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The Traditional Brasseries of Paris
The brasseries of Paris are part of the city's history and are as important as its famous monuments.
Today, the term brasserie refers to a large café and restaurant, usually open all day. Customers can enjoy coffee, snacks, order a beer, and taste wines and champagnes at any time.
However, during lunch and dinner, brasseries transform into a restaurant with a typical menu. Almost all serve oysters and seafood, sauerkraut, and traditional French dishes such as lamb shank, escargot, tartare, omelets, and salads like the delicious chèvre chaud.
History of Brasseries
Brasseries appeared in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the development of the beer industry. They were frequented by men from the bourgeoisie or petty bourgeoisie seeking new pleasures.
They were served by young smiling women, who smoked pipes, cigars, and later cigarettes.
In Paris, they emerged everywhere in the Latin Quarter, in the area called Grands Boulevards (located between République and Opéra), in Bastille, in Saint Germain, around the train stations...
Many have disappeared. Others remain, witnesses to the city's history. Some are well-known and beautiful like La Coupole, Le Grand Colbert, Lipp, Le Train Bleu...
The city has many others unknown to tourists. Almost all are beautiful. Unfortunately, some have distracted service and mediocre kitchens.
But when they are beautiful, it's worth entering and ordering a coffee or a glass of wine. Or, you can enjoy a dessert. They are always well made.
Some Parisian Brasseries
Recently we visited Brasserie L'Éuropéen, located across from the Gare de Lyon train station. It was built in the early 20th century and designed by the same decorator as the Dôme de Montparnasse. He also designed the restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.
Unfortunately, years later, it was deemed out of fashion and a new decorator was brought in for the lifting of Jules Verne. As his name was unpronounceable (Wiatcheslav Vassiliev), the great decorator of the Parisian brasseries entered history as Slavik.
The Most Famous Parisian Brasseries:
La Coupole: 102 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75014. Click here to read our article.
Le Grand Colbert: 2 Rue Vivienne, 75002.
Le Train Bleu: Gare de Lyon, Place Louis-Armand, 75012. Click here to read our article.
Brasserie Lipp: 151 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006. Click here to read our article.
- La Coupole: 102 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75014. Click here to read our article.
- Le Grand Colbert: 2 Rue Vivienne, 75002.
- Le Train Bleu: Gare de Lyon, Place Louis-Armand, 75012. Click here to read our article.
- Brasserie Lipp: 151 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006. Click here to read our article.
Addresses of Other Neighborhood Brasseries to Discover:
- Brasserie Thoumieux, near the Eiffel Tower: 79 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007.
- Pied de Cochon, in downtown Paris: 6 Rue Coquillière, 75001. Click here to read our article.
- Le Vaudeville, near the Opéra Garnier: 29 Rue Vivienne, 75002. Click here to read our article.
- Brasserie Bofinger, in the Marais, near the Bastille square: 5-7 Rue de la Bastille, 75004. Click here to read our article.