With its latest branch on rue Montmartre, Frog Pubs is dusting off the sometimes dull and hostile image of the traditional pub, which this area is far from lacking. Instead of carpet, the floor is tiled and the décor is contemporary with strong industrial vibes (brick, metal, glass) reminiscent of the former Parisian coffee shops.
It’s the sort of modernity that does not spoil the conviviality expected from a pub, and make the most of it by heading to the top floor, with its comfy couches and huge counter. Not an ideal first date spot though, as it get’s very loud up there.
The big plus is its artisanal beer menu, which is incredibly reasonably priced, with €5 pints during happy hour 5-8pm all week, then €7 thereafter. Try the excellent Tha...Wack! (a black IPA), Ginger Twist (a ginger ale) and Dunkelweizen (a brown wheat beer). In fact, you could try the whole menu and you wouldn’t be disappointed. Food is more pedestrian, with the usual greasy classics, like pork ribs, tacos and burgers – perfect for soaking up the pints. Prices are average for Paris (around €15 for a burger), but desserts seemed a little meagre for €6 price.
Come to Frog & Underground for an apéritif or a post-dinner drink – or rather an after-party – they close at 2am or 5am from Thursday onwards. Another surprise bonus: the chic basement turns into a semi-club with a DJ set several times a week. Frog might be an eight-strong chain, but boy, do they know how to satisfy their punters. Cheers!
TRANSLATION: MEGAN CARNEGIE