You moved to Paris to eat unpasteurized Camembert, drink vin de table and read Le Figaro, but when homesickness strikes, all that will satisfy is the most shameful of guilty pleasures. While not quite Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, these cafes, cocktail bars and comfort bistros provide home-away-from-home happy places for millions of American Expats. And sh… The locals like ‘em, too.
1. Eggs any-style at Holybelly
Paris is known for their pastries and baguettes but sometimes you might want to fill up on a good old classic breakfast. Holybelly satisfies this craving with their classic plate: two-eggs any style with your choice of two sides. They offer great filtered coffee which is a rarity around Paris. And if your French is a little rusty, the waiters all speak English which can be comforting as a tourist. Delicious and homey!
Holybelly – 19 Rue Lucien Sampaix, 75010 Paris
+33 9 73 60 13 64
2. Brooklyn boutique coffee at Loustic Cafe
An expat coffee spot where the espressos are pulled to a perfect froth and filtered coffee is plentiful. The baristas are mostly implants from native English-speaking countries. This coffee shop looks straight out of Brooklyn or San Francisco with eclectic décor and sleek designs. Come for the coffee, stay for the comfy couches.
Loustic – 40 Rue Chapon, 75003 Paris
+33 9 80 31 07 06
3. Shoot the (Franglais) breeze at BRKLYN
Hidden among the cobblestone alleys of Le Marais, BRKLYN is an expat haven. You will feel like you’ve been transported back home among the friendly staff, lead by American owner Dave Costa. BRKLN carries many American-brand whiskies and liquors as well as Brooklyn Beer, a good choice if you’re jonesing for IPA.
BRKLYN – 58 Rue Quincampoix, 75004 Paris
+33 6 23 46 60 66
4. Drink your greens at Wild & the Moon
Simple, organic New-American fare is done right at this 3rd Arrondissement spot. Wild & the Moon features authentic LA-style pressed juice for California dreamers to sip while the bubbly international crew banters in Franglais.
Wild & the Moon – 55 rue Charlot, 75003 Paris
+33 (0)9 51 80 22 33
5. Get farm-to-table fresh at Le Mary Celeste
Opened by two New Yorkers, this restaurant will leave you crying with nostalgia. The tapas-style plates are as richly flavored as they are photogenic! Each is artistically presented with fresh culinary concepts like. The menu changes daily, with favorite stalwarts. The smoked salmon on a bed of foam offers a fresh memory of Sunday bagels in Gramercy. The oysters and cocktails will transport you back to Williamsburg. A favorite among locals, Le Mary Celeste also welcomes orders in English.
Le Mary Celeste– 1 Rue Commines, 75003 Paris
+33 1 23 45 67 89
6. Follow the yellow brick road to Grilled Cheese Factory
When nothing will do but the most cloying of Kraft Cheese slices, head to this beloved lunch spot. A real crispy grilled cheese, sometimes with three layers of bread, stuffed with chicken, ham, mushrooms, and of course, cheese. This warm gooey treat will sure remind you of the good old days and is a nice break from the fancy Frenchified brie and baguette.
Grilled Cheese Factory – 10 rue Mandar, 75002/ 9 rue Jacques Coeur, 75004 Paris
+33 01 83 56 81 51/ +33 01 77 10 67 83
7. Get “lei”-ed on the DL at Dirty Dicks
Almost a century later, Tiki cocktails have finally made it to Paris. If you’re craving that tropical drink, this is where you’ll get your rum fix. Locals may turn up their noses at Tiki torches and lays, but they still swarm the dark corners of this Hawaii-themed haven. On the weekends it’s packed, but the bartenders are English-speakers. If you are feeling adventurous, order the flaming drink. Caution: It’s real fire!
Dirty Dicks – 10, rue Frochot, 75009 Paris
8. Brunch of champions at Le Lizard Lounge
Brunch has officially arrived in Paris. Benedicts can be found most everywhere, but if you want the real deal without breaking the bank, head to Lizard Lounge. For 15€ (and a 45 minute wait) you’ll get a perfect Benny, fresh juice, and a strong cup o’ Joe. Only 5€ more gets you a classic Bloody Mary. Nothing could be more patriotic than a good US-of-A post-brunch food coma.
Le Lizard Lounge – 18 Rue Bourg Tibourg, 75004 Paris
+33 1 42 72 81 34
