VIBE

Although it’s been around since 1885, things didn’t really kick off at Hôtel du Nord until it was featured in a Marcel Carné film of the same name in 1938. The restaurant has managed to remain an in-crowd hangout since then, and a recent revival of the surrounding Canal Saint-Martin area has ramped up the bobo (bourgeois-bohemian) factor even more. The charming series of spaces includes a red-curtained bar with the black-and-white flagged floor featured in the film, a sunny terrace, a paneled restaurant, and a cozy “petite salon” and upstairs library (which both offer comfy chairs, a stellar coffee menu, and Wi-Fi).

CROWD

A young, beautiful people crowd of Paris’s finest bobos, often including a handful of celebs. The cinematic history also brings in a fair number of well-read tourists.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

A trendy but understated outfit jazzed up with some funky shoes or accessories.

GO HERE WITH

A date; hip friends; a group

WHY WE LIKE IT

We adore the mix of historic charm and trendy crowds. (It’s one of the few legendary locations in this town where we don’t feel underage!) This is definitely the social center of the hipster-beloved Canal Saint-Martin area, so it makes a great stop for a light afternoon meal and people watching, or an evening drink and grooving to the feel-good tunes on the stereo. (It earns mega points for having helpful, friendly staff, too.)

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The food is ok, but a touch overpriced for what it is.

GOOD TO KNOW

The hotel is sort of hidden behind a bridge–keep your eyes peeled if you’re walking here. There are actually some larger tables (a rarity for Paris!), which makes this a good spot for groups. From 9:00am to lunchtime, only light café fare is available. Although the menu largely features French classics, there are also some eclectic, global picks, like le cheeseburger.

CLOSEST COMPS

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