Les Caves du Petit Thouars

This micro-bar in the heart of the Temple area stands in stark contrast with the trendy dives that crowd the Marais. Despite the influx of hipsters, the Formica tables haven’t moved, the prices haven’t soared, and the menu hasn’t changed. You can still drink beers at union prices (€2.50) and some excellent wines by the glass (€2.50 to €3.50), or by the pichet (small carafe). Food is homemade dishes like marinated chicken skewers, tender rump steak with pepper sauce, or grilled lamb chops: good, simple and plentiful, it only costs around €10 for lunch or dinner (an extraordinary feat), and comes with thick-cut chips and homemade sauces. The Berber family who run the place also put on couscous dishes for lunch. Locals who have quickly adopted Les Caves du Petit Thouars, enjoying its patio on the pavement of a leafy street, the perfect place to enjoy the last rays of afternoon sunshine with a cocktail. The waiters are relaxed and friendly, all adding to the charms of this unpretentious little bar.