La Cantoche Paname in the 11eme is classroom-inspired bistro with childlike décor & serious adult drinks. Go back to your childhood in Paris with Party Earth.
The puckish air of a playroom meets serious food and drink at La Cantoche Paname, a hip Parisian bistro featuring walls covered in nostalgic kitsch, from mounted Nutella jars to the smiling visage of Kermit the Frog.
Patrons can reminisce about grade school as they hopscotch in – yes, there’s a course drawn on the floor just beyond the door – and then scan the menu scrawled in pink and yellow before settling in at a school desk table.
Menu headings written in reverse on chalkboards add to the playful vibe, though that’s already well supported by shelves filled with action figures and LEGOs, multicolored coat hooks, and a life-size photo of students with the faces removed so guests can pose behind it.
That’s not to suggest the food isn’t all grown up, as diners will find camembert cheese plates and bass filet mixed in with the popular double cheeseburgers and caramel sundaes, not to mention the extensive menu of wine and heavy-handed cocktails.
Festive locals, giggling girls on a night out, and office mates looking to obliterate work from their memory show up to chat and laugh over bottles of small-production vino or house specials like apple mojitos or the Paname (champagne and vodka).
Though it’s never a raging party, La Cantoche Paname caters well to the young and young at heart, easily placing it at the top of its class – with nary a mean schoolteacher to confiscate the next round.
La Cantoche already has a pretty extensive drinks menu, but if you’re looking to get the party started in a hurry, ask for a Long Island. Many folks swear it’s one of the most potent LI's in Paris.
Unpretentious locals, groups of birthday girls, festive post-grads, office mates, fans of the second branch in the 2nd, young couples, burger fans, mid-20s to late 30s.
Ladies’ Night on Tuesdays from 6pm.
Lots of toys to inspire (hopefully happy) memories of childhood.
Crazy quilt menu includes cheese plates, egg casserole with foie gras, cheeseburgers, fish burgers, salads, beef tartare, and pan-fried veal. Brunch Su noon–4pm. Happy Hour M–Sa 4–8pm.
Brunch menu €21, appetizers €8–€11.50, entrées €12–€25, free popcorn. Beer €3.50–€7.50, wine €3.50–€6/glass or €22–€39/bottle, cocktails €7.50–€10+, shots €5–€6.
Casual: white t-shirts, jeans, sneakers, office attire without the jacket, loafers, cute skirts, fitted sweaters, colorful blouses.
Tuesdays for discounts on drinks for the ladies, Fridays from Happy Hour on to hang with a range of eclectic folks looking to chill out after a long week, or Sunday brunch to break bread with an unpretentious crowd recovering from Saturday night.
Cuba Compagnie (48 Boulevard Beaumarchais) is a festive spot to hit up after a few rounds at Cantoche and promises a lively atmosphere, dancing, and loud Latin music.