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Nightlife · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Ninkasi Kafé

  • CoverNo cover
  • Price
  • MusicDJ sets Fri–Sat from 21:00, electronic and pop

Ninkasi Kafé at Lyon Confluence is the flagship taproom of Ninkasi, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region's leading independent craft brewery. Located on Quai Rambaud in Lyon's redeveloped Confluence district at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the bar stocks the full Ninkasi range on tap, including the signature lager, Golden Ale, IPA, and a rotating roster of seasonal and limited-edition brews. Wheat beers and darker stouts appear in winter while lighter, hop-forward ales dominate warmer months.

Ninkasi Kafé

Ninkasi Kafé at Lyon Confluence is the flagship taproom of Ninkasi, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region's leading independent craft brewery. Located on Quai Rambaud in Lyon's redeveloped Confluence district at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the bar stocks the full Ninkasi range on tap, including the signature lager, Golden Ale, IPA, and a rotating roster of seasonal and limited-edition brews. Wheat beers and darker stouts appear in winter while lighter, hop-forward ales dominate warmer months. Tasting paddles allow visitors to compare several styles side by side. Ninkasi was founded in Lyon in 1997 and has grown into one of France's most recognised craft beer producers, operating multiple venues across the city; the Confluence location is among the largest. Food is central to the experience: a menu of burgers, hot dogs, and sharing plates runs throughout opening hours, designed to pair with the beer selection. A spacious ground-floor dining area is complemented by one of Lyon's most enviable outdoor terraces, overlooking the confluence of the two rivers. In summer the terrace fills from mid-afternoon with office workers, students, and visitors making the most of the waterfront setting. The bar opens at midday daily, making it as suited to a lunchtime craft beer as to a late session; on Friday and Saturday it stays open until 02:00, with DJ sets beginning around 21:00 and a livelier atmosphere from that hour. The crowd is relaxed and mixed across the week: students and young professionals on weekdays, families and larger groups at weekends. The dress code is entirely casual. Walk-ins are standard — reservations are not accepted for bar or terrace seating. No cover charge applies. A half-pint of lager or ale costs approximately €3.50 to €4.50, placing Ninkasi Kafé among the more affordable craft beer destinations in central Lyon. The Confluence district also houses the MAC Lyon contemporary art museum, the innovative Confluence shopping centre, and direct tram connections to the city centre.

Good to know

Hours
Mon–Thu 12:00–01:00; Fri–Sat 12:00–02:00; Sun 12:00–00:00
Signature
Craft beer bar operated by Lyon's leading independent brewery. Ninkasi brews its own lagers, IPAs, and seasonal ales on-site and serves them alongside street food-style snacks. The Confluence location has a large terrace overlooking the Rhône and Saône confluence, making it one of Lyon's best outdoor drinking spots in summer.

Location

Quai Rambaud, 69002 Lyon

45.7437, 4.8162 View on map

Highlights

  • Full Ninkasi craft beer range on tap including seasonal and limited-edition brews
  • Large waterfront terrace overlooking the Rhône and Saône confluence
  • Kitchen open all day with burgers, hot dogs, and sharing plates
  • Beer tasting paddles available for comparing multiple styles side by side
  • Prime Confluence district location with tram access to the city centre

Tips for visiting

  • Arrive before 19:00 on summer Friday and Saturday evenings to secure terrace space
  • Ask for a tasting paddle to compare the core and seasonal beer ranges
  • The kitchen stays open until close, making this a viable late-dinner option
  • DJ sets begin around 21:00 on Friday and Saturday — arrive early to guarantee seating

Frequently asked questions

Does Ninkasi Kafé brew beer on site?

The Confluence location is a taproom, not a production brewery. Ninkasi brews at its main Lyon facility, but the Kafé stocks the full range on tap alongside bottles and seasonal specials.

Is there an outdoor terrace?

Yes. The Kafé has a large waterfront terrace overlooking the confluence of the Rhône and Saône. It is open in warm weather and is one of Lyon's most popular outdoor drinking spots.

Are reservations required?

Reservations are not accepted for standard bar and terrace seating. Walk-ins are the norm, though the terrace fills quickly on summer evenings and Friday nights.

What are the opening hours?

Ninkasi Kafé opens at midday daily. The bar closes at 01:00 Monday to Thursday, at 02:00 on Friday and Saturday, and at midnight on Sunday.