We've opted to stay overnight at the Paris Libertel Terminus Nord Hotel so we can board the EuroStar the next morning. Have read it's not a great area. Anyone know a nice bistros, etc., nearby that we could walk to for dinner. Also, is it safe to ride the RER at Gare du Nord in the evening hours.

I've stayed in hotels in the Gare du Nord area twice, and always felt safe walking around there at night. There are always a lot of people around. Just use the same anti-theft precautions you would use in any urban area.

There are many restaurants in the streets around the train station.

SandyR,

These 2 are EXTREMELY close to where you'll be staying:
TERMINUS NORD (23 r. de Dunkerque)
Tel: 01 42 85 05 15
It's located across the street from the Gare du Nord and just around the corner from your hotel. Frommer's Irreverent Guide to Paris says "classic brasserie serving shellfish, choucroute & fish in a handsome decor dating from 1925". It's listed under "Best Brasseries" and is part of the Flo Tradition chain.
CHEZ MICHEL (10, r. de Belzunce)
Tel: 01 44 53 06 20
Closed Sunday & Monday, mid-July - mid-August
Located behind the church of St-Vincent-de-Paul near your hotel. Chef is Thierry Breton. Irreverent Guide says, "several old-fashioned & rarely encountered Breton dishes" and recommends scallops in cider & kouign aman (sugared puff pastry served w/apple sorbet). Also, listed in Bistros of Paris, it recommends "delicate goat cheese & artichoke ravioli or thinly layered lasagna appear in a garlicky pesto sauce,...in season a special lobster menu" and Parisbrest "pastry ring w/ coffee butter & hazelnuts" as well as the kuing amann (although spelled differently).

And within 10 minutes of your hotel are:
RESTAURANT DE LA GRILLE (80, r du Faubourg-Poissonniere)
Tel: 01 47 70 89 73
Closed Saturday & Sunday
Located at the intersection of r. de Montholon & r. de Messagieres. According to The Historic Restaurants of Paris it "resembles a cozy, cluttered 19th-century parlor...white lace and damask". Recommended dishes are seafood terrine, andouillette, turbot grille au beurre blanc, boeuf bourguignon, & filet de boeuf au poivre vert.
BRASSERIE FLO (7, Cour des Petites-ecurie)
Tel: 01 47 70 13 59
Noon-3pm & 7pm-1:30am Daily
"Charming Bavarian interior...low coffered celing, richly colored leaded-glass windows, and dark leather seating", from The Historic Restaurants of Paris. Recommended suggestions are choucroute, foie gras, & salmon tartare.
JULIEN (16, r. du Faubourg-Saint-Denis)
Tel: 01 47 70 12 06
Noon-3pm & 7pm-1:30am Daily
And from the above-mentioned book, "dazzling Art Nouveau interior...magnificent zinc-topped mahogany bar". Suggestions listed are smoked salmon blinis, fish soup, escargots, foie gras, profiteroles, pear Charlotte, & apple sorbet.

There's the famous old brasserie, Terminus Nord with decor dating from 1925, open til 12:30 am. Great classic brasserie cuisine.

Terminus NOrd is quite good and a bit pricey. Just up the street there are numerous cafes/restaurants that specialize in moules frites. We usually make one trip to the area because they are SO good.

Thanks to all of you for the great suggestions. I've copied them and will take them with me. Gretchen, can you recommend a particular place for frites. Sandy