Le Bar des Oiseaux is tucked into one of Vieux Nice's narrowest streets and has a different atmosphere to the loud bars of Rue de la Préfecture — quieter, more local, with jazz on certain evenings and a short wine list heavy on Niçois and Provençal producers. The name comes from the bird cages that used to decorate the facade; the cages are gone but the intimate feel remains.
This is where the arts crowd drinks — gallery owners, musicians, writers with Nice connections. The house wines are poured at sensible prices and the kitchen does simple plates to accompany them. Worth seeking out when you want something other than the old-town's more obvious bars.