When writing about French nightlife for the 16+ segment of 1880s Unboxed, I came across something rather spooky and unique; a pair of cabarets boasted an unusual menu of delights. Now cabarets were endemic to Paris in the 1880s and 1890s including the famous Moulin Rouge, Le Chat Noir, and Folies Bergère, all in the Pigalle area of the Montmartre neighborhood. At the time (as today), it was known for being a red-light district focused on sex and theater geared towards adults. These cabarets were different. Rather than the can-can and variety shows of most establishments, the creator, Antonin Alexander, pioneered the themed restaurants that are now so commonplace. But before Rainforest Cafe and Medieval Times, there was Cabaret de l'Enfer.
The Cabaret de L’Enfer in Montmartre, Paris, 1892.
Standing on the sidewalk of Boulevard de Clichy, you would see Cabaret de l'Enfer to your right and the Cabaret du Ciel to your left. Cabaret de l'Enfer (Cabaret of Hell) featured a gaping red and black mouth which you would need to pass through to enter the establishment. Above your head would be the damned descending into hell. Inside was no less spooky with the impression of a cave. Monsieur Alexander would dress up as a demon and perform magic tricks and illusions as patrons watched and imbibed. Advertisements boasted “Devilish attractions, torture of the damned, etc. etc. etc.”
Postcard showing both Cabaret de l'Enfer and Cabaret du Ciel (Cabaret of Hell and Cabaret of Heaven) side by side.
Next door, you could find entertainment of a different flavor at Cabaret du Ciel (Cabaret of Heaven). Here, you would enter Heaven’s gates painted in white and blue and be greeted by your server (dressed as an angel, of course). The master of ceremonies was dressed as a priest, and harp music played. An actor dressed as St. Peter sprinkled holy water, and customers would do various rituals in addition to drinking heavily.
Cabaret de l'Enfer interior.
Cabaret de l'Enfer card advertisement.
Both establishments remained open through World War II until 1950 when they were closed to make way for an expanding supermarket. Would you have attended? Which side appeals to you more?
Antonin Alexander as Méphisto at the Cabaret de l'Enfer.