Paris Bistro Wine Lists

[bud carlos]

I hope readers with the same interest in wine that I have will share with me the names of
bistros with interesting (not necessarily extensive) wine lists. I'm spending a few weeks
in Paris and eating out at least once a day. Michelin stars and gastronomique menus
are not my thing. But discovering nice little wines is a passion. Thanks for your help.

[Laidback]

I agree that Caves Petrissans and Le Villaret have amazing wine lists at reasonable prices. As mentioned they don't specialize in "nice little wines" but there are certainly many available. Bar des Artisites on Rue Saulnier is a small little place that perfectly fits your request. They have a limited food menu of excellent provender and a selection of relatively unknown wines of good quality.

[souphie]

Petrissans is the obvious response -- there's everything et excellent value. Then le Villaret also has an extraordinary wine list. Joséphine has wonderful Sauternes at ridiculous prices. None of those are centered on nice little wines, mind you. But excellent ones at excellent prices.

Le Bistral also is focused on natural wines, and has excellent modern food. Racines too is focused on natural wines, but many people don't like the way they don't let you much choice.

You know who else can blow your mind, and I'm sure no one else on this board will mention? Pasta e Basta, in the 13th.

In the same Italian vein, I Golosi rocks.

[travelluver]

souphie - trying to catch you - can you help me with my question on lunch near the grand palais thread - sorry to post here !

[travelluver]

And also...replying to THIS thread...the Washington Post just did an article in it's Sunday travel section on Paris wine bars...

[souphie]

Aye aye, luver. You can also email me at [e-mail]

[PhilD]

Is Racines still open? I thought it was slated to close?

[souphie]

No. Jancou went but the whole operation is still on, with the same cook.

[PhilD]

I thought he was the chef and it was his concept? Isn't that saying that Le Cinq would be the same if Briffard left?

[jock]

Juveniles, Fish, le Baratin, les Papilles, Quedubon.

[Dodo]

Something to start with:

L'Ecluse Wine Bars (different locations).
http://www.lecluse-restaurant-paris.com/

Willi's Wine Bar:
http://www.williswinebar.com/pages/contact.htm

Le Rubis:
http://www.paris-paris-paris.com/pari...

Also, lots of cafés are good for a cold or hot snack and/or a nice glass of wine like Le Nemrod, Rue Saint-Placide, 6th arr., Le Sancerre, Avenue Rapp, 7th arr., Le Sauvignon, Rue des Saints Pères, 6th arr. etc.

Since time is not a problem for you, just wander around and keep your eyes open. You'll stumble across nice 'no-name' places as well.

[RandyB]

Willi's Wine Bar recently got a very negative review for food and service. See http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/664355

[Dodo]

Let's face it! Every place, even top rated ones, get negative reviews now and then. While I do read them, they won't keep me from going to a place to try or return.
Sometimes, people have too high expectations of a place. Sometimes, the staff isn't in the best mood, sometimes, the same goes for the client for whatever reason. C'est la vie!

[PhilD]

Dodo, I agree. I seems a little unfair to point to one review, especially as it seemed to be as much mis-matched expectations a anything else.

I would also add "Fish" which is safe and mainly independent wine producers and La Baratin in the 20eme for natural wines.