Founded in 1997 in Lyon by Christophe Fargier, Ninkasi is a chain of some 18 bar-restaurants, a brewery with its own recognised brand of beer, and a concert hall. The company currently brews 17 different beers at its brewery in nearby Tarare which are served with pride in each of its bars. Beers are also available to buy in supermarkets and corner shops. Ninkasi’s flagship venue is its original home in the Gerland neighbourhood, and the brand is associated with and primarily based throughout the city of Lyon. The name Ninkasi, comes from Sumerian mythology; Ninkasi is “she who fills the mouth”, the “she” in question is the goddess of beer!
Ninkasi’s concept is based on the American style of associating beer with burgers and music in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Beer
The brewery produces a number of ‘classic’ beers including Blonde, Ambrée, Blanche, French Kriek (fruity), Triple, French India Pale Ale (I.P.A) and Noire de Lyon together with a number of seasonal or limited edition brews.
Soft drinks
In 2012, Ninkasi began to diversify by stepping into the soft-drinks market. Its soft-drinks are produced by the Crozet distillery and are bottled in Tarare.
Whisky
In December 2015, Ninkasi began the production of whisky and vodka. Its first whisky, “Track 01” was launched in December 2018. At the end of 2017, the distillery released a product that is 100% original: Sweet Malt Spirit, a drink which traverses the worlds of beer, wine and whisky!
A gin was also launched in 2018
Locations
Ninkasi currently boasts some 18 bar-restaurants in addition to the concert hall at Gerland. The following Ninkasis are found within Lyon and Villeurbanne:
- Ninkasi Gerland
Ask most Lyonnais about Ninkasi and usually the first place that comes to mind is its first, and largest one, which remains its spiritual home. The huge Ninkasi Kao music hall can host up to 1,800 people and is located in the Gerland district, and is one of Lyon’s primary best-known music venues. Given that it is within a stone’s throw of the Stade de Gerland it is also a favourite spot for a pre- or post match beer and burger for fans of LOU Rugby.
Opening hours:
Sunday – Wednesday 11:00am – 11:00pm
Thursday 11:00am – 00:00am
Friday – Saturday 11:00am – 01:00am
Food service 11:45am – 10:00pm / 11:00pm
Please note that last bar service is 30 minutes before closure
Address:
267 Rue Marcel Mérieux
69007, Lyon
Transport: Métro stop Stade de Gerland (Line B)
- Ninkasi Gorge de Loup
Situated in a neighbourhood which is dominated by business and 3rd level education, the Gorge de Loup bar is the perfect spot for lunch or post-work drink.
Opening hours:
Sunday – Thursday 11:00am – 10:30pm
Friday – Saturday 11:00am – 11:00pm
Address:
26 rue du Sergent Michel Berthet
69009, Lyon
Transport:
Metro stop Gorge de Loup (Line D)
- Ninkasi Gratte-Ciel
In the heart of Villeurbanne’s most historic neighbourhood, the Gratte-Ciel branch offers a rich and varied musical program and a very pleasant terrace.
Opening hours:
Sunday – Thursday 9:30am – 10:30pm
Friday – Saturday 9:30am – 11:00pm
Food service 11:45am – 10:00pm
Address:
6 Avenue Henri Barbusse
69100, Villeurbanne
Transport:
Metro stop Gratte-Ciel (line A)
- Ninkasi Guillotière
Key to the Ninkasi at Guillotière is its huge terrace which seats more than 200. From the terrace one can enjoy the view of the Rhône river below it, and, above it Fourvière.
Opening hours:
Everyday, 8:00am – 1:00am
Address:
2 place Antonin Jutard
69003, Lyon
Transport:
Metro and tramway stop Guillotière (Metro Line D, Tramway T1)
- Ninkasi La Doua
Located right in front of the La Doua university campus, Ninkasi La Doua is unsurprisingly a popular spot for students.
Opening hours:
Every day 9:00am – 12:00am
Food service 11:30am – 11:00pm
Address:
2-4 rue Léon Fabre
69100, Villeurbanne
Transport:
Tramway T1 and T4, Condorcet or Doua – Gaston Berger stops.
- Ninkasi La Soie
Located in the modern View One building, Ninkasi La Soie regularly hosts concerts and features a huge terrace. A popular spot for going to or coming from a football match at Stade Olympique Lyonnais.
Opening hours:
Monday – Wednesday 11:30am – 10:00pm
Thursday – Saturday 11:30am – 10:30pm
Sunday 4:00pm- 10:30pm
Address:
34 Rue de la Soie
69100, Villeurbanne
Transport:
Tramway T3, Métro line A, Buses C8, C15, 16, 52, 68, 83, 100, Zi3, Zi4, Zi5 and Zi7. Stop Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie
- Ninkasi Part-Dieu
Located in the heart of Lyon’s business district near Gare Part-Dieu, Ninkasi Part-Dieu is a favourite watering hole for local office workers and those who fancy a quick drink and a burger before getting their train.
Opening hours:
Monday 9:00am – 11:00pm
Tuesday – Friday 9:00am – 00:30am
Saturday 10:00am – 00:30am
Sunday 10:00Am- 11:00pm
Address:
59 Rue Desaix
69003, Lyon
Transport:
Métro line B, Tramway T1. Stop Part Dieu
- Ninkasi Saint-Paul
Sitting at the entry to the UNESCO world heritage site neighbourhood of Vieux Lyon, and right beside Gare Saint Paul, Ninkasi Saint-Paul can seat up to one hundred people and benefits from a small but pleasant terrace.
Opening hours:
Monday – Wednesday 11:30am – 00:00am
Thursday – Friday 11:30am – 01:00am
Saturday 11:00am – 01:00am
Sunday 11:00am- 00:00am
Address:
5 Rue Octavio Mey
69005, Lyon
Transport:
Bus line C3, stop Gare SNCF Saint-Paul
- Ninkasi Sans Souci
Between the metro station and the Manufacture des Tabacs university campus, Ninkasi Sans Souci is a favourite spot of students. Live music and DJ sets are hosted most evenings.
Opening hours:
Every day 10:00am – 00:00am
Food service 11:00am – 11:00pm
Address:
26 cours Albert Thomas
69008, Lyon
Transport:
Metro stop Sans Souci (line D)
- Ninkasi Vaise
Situated in front of the Pathé Cinéma, Ninkasi Vaise is the perfect spot to enjoy a post-movie drink. It’s magnificent and quiet terrace makes it a popular place in the summer evenings.
Opening hours:
Every day 9:00am – 00:30am
Food service 11:00am – 11:00pm
Address:
8 rue de la Navigation
69009, Lyon
Transport: Metro stop Gare de Vaise (line D)
