Hi, we booked and prepaid for a hotel in 9e only to discover that the area is a bit fancy for the cheaper cafe's and stores we will depend on for the trip. Is there anything in the area for a casual family? All my guide books shoe the picnic type stores on the left bank. Do most places have kids menus?

thanks

I don't think you'll find kids menus in Paris restaurants. I would also be pretty sure you'll find supermarkets and such for your "picnic" needs. Haven't heard the 9eme is a fancy arrondisement.

The 9eme is not what I'd consider "fancy"; it's where I (and a lot of others) stayed as penniless students.

Here are some inexpensive places that would be fine for children:

Chartier--a classic and lively bouillion, lots of families. Don't expect great food, but it's fun. 7 rue Faubourg Montmartre.

Leon de Bruxelles--a chain specializing in mussels, but serves other things too. I think they may even have a childrens menu. Place Pigalle.

Lina's--a chain of sandwich shops. There's one in the 9eme at 30, boulevard des Italiens.

If the kids absolutely have to have burgers, there's also a Tex-Mex chain called Indiana cafe at Place de Clichy.

But surely you won't be spending all of your time around your hotel in the 9eme. There's not a lot to see in that quartier, for one thing.

So if price and child-friendly menus are a concern, I'd recommend getting names of suitable places near all of the attractions you plan to visit. You'll do just fine near Notre Dame; there are plenty of cheap places there. Plus you can always pick up a crepe on the street or a sandwich at a bakery for a reasonable price, no matter what neighborhood.

I second the vote for Leon de Bruxelles. I loved the Flemish stew. And I agree with the above, the 9th is not a fancy part of town.

I stayed in the 9th in January. Which hotel did you book?

islandmom is booked at Golden Tulip St Honore, 218 r Fbg St Honor&eacute; <b>75008</b>
. Area is where ave Friedland, Haussmann and Faubourg St Honore meet.

Well, the 8eme is a bit more upscale than the 9eme. But it still shouldn't be all that difficult to find places that meet her criteria. They may not be next door to the hotel, but they are certainly within a few blocks.

yeah, just a bit -- like a big bit. I have stayed in the 9th and was really puzzled by that comment, but now I understand it. Still, there are places not too far away, it depends how close to the hotel you must be. Take a look at Sandra Gustafson's book (used to be called Cheap Eats in Paris), she always has some good suggestions at reasonable prices.

So I'm confused- is it the 9th e? And is it not fancy then?

..no the 8th..easy to figure out the &quot;zip&quot; for paris is 750..then the next 2 numbers are the arr...so 75008 is the 8th.

Look for Hippo's for food your kids will want to eat.

Be sure to try out the Nutella crepes from sidewalk vendors.

You'll find the biggest crowds at McDonald's. Quik Burger is always an option.

Great food (and views) at the rooftop cafeteria at the department store near Opera (I'll remember the name and post later)

Here's a link to a great kid's meal thread - http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...amp;dirtyBit=1

Also, put hippo in the search box and choose France and you'll get more ideas.

I'd stop by a market and have snacks in the hotel room for when they get the munchies. But, when you are about and about sight-seeing, you'll see plenty of options for the kids.

Third vote for Leon de Bruxelles. At the Champs-Elysees store we had mixed mussel platters (we love mussels!) and 500ml carafe of wine. Good portions, wine was drinkable. Cost was about 30 euros for two adults. No complaints about eating here.

Yum!

islandmom, if you like mussels, there's a great restaurant in Nice (when you head that way) known for their mussels and pommes frittes.

nutella and banana crepes, but light on the nutella...couldn't eat that much nutella. and there are some gyro places and plenty of cafes. i've stayed in the 9e and you'll find plenty of cheaper options...just stroll around and you'll find them. there are some great bakeris around there as well.

At the Grand Boulevards metro stop, there is the intersection of blvd haussmann and rue monmartre, you'll find a great creperie there and if you continue down the same road, go past the rue bergere and the bakery will be there. there's also a nice little cafe on rue monmartre right next to the creperie. good luck.

Thanks everyone- I could live off gyros and crepes.

Au Gourmet on rue de Bruxelles between Place Adolphe Max and Place de Clichy is a great place for lunch. Very homey and friendly.