Les Combustibles

Time Out says

Mon Jul 9 2012

This is one of Time Out's 100 best bars in Paris. Click here to see the full list.

Beneath the impressive arcades of Avenue Daumesnil, Les Combustibles is a very rock’n’roll restaurant-bar, opened in 2009, that energetically combines music and food. From Wednesday to Saturday, rock groups, punk, metal and free jazz set the downstairs room alight with their furious rhythms and electric guitars. On some evenings, expert DJs mix ska, reggae or northern soul, and you can even find occasional bits of theatre and comedy shows (check the (French) website for details).

Follow the enormous frescoes that run along the length of the staircase and you reach the restaurant, decorated in a handsome symphony of wood and white tones. Contemporary drawings and industrial lamps give the venue an arty feel that recalls the style of the artists’ ‘after-squat’ exhibition space on 59 Rue Rivoli. The menu covers simple things like burgers or fish of the day, while curious epicureans can also try more creative dishes like langoustines wrapped in bacon with an aubergine purée, savoury veal piccata with blueberries, or eccentric spring rolls with chocolate (mid-day set menu €15, evening à la carte around €30). There’s also a range of rustic wines and craft beers to accompany the food and music.

By CC/EH