Top 4 Places for American Food in Paris
So, you’re probably thinking, I came all the way to Paris to eat French cuisine… why would I want American food? Well, traveling is a funny thing and most well-seasoned travelers will tell you that after being away from home for a while, you’ll most likely start craving your favorite foods from mom’s kitchen. Here’s a list of the best American diners, bars and grocers for those moments when homesickness starts to rear its ugly head. And for those of you who aren’t American, why not give these popular spots a try? It may not be as good as the real thing… but it might be even better.
Yes, you’re in the gastronomic capital of the world, but sometimes you just want a greasy burger.
Breakfast in America
If there’s one thing Americans do well, it’s brunch, and this is one area where the French are still lagging behind. Sure, you can get an overpriced French brunch of salmon and croissants, but where’s the fun in that? Americans like their brunches big, greasy and cheap, and Breakfast in America has all three down pat. Choose from classics like their Breakfast Burrito, Mushroom and Swiss Omelet or blueberry pancakes. Or, come for lunch and try out their famous burgers, with add-ons like Swiss cheese, avocado, onions or grilled pepper.
17 rue des Ecoles, 75005
Métro: Cardinal LeMoine or Jussieu
Tel: 01 43 54 50 28
HD Diner
Let the fluorescent lighting draw you inside – with its turquoise vinyl seats and framed records, the HD Diner looks and feels like a real 1950s diner, circa Back to the Future. The cheesiness factor involved in the restaurant chain (which has several locations in Paris) cannot be ignored, but it really shouldn’t sway you from stopping in. The food is good, and it’s probably the only place in Paris where you can get a peanut butter or bubble gum milkshake.
See here for the five Paris locations.
Thanksgiving
As an American, it’s hard living in Paris at times, with all that haute cuisine at your fingertips. Let’s be honest – sometimes we just want good ole’ American junk food. And this you will find en masse at Thanksgiving, an American grocery store in Paris. Unfortunately for you, you’re going to pay a pretty penny for that cranberry sauce, as well as for those graham crackers, and same goes for the Philadelphia cream cheese. But if you’re making a cheesecake or s’mores or another classic American dish, there’s no better place than here in terms of selection.
20 rue Saint Paul, 75004
Metro: Saint Paul
Tel: 01 42 77 68 29
Red House
If you’re looking for an American-style dive bar, with fresh and delicious drinks and an occasional Mexican food night, Red House is your place. American owned, the bar is famous for its super-friendly vibe and cheap but quality cocktails. DJs come out most nights of the week, and if you make it to the morning, you simply have to try their Huevos Rancheros.
1 bis Rue de la Forge Royale, 75011
Metro: Faidherbe Chaligny, Ledru Rollin
Tel: 01 43 67 06 43
Now after you’ve enjoyed your grand-slam-breakfast, burn off those carbs on our Paris Day Bike Tour!