Eating at the Hippopotamus
 

Have any of you eaten at the Hippopotamus Restaurant(s) in Paris? I have heard that several of them exist in Paris and that the prices are reasonable and the environment OK. <BR>If you know anything about them, particularly where I might find one, please fill me in. <BR> <BR>Also if you have eaten, or had tea, at the <BR>A la Cour de Rohan, please give me your impressions and findings.

We didn't eat in one, but we saw several. I know there was one near our hotel in the 5th arrondissement. I'm not positive, but it may have been on Rue des Ecole, not far from Notre Dame. They weren't what we were looking for, they didn't seem very parisian or appear to have much atmosphere. In fact, the one near us reminded us of an American TGIF. I will say that the prices seemed pretty reasonable, though.

Bob: Cheryl is right about the location, not far from Notre Dame in the 5th. <BR> <BR>My wife and I ate there one evening and I can honestly say that it was the worst meal I've had in Paris in my six or so trips there. We both had steak and it was tough, cold and it wasn't cheap. <BR> <BR>Now, the wine was good.

We skipped them because I thought they served horsemeat. Uck.

Thanks for the info. Just for the record, I had another little conversation with the man who told me about the Hippo. He also said he couldn't find any good bread in Paris. <BR>What you are all saying bears out my reaction: if he said it is good, then I go the other way. <BR>

Well, I have eaten at the Hippo's a few times and the steaks weren't that bad ... depends what you order. Prices are reasonable. Locations .... close to the old opera ... with the Opera and Cafe de la Paix in front of you, take a right. There's a Hippo no too far on the right. Other one was on Ave MacMahon (I believe) which is one of the 12 streets off of the Etoile at the Arche de Triomphe. <BR> <BR>Let me add that the only reason I ate at a Hippo was because I was living in Paris and was in the mood for a steak which is not easy to find in Paris. If I was only going to be in Paris for a few days or couple of weeks, I would not go to a Hippo. However, if you are really a beef person and can't do without one for more than a few days, then try a Hippo. Keep in mind that it won't compare to a good steak, here in the US, but it won't be that bad if you order a choice cut.

John: When did you live in Paris? Recently? I just returned from Paris, and steak was not hard to find. In fact, we thought steak and fries was a sort of a standard meal in Paris restaurants. My husband had steak at the Vaudeville Restaurant across from the Bourse. Walking through the shopping galleries in the 9th, at lunch it seemed that everyone was having a huge T-bone with fries.

There is a Hippo resturant on the Champs Elysees, heading toward the Arc de Triomphe, on the lefthand side...that's about all I remember..food is ok, atmosphere is ok- if you are feeling a little homesick

These chains of restaurants used to be quite good. Now, they've really gone downhill and the food and service are not very good.

Marty, I lived in Paris 1994 and had trips back there in 1995 and 1996 so it's been 3 years. I tend to forget how long it has been. Nevertheless, you are correct that it is not hard to find steak and steak & frites is a standard meal in Paris. I said "steak" was hard to find which as you point out is incorrect. What I was thinking which did not make it to my fingers and did not get typed was "good steaks". My error. <BR> <BR>As I indicated in my posting, the steaks are not that bad. I don't think they compare in quality to the beef we have in the U.S., but they are certainly edible and even pretty good on occasion. Especially if you have been away from home for some time. <BR> <BR>Dodger indicated that the Hippo's have gone down hill so I would take his word on that. My experience was a few years ago.

I was in Paris in April '99 and ate dinner at a 'Hippo' - think it was the location along the Champs D'Elysee. I'd characterize it as so-so. It did have a kind of Friday's feel to it (I'm referring to the TGIF chain restaurants in USA).

!

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