Brasserie Lipp - Review - Saint-Germain-des-Prés - Paris - The Infatuation

"When the literary greats of Paris past weren’t sipping coffee and planning revolutions at one of today’s destination Saint-Germain-des-Prés cafés, they were dining at Lipp. This Alsatian temple of choucroute (sauerkraut) is dans son jus in all its original glory, complete with landmarked Art Nouveau interiors, signs warning diners about appropriate attire (don’t think about showing up in shorts), and waiters sporting black bow ties and numbered pins matching their seniority. They crack jokes, know the unchanging brasserie menu inside and out, and will probably encourage you to try Hemingway’s favorites, the andouillette and sauerkraut, or any of the other menu highlights like celery remoulade, beef tartare, and confit de canard. Between the heaviness of the meal and the lack of flavor complexity, they're fine—just not mind-blowing. Ultimately, you’re here for the legend. And note, the best seats are up front or on the terrace, second best is the quiet back room unfortunately named Purgatory, and it’s advisable to avoid the upper floor, nicknamed Hell, where you’ll likely be forgotten." - Lindsey Tramuta