It’s lovely when you first walk in. As tourists we were immediately ushered upstairs to an empty room occupied by one other couple. It filled with people very quickly. There was plenty of seating downstairs and I would have preferred it
We spoke broken French and ordered from the French menu despite the fact our waiter tried to get us to use a QR code. He decided to start the evening with sparkling water, champagne and oysters, followed by soup and mains. We also chose a bottle of wine to enjoy over the evening. A mound of serving spoons were placed on the table soon afterwards
The champagne came then about 10 min later the oysters arrived. The waiter then came back immediately with hot soup. Cold oysters with hot soup? He realized our confusion and took it away saying he would keep it warm. That just confused us even more. Nonetheless the oysters were really nice and we took our time enjoying them.
Within minutes of the table being cleared of the oysters our soups arrived. They were both good but we didn’t expect such huge bowls. We only ended up eating half. Both soups were “warm” and tasted ok. Halfway through our bottle of wine finally arrived. I took my time eating which seemed to annoy our server. He checked on us constantly to see if we were done. Once we had given the ok it was quickly cleared
Our mains came quickly after. My partner had veal and I had steak tartar both with pomme puree. We also added a side of roasted fennel. The food was good. Not mind blowing in the least but good. The fennel was the best part. Again we were constantly checked on to see if we were done and if everything was ok. By this time I’m increasingly annoyed.
Once those dishes were cleared we were given menus to view the deserts. We still had 1/3 of a bottle of wine so didn’t look right away and instead sipped and chatted about the meal. Within no time another server asked if what we would like to have. The urgency caught us off guard so we declined to order any. We still had that bottle of wine to finish and contemplated an espresso afterwards. Out of nowhere our server came over and literally dumped the remainder of the bottle into our already partially filled glasses. We get it you want us out. So to spite him I drank even slower. That and I didn’t want to fall down the stairs
Once we finished our wine we were asked if we wanted espresso and declined. The check was soon presented. The waiter looked straight at my partner and said to put the tip there (under the total) The bill clearly stated that’s 15% was already included. We left a small tip (only because I did drink that wine very slowly)
All in all we won’t be coming back or recommending it to anyone. The food was ok/good but the service was awful. A real disappointment and am actually mad at myself for make the reservation.
In Paris you can throw a rock and find a good meal without being treated like cattle. We are not turn and burn patrons. If your first language is English it doesn’t mean you aren’t worthy of the service provided to others. Shame...
Read moreOur first and final experience dining at Brasserie Lipp was appalling! A concise, detailed account: -Because we (nicely-dressed) had reservations, we were seated promptly, then completely ignored by the many staff passing our table for 20 minutes; -after 20 minutes, the maitre d' obsequiously seated another (French) couple two tables down from us, then told us they would be a party of eight and "would we kindly move to another table?"!!! -we were moved to a table that lacked any silverware, then again ignored by the constant flow of staff for an additional 30 minutes -- altho' both the maitre d' and head waiter regularly glanced towards us, then quickly looked away. when an unsmiling & clearly unfriendly server finally brought menus, he all but threw them onto our tiny table and left -- no "would you care for some water or a beverage?" 20 minutes later, the headwaiter finally took our order, pretending he couldn't understand my perfectly-accented French when I ordered "du l'huitres, svp". This 1960s standard disdain for Anerican customers is SO rude and old!!! the only bright spot in this disgusting display of anti-foreigner vile lack of service was the excellent oysters and my partner's duck confit. Apparently the cooks were not told to spit in our food; -30 minutes (no exaggeration) of being again ignored despite nearly pleading to have our main dishes cleared, dessert menus were at last dropped in front of us; we decided to opt out of dessert when it became obvious that dessert would clearly take another two hours of being ignored before dessert would be ordered, presented, and cleared.
We were then constantly and intentionally ignored for yet another 35 minutes as we repeatedly tried to get our "check" ("notre compte, s'il vous plaît?"). The maitre d' finally stopped bowing and scraping to his longtime customers to print our bill 10 feet from us, then passed it to our waiter -- who promptly crumpled it up and instead brought the payment machine to a French customer's table instead. 20 minutes later, he finally came to our table, misprinted one bill, printed another and finally took our payment -- all the while mumbling and cursing (!!) in French.
We have been fortunate to enjoy dining in some of the world's finest venues. Only twice have we been treated so badly: our first dinner in Paris in the late '90s, and last night at the appallingly unkind Brasserie Lipp. Fortunately for Lipp, their decent food, beautiful old decor, and ancient reputation will keep the suckers coming. We won't be...
Read moreLipp Brasserie has been an integral part of Parisian culture since its establishment in 1880. Originally founded by Léonard Lipp, a native Alsatian, the brasserie quickly became a hub for intellectuals, artists, and locals seeking refuge in the warmth of good company and exceptional food. Over the decades, Lipp has witnessed the ever-changing face of Paris, yet it has steadfastly maintained its commitment to preserving the traditional Alsatian cuisine and atmosphere.
The interior, adorned with polished brass fixtures, dark wood panels, and vintage mirrors , exudes an old-world charm that transports patrons to a time when leisurely dining and engaging conversation were the cornerstones of social life.
Lipp Brasserie is renowned for its authentic Alsatian cuisine, a fusion of French and German influences that has been perfected over the years. The menu showcases timeless dishes such as Choucroute Garnie, a hearty platter of sauerkraut, sausages, and slow-cooked meats, and Flammekueche, a thin-crust Alsatian pizza topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon. Oh, and their mashed potato is one of my favorites!
One of the most remarkable aspects of Lipp Brasserie is its dedicated and seasoned staff. The waitstaff, clad in traditional black and white uniforms, possesses an innate ability to make each guest feel not just welcome, but cherished. Many of the staff members have been with Lipp for years, if not decades, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. Their knowledge of the menu and wine list is unparalleled, and their genuine passion for preserving the brasserie's legacy is evident in their attentive and professional service.
Camus, was a regular at Lipp Brasserie, contributing to the intellectual legacy associated with the establishment. The former President of France,Charles de Gaulle, was known to have dined at Lipp, adding a political touch to the diverse array of patrons. The iconic Marlene Dietrich was also part of the international glitterati that frequented Lipp and many many others.
At Lipp, you will never dine alone; instead, you will find yourself at one big table, surrounded by the spirited ambiance of a place that has witnessed the convergence of various fascinating individuals...
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