Beat That Burger
HANK BURGER
Image Credit: Pariztasty
Once reputed for only catering to carnivores, over recent years Paris has expanded its options for vegetarian and vegan food in a scene that has grown exponentially in both size and demand. This small and cozy vegan burger restaurant, located near the Marais on Rue des Archives, is increasing in popularity, especially amongst the younger crowd. The waiting time can be long as they work out of a small space but the staff are very helpful in explaining their two set menus (€12 for a burger, side and a drink, or €14 for the same with dessert). I asked a friend for his opinion on the restaurant and their food.
“The idea of a vegan burger seemed an odd concept but I must confess it surpassed my expectations, which were admittedly were very low. That being said, as a non-vegan I don’t see myself returning anytime soon.”
-Johnson Yoder
55 Rue des Archives, 75003 Paris, 09 72 44 03 99, http://www.hankrestaurant.com/
BLEND
Image Credit: theolivebaker
You’ll find this joint tucked away in the bobo (bourgeois bohemian) neighborhood of Etienne Marcel where they serve ‘gourmet burgers,’ made with hand shaped rolls and 100% pure beef that is provided by renowned star butcher Yves-Marie Le Bourdonnec. Everything from the bread, fries, ketchup and the fresh toppings are all homemade and the design. With only 24 seats there is inevitably a queue, especially on the weekends. Their ‘signature’ burger (beef mince with blue cheese, apple, hold the bacon, and apple chutney) is the one to try and their fries are some of the best I’ve had in Paris.
“Blend has a special place in my heart, not only because they have amazing burgers and the greatest sweet potato fries out, but also because it was the first place my sister took me when I first came to Paris to visit her.”
-Zeynep Bayram
1 Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire, 75003 Paris, 01 44 78 28 93, http://blendhamburger.com/
BIG FERNAND
Image Credit: Steve Burgraff
What sets Big Fernand apart from the other places on this list is the option to build your own burger. Everything from the choice of meat (beef, lamb, chicken and veal), cheese, grilled vegetables, sauces and herbs is yours, as well as the option for their own special fries, the “Fernandines,” which are not bad at all! I’ve only been there about three times but their service was always very good and the staff are very helpful, as they should be. The only problem I have here is the price. At €15 for what I consider to be a small burger with no dessert, it’s a little over-priced.
"Good service, decent burger. I'll give it a 14/20. The fries were good: a 17/20 good.”
-Felix Moukoko
“I loved the food, but the space in the 2nd is very small. The fries are great! One of the best burger places in Paris!”
-Beatriz Callaghan
40 Place du Marché Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris, 01 81 63 08 63, http://bigfernand.com/
SCHWARTZ'S DELI
Image Credit: Shwartz's Deli
This kosher American styled restaurant is decorated with iconic references to American pop culture with its celebrity mug shots, old Levy’s Jewish Rye advertisements, brick walls and checked tablecloth that succeed in giving the place a very nostalgic feel. It feels like New York and yet you’re only a short walk away from place du Trocadero. The menu is full of classic burgers (the Hot spicy burgers being my favorite), pastrami sandwiches, pasta and more. The portions are huge as well, so it's great value for money by Parisian standards.
“Serving size is the largest I’ve seen in Paris, ‘more bang for your buck.’ They will modify your order easily and the vegetarian selection (quinoa burger) is a bomb.”
-Bria Bradley
7 Avenue d'Eylau, 75116 Paris, 01 47 04 73 61, http://schwartzsdeli.fr
MARLON
Image Credit: Lucky Miam
This Californian styled restaurant opened around this time last year and is the product of Alexandra Delarive, an interior designer and restaurant owner. Everything from the cutlery to the furniture has a very chic and modern design to it. The menu is very concise but the options available, such as the rock shrimp tempura tacos (which I highly recommend), quesadilla, miso tuna and so on are of top quality. Nothing blew me away more than the burger, however. With its perfectly toasted buns, the succulent beef with its very generous but well-balanced portion of cheese and burger sauce, this meal will have you coming back for more.
159 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris, 01 40 60 12 12, http://www.restaurantmarlon.fr/
