Café
Café Moderne
Paris-Bastille and the Marais
May 11, 2018
There are an awful lot of bars in the Bastille area. That’s not a bad thing. We like bars. They make us happy. But we have to admit that many of the offerings in this particular part of Paris are a bit samey, fine for a drink or two but hardly memorable. The Cafe Moderne stands above the pack by offering a superior drinking experience without asking you to dig deep into your handbags and pockets. Prices remain reasonable even while the décor gives off a vaguely NYC-hipster vibe. There’s a dining area at the back and an inviting bar area out front, the chalkboard menu offering a small but tempting selection of cocktails. These are a cut above the usual, making use of various foams, syrups and spices, a notch more creative, while still remaining accessible. The bartenders know their stuff and are happy to go off menu if it’s a classic drink you’re after or something a little more quirky. Garnishes and juices are all freshly made and they stock an interesting selection of bitters. The atmosphere is lively, in keepin with the neighbourhood and it can get a little loud when it’s busy, but that’s part of the charm. This is a hip, fun place and as such attracts quite a crowd. It’s worth going early if you want to ensure seat. The food is also worth sampling, ditto the wine list, which is solid and similarly reasonable in price.
