Combat

While Combat's primary focus is mixology, the bar offers a thoughtfully curated selection of small plates designed to complement the cocktail experience. These aren't afterthoughts or standard bar snacks—they're carefully chosen accompaniments that enhance the drinking experience while providing substance for an evening at the bar. The snack menu features three well-executed options that showcase quality ingredients and thoughtful pairings. The aged Gouda with pickles (9€) offers a classic combination where the cheese's sharp, crystalline complexity plays beautifully against the bright acidity of house pickles. The confit peppers with stracciatella (11€) brings Mediterranean flavors to the table, with sweet, tender peppers complementing the creamy, delicate Italian cheese. The olives and feta (6€) provides a simple, satisfying option that's perfect for grazing while working through the cocktail menu. These plates are designed with the cocktail drinker in mind—they're flavorful enough to be interesting but not so heavy or complex that they overwhelm the palate. The portions are appropriate for sharing or enjoying solo, and the pricing is reasonable, encouraging guests to order food without significantly increasing their bill. The real star of Combat's offering, however, is the cocktail menu. The team of Margot Lecarpentier, Mégane Vignaud, and Zoé Chambras brings serious creativity and technical skill to their craft. Their signature creations demonstrate both respect for classic cocktail traditions and willingness to push boundaries with unexpected ingredients and flavor combinations. The Combat Margarita represents their approach to reimagining classics—taking a beloved standard and elevating it with quality ingredients and thoughtful execution. The Quatresse showcases their more adventurous side, combining Suze's bitter gentian notes with Laphroaig's peaty intensity, balanced by lime, sugar syrup, and fresh sage. It's a complex, sophisticated drink that reveals the team's deep understanding of flavor layering and balance. Other signature creations like the Bachir, Impécapre, and Frais Maison demonstrate the breadth of their creativity. Each cocktail tells a story, whether through unexpected ingredient pairings, playful names, or innovative techniques. The mocktail menu (7-11€) receives equal attention, ensuring that non-alcoholic options are just as interesting and well-crafted as their spirited counterparts. The cocktail menu changes to reflect seasonal ingredients and the team's ongoing experimentation, giving regulars reason to return and discover new creations. This commitment to evolution and creativity, combined with consistently excellent execution, earned Combat its recognition as Best Author Bar by Le Fooding Guide 2018—a distinction that speaks to the bar's significant contribution to Paris's cocktail scene.