Le Comptoir Général — Restaurant in Paris

Hidden back from the quai de Jemmapes of Canal Saint-Martin, le Comptoir Général is a bar, restaurant and cultural space filled with surprises in two main rooms. The main bar (the largest room) is filled with light, thanks to the high ceiling, comprising half wooden-beamed mezzanine and half glass roof. Plants wind themselves around the beams, and the room is furnished with a hodgepodge of mismatched sofas, armchairs and old suitcases. Follow the stairs up to the mezzanine to browse through the in-house friperie (second-hand/vintage clothing shop). The two main rooms are linked by a small herb garden where narrow wooden benches provide seating for the smokers amongst the greenery. Due to noise restrictions, the garden is open only until 10pm. The cultural theme is inspired by the French-African colonies, immediately apparent from the décor: the entrance hall is lined with portraits of numerous colonial dictators. A cabinet de curiosités displays objects and artefacts related to voodoo and witch-doctoring. The theme is further reflected in the choice of music (a lot of jazz and rap) and the drinks menu. Depending on the day, the Comptoir may be hosting temporary exhibitions or independent designer fairs, usually focused on the green and sustainable, in the smaller room. Unless they are explicitly invitation only, feel free to wander around. Although the Comptoir seems to have plenty of space, it’s a favorite haunt amongst the canal Saint-Martin crowd, so it’s best to get there early to avoid long lines. On weekends expect a line from as early as 8pm, and don’t expect it to...

Le comptoir général as we knew is DONE. I never leave such reviews however I am appalled by how this once amazing gem happy place changed for the exact opposite! Once entering the original hidden door, we used to feel a warm welcome, it used to feel like a communal house with amazing music, lovely staff, vintage shop, garden area, delicious food, and just a mix of customers that made this whole experience one of a kind. I was shocked by the drastic change that killed the whole point of this venue (change of owners explains it all). We initially thought that the new entrance by the rhum shop was really fun however the staff at reception (yea reception… what a buzz kill missing the point here) was the rudest person I’ve ever met in a while (and I’m french), she looked at us and everyone else behind us for that matter (little groups of 2/3 people) like utter dirt, judgmental and the way she spoke to us like what are we doing here… like what do you think we’re here for really? That person should reconsider her job choice honestly and never look back. The fact that there is even a reception of that kind is beside the whole concept of what used to be that place. It’s now a tourist trap, they leave people waiting for hours, once in its soulless, commercial cliche that you see everywhere. I used to recommend that place to everyone I know and for work too… let me tell you this place is now crossed off my list and what a shame. The whole essence of it is...

My friend recommended this place for a night out, and seeing that it also had a restaurant, we decided to have dinner first before heading to the bar. Initially, everything was fine—the staff at the entrance were very attentive, and the waiter who served us at the table was satisfactory. We ordered some cocktails, which were average at best, but the food was terrible. It was tasteless and poorly cooked; the shrimp dish had no flavor, and the ceviche and crispy roll were so unappetizing that we didn’t even finish our plates.

Despite the disappointing meal, we decided to continue with our plan to party and went to the bar. The atmosphere was great, and the music was good. However, when I approached the DJ to request a song, I was treated very rudely. One of the DJ’s companions even grabbed my arm to tell me that I couldn’t be there. He didn’t need to touch me or be so rude—he could have simply said they didn’t have the song. I returned to my friends, and we continued our night. Unfortunately, on our way out in the locker room area, the same person who had grabbed my arm continued to harass us and treat us poorly. It was a very unpleasant experience for a group of women who just wanted to enjoy a night out with friends.

In conclusion: They have good music and decent cocktails, but avoid the restaurant. Don’t ask the DJ for song requests, and don’t expect good...