Express de Lyon — Restaurant in Paris

My favorite dive bar in Paris... Ok my favorite bar period. The storefront does not look like much, but inside is a hidden gem. This bar seems like it is just another "PMU" i.e. a sleezey "loto" bar where you can place bets on sports and horse racing....

BUT the secret is, the owner is a huge beer geek. For me, this is a real Paris bar (well... except there is amazing beer): you have the local flavor, the die hard gamblers sipping on a Heineken, beer nuts (expats and francophones) from around the city trying the lastest microbrew on tap, tourists drinking the classic Belgians (like Chouffe or Karmeliet or worse...Amstel!!), and even some travelers passing through who stopped by while they wait for their train at the Gare de Lyon.

Originally, there was already an amazing selection of Belgian beers (most of the Trappists and some other classics as well) at extremely reasonable prices. However, due to a newly found passion for malt and hops, the owner has begun to introduce a variety of European and even some French (the French make good beer? YES! well a few do at least...) micro- and craft-brews on tap or in bottles.

To be honest, you will not find the same selection for anywhere near the price anywhere else in Paris. Plus, you can get a nice plate of charcuterie and cheese to munch while you sip! Or just load up on unlimited free peanuts and save your euros for the tasty brewskies. They also have a small selection of real food (pasta, steak, etc.) if you get hungry but can't find a way to...

A gem in plain sight. Visited a couple times during my week in Paris.

After reading the reviews, I thought I'd grab dinner here. Sure they have food, but it's not their thing. My food was pretty good, but it didn't really feel appropriate that I was getting food.

The first time I visited, it was early and not too crowded. One bartender had on a Bad Brains shirt which seemed like a good sign. The other bartender who waited on us was very friendly and recommended his favorite French IPA which was far better than any other IPA I've had to date. The cider (still working on my pronunciation of cidre) he got for my wife was also very tasty. At his recommendation, I had another French IPA which was fairly good.

The other night I visited, it was a bit later and the place was quite crowded. Filled with a very local bunch, blasting an awesome playlist of alternative and classic punk.

This is definitely a place to stop in, if only for one drink, if you're near Gare de Lyon. It doesn't hurt that there's a late night creperie...

Tucked round the corner from Gare de Lyon is this great little establishment. We popped in as we were staying nearby but wanted something better than hotel beer.

As we both like trying different beers this made this place a great choice. For us awkward tourists you never quite know the protocol when going in to somewhere like this, but we were soon sat at a table by the friendly barman who took our drinks order and popped back with a menu and specials board. While I can read and speak some French, the barman soon took pity on me and translated a couple of the menu items I was unsure of, we did not want much so grabbed the little chicken kebabs with dessert option.

The food was great, served nice and hot and arrived quickly. The Savernoise beer was a local brew and very pleasant if you don't want anything too strong.

If you're in the area and want a nice quick bite and a beer you'll not be...