The Cork and Cavan — Restaurant in Paris

This colorful Irish pub is bursting with character. Situated along the famous Canal Saint-Martin, it’s an unusual blend of Celtic-meets-canal. Pages of old Irish newspapers line the walls, while old-fashioned miniature lampshades add a homey touch. From the cushioned booths to the large, mahogany brown bar counter lined with bar stools, and the dartboard on the wall, the ambiance is very much traditional pub. There’s even a table stacked high with Anglophone newspapers for a lazy afternoon’s read. Despite the English patrons and a number of British staff, there are still enough Hibernian touches to keep lovers of Ireland happy. An Irish flag hangs proudly over the bar and the wine glasses have a four-leafed clover stenciled into the stems. The biggest Irish influence can be found in the drinks menu, however; when it comes to beer and whiskey you’ll be spoiled for choice. On tap, choose from Kilkenny, Guinness, Asahi, Carlsberg, and 1664, bottled choices include Magners cider and the Paris-made Demory beer. With regard to whisky, the bar has a fine selection of Irish, Scotch, and American bourbons. During the spring and summer, the friendly bar tenders offer plastic cups so drinks can be brought outside along the canal bank. Alternatively, just stay cozied up at a window table overlooking the canal, listening to the bar’s 1990s pop music over a pint of ’the black stuff’ and some friendly banter—a Paris-Irish match...

For three weeks this little pub became a regular haunt, as we rented an apartment on the Quai de Valmy, opposite. We have fond memories of the place, balmy evenings in May 2011, sat at a pavement table, or on the canal wall with a cool beer and wine, surrounded by people of the banlieue and visitors alike, playing music, picnic, pizza, it was blissful.

The pub is extremely functional, few fripperies, just a hugely warm welcome from the staff and owner, great service with loads of humour, it's a wonderful pace to send an evening, or a casual drink. We had good times inside and out, though more out due to the wonderful weather at the time. It's a great place for watching the world go by, particularly during the evening rush-hour, and the low number of tourists makes this a genuine Parisian-neighbourhood experience.

Even good when crowded, the good-natured bar-staff manage to get through the orders quickly, it felt at times as though our regular drink order was served almost before we were through the door. We're looking forward t our next opportunity to spend tie on the Canal, and to get back to our seats outside this groovy...

I give 3 stars because of the following. I came on a Friday night on February around 19:30h. It was a good time to arrive: table available while almost full. Lively and international environment. Service was great, staff very attentive. The place inside looks cozy with its vintage stuff, optimal illumination (not bright but not so dark) and nice music choice. However, the only two issues that justify my rate for this comment were: 1) Music too loud (old speaker and pointed directly to the nearby tables) which did not allow the conversation be heard well (even speaking loudly). So I asked the waitress to turn it down at a level that allows talking comfortably. My suggestion was addressed by reducing slightly the sound, but minutes later they turned it up back. 2) The path between the tables and the bar is too narrow. Everyone who seats there (like me) get disturbed by the passing by of customers and staff. Some customers don't mind but others for sure do. Overall the place is nice, good...