Where to drink in Menton: craft beer, beach bars and rooftops

Menton is not a big party town, but it is a good place for unhurried drinks: something local before dinner, a craft beer with small plates, or a cocktail with a view. Most evenings are more about conversation and sea air than loud music.

Start by deciding what you want: a simple aperitif, a beachside atmosphere, a rooftop panorama or a central cocktail bar. Then keep the evening flexible.

For craft beer, Biera d’Aquì is one of the local addresses to keep in mind. It is a good stop if you enjoy smaller French or Italian breweries, seasonal beers or something less standard than the usual industrial labels.

Ask what is currently rotating on draught and pair your glass with the simple aperitif snacks available that day. Arrive a little earlier if you want a quieter first stop and time to talk through the beer list.

Down by Plage des Sablettes, Inky Bar is a seasonal option for evenings when you want your drink close to the sand and water. The appeal is the mix of beach energy, music when programmed, and the view back to the old town after sunset.

Keep the order simple: a cold beer, a spritz or an easy long drink with something shareable. Because beach bars and Sablettes programmes change by season, check current opening days and events before walking down.

If you prefer a higher perspective, Med Rooftop offers a classic Riviera mix when open: sea view, rooftops and an aperitif in hand. It is the kind of place to choose for the setting, so keep the order simple and focus on timing.

Arrive shortly before sunset if you want the last light over the bay and old-town roofs. In high season, check whether booking is needed or arrive early; outside peak summer, a light layer can make the terrace more comfortable.

For a central, walkable cocktail option near the port, Les Incompris is worth considering when you want something more composed than a beach drink. It is close to the water and often works well with a shared plate or tapas-style bites.

Bar L’Escalier is better treated as a possible low-key aperitif stop rather than a destination for showy cocktails. As with most Menton bars, energy and opening times fluctuate, so keep both addresses as part of a flexible evening walk.

In summer, Menton evenings often work around the aperitif rather than a very late night, so starting around early evening usually feels right. If you want beer and cocktails in one evening, begin with craft beer while there is still light, then move to a rooftop or cocktail bar later.

Many of these places are within walking distance of central apartments, so you do not need a car. Choose one or two spots that match your mood and leave room for an unplanned stop on the way back.