It looks like a group of 7 Fodorites (maybe more if Jules brings her some of her family along) will be meeting in Paris on the evening of September 21st. Jules and I--and hopefully Nina, David and their respective spouses agree--suggested meeting somewhere for drinks/dinner between 7 and 8 that could accommodate a potentially large group without a reservation. Does anybody have any suggestions? I was thinking a wine bar that also serves food--like Fish la Boissonerie--might be a good choice. What do you think? We're all staying on the Left Bank (one group in the 7eme, the rest of us in or near the 5eme).

Thanks!

Kate

Fish is very popular (and small) and hard to get in without reservations. We were there in May with a group of six and saw many people turned away. A group of us met last October at a place near Odeon called Les Editeurs. Some just had drinks and others stayed for a light supper. We were able to adjust for the number of folks who showed up, adding chairs, etc.

Peg

Thanks Peg, that's very helpful.

Kate

Hi Kate! Thanks for e-mailing me to let me know about thiw thread. I am SO jealous! Oh, the uggghhh of having to work!

I'm not sure that I'm so very knowledgeable about a place that really fits the criteria, as you have described them. I think that if I was asked to pick a place (and it would depend a lot on the weather THAT day, as well as how many of the participants were first-time visitors to Paris - - but I might propose Place du Tertre, on Montmartre, just around the corner from Sacre Coeur. There are a lot of places capable of taking 3, 5, or 15 people for a drink or a snack (if the group straggles in). And you could get a reservation (with luck) on one hour's notice or less at any number of resturants up there. I have a fond recollection of a place called Butte en Vigne (though it concerns me a little bit not to find their web site operating now - - I've cited it before).

Best wishes,

Rex

Thanks Rex! I'll look into your suggestion. It's hard to come up with a place that could take a crowd without a reservation. I was also thinking that someplace like Polidor--although I don't really love their food--might be good if we arrive when they first open. The communal tables would presumably accomodate a larger group.

Kate

You're welcome, Kate.

topping your post, hoping for more replies for you...

What about Chartier?

Chartier can serve large groups, but they tend to move you on out.

I would suggest the outpost of the winebar chain L'Ecluse on quai Grand Augustine [sp?] near Place St. Michel. BUT I would make a guesstimate reservation. Appearing someplace with a large group without one is not the way to improve franco-american relations.

Thanks Sally! I was trying to remember L'Ecluse..but the name kept escaping my feeble mind! I kept thinking Sancerre and I knew that was wrong!

L'Ecluse would be great and the suggestion to make a tentative reservation is very good.