jörg Meyer. Whether you're on a date, out with friends or talking business, I definitely recommend checking out Le Lion. You won't regret it. read more

Excellent hidden cocktail bar in Hamburg. Decadent and very high end. Perfect for a chilled evening with exquisite crafted drinks. Highly recommend. read more

Le Lion - Lounges Near Me - Hamburg, HH

A very exclusive feel to this place and the staff certainly know their cocktails. worth a visit - once.

Love this place. It's kind of like having a tiny piece of New York style here in Hamburg. Gin Basil smash is a must!

One of my favorite bars and I mean of all bars I've been to. Luckily it's in Hamburg and not too far away. Have been coming here since they basically opened. I liked drinking at Mario's bar when he still worked at the Sofitel. Found him here and kept coming back . Jörg, the owner, also knows exactly what he is doing. The two with the rest of the team make this place a gem in Hamburg. It's an old school feel right from the point at which you ring the doorbell to get in. A bit difficult to find but smack in the middle of town near the Rathaus. Pricey but you know that coming here. If you have someone on an expense account, make sure they take you here. They don't just "make" drinks here. They will interrogate you, if you so choose, as to exactly what you like and you WILL get it. Trust me on this. Let Mario ask you a couple questions and be surprised by what he creates. I too love the Basil Smash but I've had a bunch of other wonderful drinks prepared by Mario. I also most prefer to sit at the bar as here is where the action is. The couches are wonderful too. I took my now wife here on the evening of our first date and we enjoy coming back here (not often enough) whenever we can. They've recently opened another place in town but this will remain our favorite place when it comes to high quality drinks. read more

Very original, creative and high quality cocktail place. decorated like in the 70ies. The drinks are as good as it can get.

Great new addition to Hamburg. Went here based on Uhrenbacher's and Cem's reviews. Hadn't heard of this place before but I am always looking for a cool bar which isn't too far from either my office or home. This place will not disappoint if you like great drinks, a relaxed atmosphere and a dark, old-school decor. To my surprise, one of my "old friends" from the Sofitel is there. A great bartendar whom I remembered from my many stays at that hotel has now started working here. He is an outstanding bartendar and truly goes out of his way to make you feel welcome. He also really knows his drinks and bleeds bartending. Remember as others have said that if you want to be sure to have a place to sit to reserve. Further, they told me that their goal is to keep the place from ever getting over-filled. Hence, if you come late and it's full, you'll be turned away at the door. They don't have a door-monkey, but you do have to ring the bell. Either the owner or bartendar will come to let you in. read more

One of the few places in Hamburg where you find a somewhat sophisticated, stylish crowd. Great cocktails, cool style, impeccable service, bartenders are all characters, some with a very loud voice, which can be a nuisance when the bar is empty. Music a tad too quiet for me. read more