Brasserie and bistro confusion

Hello, everybody!

Can you, please, clarify the confusion about brasseries and bistros? I am NOT sure about the difference between the two.

I know the etymology of the word %26quot;bistro%26quot;, but I am still not sure I have a grasp of what they exactly are.

Thank you!

AA

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Hi,

%26quot;Brasserie%26quot; is a french word that means %26quot;beer factory%26quot;.

I would say that the main difference resides in the fact that a %26quot;Brasserie%26quot; is beer oriented. It is a place essentially where to eat (simple food) and have a beer (or something else) in a sometimes noisy environment.

A %26quot;Bistro%26quot; is more typical, and is open all day. People go there on the morning to have their breakfast (or sometimes a glass of wine), than at lunch for a typical plate, than at around 6, after work for another glass of wine. The bistros arenot so much used for dinner.

But ne careful, some places call themselves bistro or Brasserie whereas they don%26#39;t correspond to that.

Example : The %26quot;Bistro Romain%26quot;, which is a cheap restaurant where you eat very simple food.

Hope this will help.

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FranParis,

Thank you.

So, another quick q:

Where can I enjoy some French simple food for dinner at reasonable prices? By reasonable, I mean 20 euro per person?

Thank you.

AA

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THere are so many places where you can do that. Tell me where and when you%26#39;re going to stay, and maybe I%26#39;ll find you some nice place

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FranParis,

Thank you. We will be staying at Hotel Le Clement in the 6th, but of course, when sightseeing, we will be in the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 18th:)

Thank you for your time.

AA

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1st district : Le Petit Machon, 158 rue Saint Honoré

4th district : Le Gamin de Paris, 49, rue Vieille du Temple, or simply a Fallafel (israeli Sandwich) in Rue des Rosiers

7th district : Don%26#39;t know, it one of the most expensive neighbourhoods of Paris, so you won%26#39;t be able to have lunch for 20 € (or maybe you can have a sandwich)

18th district : l%26#39;été en Pente douce : 23, rue Mueller

I%26#39;ve tried all those restaurants, and they have best quality/price rates.

Enjoy

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Bistros: “Bistrot” is actually a Russian word for “hurry”. While it’s no longer considered to be “fast food”, bistros serve what we would consider French “comfort food” in a traditional atmosphere. You can get boeuf bourguignon, cassoulet, beef stew, great pâtés, and wonderful homemade tartes at a local bistro. Service and meal are both more casual than a restaurant.

Brasseries: Brasseries are open all day, serving all day long and typically until midnight. They are louder and more crowded than a restaurant or bistro. You can usually get into a brasserie without a reservation.

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FranParis explanation is a good one except there are so many exceptions!

Brasserie Flo, Bofinger or La Coupole hardly fit the description,

Same with Bistro de Breteuil. for example.

I think the line between the two is definitely blurry.

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Well, thank you.

Since the differences between bistros and brassries are not that obvious, and since there are exceptions, I guess I am gonna have to figure it out:)

Thank you again.

Agnes

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You can eat for less than 20E even in the 7th. For a great neighborhood hole in the wall kind of place, try Le Pied du Fouet or Au Babylone (lunch only). Both on the rue de Babylone, and both under 20E.

You could also try the new Le Gorille Blanc on the rue Chomel.

Two other great options nearby would be: L%26#39;Epi Dupin for neo-Bistro fare that consistantly receives raves in the local press, with a lunch menu at 22E, a dinner menu at 31E. La Cuisine du Bar on the rue du Cherche Midi, which specializes in open faces sandwiches on Pain Poilane, menu at 15E.

I find that it is more economical to eat lunch out and picnic or snack for dinner. Also great for the waistline!

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Phread, thank you.

I think I love the idea of eating lunches, and having a snack or picnic for dinner:)

Agnes