La Folie en Tête — Restaurant in Paris

If you can’t get enough of chilled-out alternative bars off the beaten track, then this place is for you. La Folie en Tête (‘madness in the head’) is located in the Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood—a quiet, village-like district spread out on a hill in southwest Paris, near Place d’Italie and Chinatown. La Folie en Tête has its own unique style: the walls are adorned with dozens of wooden musical instruments, and trumpets, traffic lights and other quirky bric-à-brac hang from the ceiling. It’s a lively enough haunt, even during weekdays. A broad mix of students and people in their 30s and 40s make for a casual, relaxed atmosphere. The music is a laidback selection of reggae, jazz, rock and...

A fun bar with very good selection of drinks. I met a girlfriend there during happy hour and she had aperol spritz while I enjoyed their mojitos. I am learning the bar scene in Paris and depending on where one goes determines, obviously, the level of service one gets. We did have to ask for peanuts here but the guys behind the bar were so cheerful it wasn’t begrudgingly. Not too crowded but tables outside were all taken on that lovely day. Interior is loaded with funky stuff on the walls but it’s not a dive by any means, just a fun and pleasant...

Happening upon this bar was the best chance encounter ice had in years. Going to Paris for the first time with no plans was a bit overwhelming in thought. Thankfully this was the first place I visited and it very much set the tone for the rest of my trip. Great regulars, awesome bar staff, and an owner that truly seems to care. I can't recommend this place enough if you are in search of a real...