Paris Buttes Chaumont (19ème)

Butte Chaumont doesn't have the most popping nightlife scene, and this is definitely not the safest neighborhood in Paris. That being said, drinks are generally cheap, and the company can get rowdy at the more student-ish bars. If you can only hit up one place, it has to be the Ourcq. The beer goes for only €2.50 and keeps the locals coming.

Ourcq, 68 quai de la Loire (☎01 42 40 12 26), Where the students, hipsters, hippies, and other budget-conscious folks go to get down. There's always a party going on, whether its a Tuesday or a Saturday night. During the day, this classic brasserie doubles as a tea salon, and provides its customers with a wide selection of board games and books to go along with their hot beverage of choice (€2-3). Wine by the glass €2-3. Beer €2.50-4. Cocktails €5. Open W-Th 3pm-midnight, F-Sa 3pm-2am. Su 3pm-10pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Takes credit cards. Serves alcohol.
Le Faitout, 23 avenue Simon Bolivar (www.lefaitout.fr), A cozy, relaxed bar located on the residential avenue Simon Bolivar. The decor is classic, the drinks are affordable, and the crowd is rowdy on weekends, a bit subdued on weeknights. The kitchen is open late, so you can grab a quick snack if you feel the need to wash something down besides your sorrows. Plenty of students, as is most often the case at bars in Buttes. Shots €3. Wine by the glass €2.60-6.50. Open Daily, 7am-2am. Takes credit cards. Serves alcohol.
Abracadabar, 123 ave. Jean Jaurès 01 42 03 18 04 (www.abracadabar.fr), Hip hop, trip hop,'70s soul, and generally hot beats blast through the speakers on weeknights, while patrons are treated to live concerts on Fridays and Saturdays (OK, not actually treated; prices vary). Munchies aside, the crowd is fun, albeit a bit aged-out punk/hip hop. Drinks are steep—beer and cocktails are a good €1.50-2 more expensive than anything you'll get at Ourcq (see above). Takes credit cards. Serves alcohol.
Cafe Rozier, 14 quai de la Loire (☎01 42 39 68 98), About half of the people at Rozier might be finishing up their dinner, but that shouldn't stop you from taking advantage of its lovely terrace and relatively cheap drinks. The vibe seems disproportionately yuppy for the neighborhood. A good spot to have an appetizer before dinner or a digestif after, but don't plan on getting crunked here without drawing some sideward glances. Takes credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.