AllyPally

Hi there. My boyfriend and I are off to Paris this weekend for Bastille and he wants to take me to a brasserie that he visited about 6 or 7 years ago (!!) and the only detail he remembers is that it has rail luggage racks hanging on the walls, presumably where you could put your stuff.

If any of you know this place, I would dearly love to hear from you.

Otherwise, any recommendations for fantastic brasseries greatly appreciated. I'm taking my dad also and we're all of bunch of foodies!

thanks

indytravel

Bofinger? It is a Paris institution in the Bastille area.

http://www.restaurantspy.com/lespetitsbofinger.htm

Ian

Maybe Bofinger.

I don't remember luggage racks, but certainly a 'traditional' brasserie with very good food.

In the Marais, a block or two from the Bastille monument.

see http://www.flobrasseries.com/bofingerparis/en/

mclaurie

Ally,

I remember brass luggage racks in lots of places. La Coupole on Blvd du Montparnasse (big, bustling & famous)had them, but they had a renovation since I was last there so I don't know if they're still there.

I love Bofinger, but don't remember the luggage racks there. Besides, the most memorable thing about the decor there is the stained glass ceiling which I think he would have remembered.

La Tour du Montlhery on Rue des Prouvaires-closed on weekends & national holidays! (at Les halles or Chatelet metro) is smaller and less well known (mostly locals), but I recall luggage racks there too.

BeeGee

I was just at La Coupole (late June) and don't recall seeing luggage racks.
The food (and service) however, were wonderful so you may want to check it out regardless.

AllyPally

Thanks everyone!! If these aren't the ones - I've heard of La Coupole - then at least I have some great meal tips!!

indytravel

I originally went with Bofinger because you had mentioned the Bastille area. However I ate at Chartier in the 9th this past May. It does have lots of overhead luggage racks in it, seats about 300 people and is another classic Parisian brasserie.

Unfortunately, I was less than impressed with my experience there. After two full weeks of great meals and service in France, I was disappointed in Chartier. My Dad and I were banished to the overly warm upstairs balcony with the other non-French speakers where the waiter systemically ignored us. The European couple next to us had an appetizer, main course (of which one overdone steak was returned,) coffee and dessert. They arrived after us and left before us, even though we had only two courses: main and cheese.

LVSue

Me, too! Thumbs down to Chartier.

Christina

I think Chartier is an okay cheap eats for lunch if you happen to be in the neighborhood, but I would never consider it a destination restaurant or go to it for dinner. I had lunch there once and didn't find it a very comfortable experience due to the crowding and noise, and the service wasn't that personal or good. The food is just average cheap cafe food.