Burgers have been big business in Paris for some time, but American Bistro was one of the forerunners. This famous diner is like something straight out of Beverly Hills: cheery atmosphere, warm welcome, walls covered in old rock records from the 50s and 60s, a big Smeg fridge, red vinyl couches and a rockabilly soundtrack. Start with a Perfect Duff Beer or a cocktail (€5 or €8), while sizing up the enormous menu: salads, bagels, milkshakes, desserts and, naturally, burgers.
We started with caramelised chicken wings with Roquefort sauce (€7.50) and well-made quesadillas. For the burgers, there’s everything from the JD burger (the meat flavoured with Jack Daniels, the house favourite), the Marcel burger with béarnaise sauce, or the Burger of the Month (€14 to €16.50). Everything is as it should be; great bread, good cheddar, Aubrac steak done well (as opposed to well done). The chips were slightly soggy, but partly made up for by an enormous Elvis Banana milkshake.
In sum, American Bistro is one of the essential venues for burger fans in Paris, with great choice and quality products with a French spin.