Some people will tell you that there’s nothing going on in the 15th arrondissement, but Au Petit Parisien is the latest address to prove them wrong. Located right opposite university buildings and a sixth form college, this café and restaurant is a laid-back hangout for many local students, who make the most of a lengthy happy hour (3pm-9pm) with pints of Affligem and cocktails at €5 (or even less with a student card).
The quaint feel of this spot perfectly suits its name. The standard Parisian bar tables outside don’t convey the charm of the interior, where the walls and floors are covered in 20th century antiques (old tennis rackets, newspaper front pages, faded alcohol ads) and beautiful old tiles. An L-shaped bar adds a final touch to the cosy, no-frills setting, and also allows you to peer into the kitchen and see the chef at work.
Served continuously from 12noon-10pm, the food here is great and the set menus good value (for €14, you get a main with either a starter, a glass of wine or a café gourmand – an espresso, two macaroons and some icing sugar). The sirloin steak of Angus beef with chunky chips and rustic veg, for example, is brilliantly hearty. Note that drinks prices can mount up outside happy hour (it’s €3.50 for a half of Pelforth or a soft drink, €2 for an espresso), so pop down early if you want to get multiple drinks in.