2025-08-30
Le Bar de la Marine: The Retro Hotspot That Makes Bordeaux Buzz
Retro guinguette vibes, open-grill cuisine and a festive spirit: at Le Bar de la Marine, it’s all about raising a glass and sharing the moment.
From sailors' bistro to Chef Frédéric Coiffé's table
Born in the 1920s, right in the heart of the working-class Bacalan neighborhood, the Bar de la Marine was first the haunt of dockers and sailors who worked at the Bassins à Flot. People came there at all hours to debate the world over a pitcher of red wine, leaning on the zinc counter. The atmosphere was raw, fraternal, punctuated by the hustle of the port and sea shanties.
In the 1950s, as the shipbuilding industry took hold, the place kept its popular charm: colorful Formica tables, ocean liner posters, lotteries spilling onto the sidewalk. Bacalan slowly declined, but the bar remained a lively spot. Garonne fishermen, neighborhood associations, budding artists: everyone found a space for expression here. A true witness to the neighborhood's history, it became as much a place of memory as a local dive.
In 2019, Chef Frédéric Coiffé, Master Chef of France, fell in love with this unique soulful place. He chose to preserve its bistro spirit while giving it new life.
A modern guinguette between conviviality and Sunday "Drunch"
The colorful facade keeps its retro look, and out back, a guinguette garden comes alive. On summer evenings, the garlands light up, laughter rings out, grills sizzle, and the dance floor gets going. On the menu: smoked entrecôte, pan-fried squid, local seasonal vegetables. The menu follows tides and seasons, with a fine selection of Bordeaux wines and beyond.
Today, people come in groups to share a côte de bœuf, toast with creative cocktails, or celebrate birthdays under the lanterns. On Sundays, the famous "Drunch" (between lunch and brunch) draws families and night owls alike seeking conviviality. You dance, laugh, celebrate in a relaxed yet warm atmosphere, true to the spirit of old guinguettes.
It's the kind of spot you'd want to keep secret... but always end up sharing. This authentic conviviality echoes the dynamism of the left bank, particularly the sought-after "village" vibe of the Chartrons.
📍 28 rue Achard, Bordeaux
🌐 frederic-coiffe.com – ☎ 05 56 50 58 01 – Instagram: @le_bar_de_la_marine
Opening hours:
- From October 1 to May 1: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (closed weekends, privatizations possible)
- From May 1 to October 1: Monday noon, Tuesday-Friday 9am-1:30am, Saturday 6pm-1:30am, Sunday Drunch 12pm-5pm
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