No need to look any further, we've probably found the best hideout on Rue Oberkampf. Located in a small cul-de-sac in the midst of artists' studios of all kinds, this bar with its red-brick front didn't steal its name and seduced us right away. A large, beautiful room filled with antique pieces, walls strewn with paintings, a bar featuring quality products, a small stage to host musicians and other performances - in short, an alternative place that smells of art and conviviality!
As for the menu, L'Impasse offers a rather classic range of alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits, champagne, cocktails), but with a sharp edge. We sample a delicious "Causses toujours" organic red wine, slightly smoky but very light and tasty, and asignature "French Detox" cocktail (gin, lime, basil, cucumber) dosed just the way we like it, absolutely succulent! 
For dinner, l'Impasse also offers a menu of very good products at reasonable prices: "Label Rouge" salmon tartare, foie gras, terrines, pâtés, vegetarian lasagne, sandwiches, and its specialty: charcuterie and cheese boards - excellent and well-stocked, ideal for a little aperitif with friends to discuss contemporary art and remake the world. 
But as well as being synonymous with good vibes and good gueuletons, l'Impasse is a hybrid venue whose artistic movement and cultural effervescence amaze us: the bar hosts new exhibitions every week (vernissage on Tuesdays) as well as artists' workshops (notably silkscreen workshops), but it also organizes screenings of short and feature-length films and concerts. L'Impasse also frequently invites La Ruche qui dit oui, allowing us to buy our baskets of local and artisanal products. 
There's no doubt about it: we feel so at home in this big loft bursting with arts and ideas that we'd happily stay for whole evenings. We'll be glad to come back at weekends to try the gourmet brunch served at the table (19€) - with freshly squeezed juice, unlimited hot drinks, eggs Benedict, eggs Florentine or Norwegian eggs, pancakes with maple syrup and fresh fruit salad!
Practical info:
L'Impasse,
Monday to Friday 5pm to 2am,
Brunch weekends (11am to 5pm)
Facebook page
Prices: Brunch formula 19€, Plates 12-17€,
Dishes: 7-17€
Drinks: glass of wine 4-6,5€, bottle 21-42€, pint 5,5€-8€, cocktails: 10-13€.
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
Location
The Impasse
4 Cité Griset
75011 Paris 11
Access
Metro 2: Ménilmontant
Prices
verres de vin: €4 - €6.5
pintes: €5.5 - €8
plats: €7 - €17
Cocktails: €10 - €13
Planches: €12 - €17
brunch: €19
More information
Open Monday to Friday, 5pm to 2am Weekend brunch (11am to 5pm)
