This is a perfectly no-frills kind of place, so if you're looking for something more upscale, you may be disappointed. However, they have indoor and outdoor seating, a tasty standard menu, an ever-changing daily special board, and fairly quick service. What's more, the staff is happy to leave you alone to chat or relax over a drink or snack, and I've never felt rushed.

I quite like the salads here, as well as the simple worker's sandwich of ham and cheese on baguette, which is so much more than the sum of its parts. I almost always drop by for a small meal or a snack, and have never been turned away for lack of space, though the restaurant always seems to be bustling.

If you're looking for a proper meal, the steak frites is always good, or a sampling of many small dishes is great, too…just don't forget the French onion soup, which is spectacular and bubbling hot.

My only caveat: the desserts are mostly nice, but can be a bit hit and miss. Definitely try the Peach Melba when it's available, or a simple crème brûlée…but the Tarte Citron varies from pleasantly balanced to face-puckeringly sour, and many other desserts are kept chilled, so they aren't as good as they would be at room temperature, and can taste a bit like the inside of a refrigerator. However, if you've had a few French cocktails, and you're relaxing amidst the ambience, you may not mind.