An American Breakfast Oasis in Paris
When you first walk into Breakfast In America on the left bank, the sound of the frying pan sizzling pancakes and burgers to perfection mingles with old school American tunes playing on the stereo. Classic stainless steel tables and red booths line the walls, while the kitchen is nestled behind the front counter. To step into BIA is to step directly into America. Chalkboard signs advertise the specials in English and anglophone conversation flows from the tables and behind in the kitchen. Waitresses whip by with steaming cups of coffee, while American beers and sodas grace the menu. Posters depicting American cult classics surround the walls while retro neon lights and clocks add to the classic diner atmosphere.
Owner Craig Carlson is the genius behind the popular diner, which in 2006 expanded to a second restaurant on the right bank. Carlson came to France as a writer and filmmaker who couldn't help but feel that Paris was missing one thing: a classic American-styled breakfast. With BIA, Carlson was able to bring his passion of filmmaking and his love for American diners together. In 2003, he introduced an authentic U.S. diner to Paris that would serve up all of the classic American diner dishes.
100% pure maple syrup soaks into pancakes stocked full of either blueberries, bananas, or chocolate chips. Eggs come in any style you prefer, arriving steaming hot next to piles of bacon or sausage. Burgers overflowing with fresh and unique ingredients arrive on plates overflowing with cheesy or plain homestyle fries. Chocolate, peanut butter, and vanilla milkshakes, root beer floats, and Budweisers arrive chilled to perfection.
But its not only the food that attracts loyal and new costumers. "BIA does a good representation of American diners and it's very casual," said Shalise Barnes, who worked at BIA as a waitress over the summer. "The food is not very expensive and the portions are enormous. Plus having American food is also trendy, especially because they do brunch, which is super in right now."
BIA has and continues to attract a range of clientele, including Parisians, foreigners, and even those from the filmmaking industry, including the director of the hit TV show "Friends," the director of "Invincible," and French animators working at Dreamworks in California.
"It's probably half French and half foreigners," said Barnes. "There are also a ton of tourists who come in all the time and a lot of the French who do come in are regulars."
No matter where you come from, you are guaranteed an authentic American diner experience at Breakfast In America.
Open: Monday to Sunday from 8:30am-11:00pm
BIA 1: 17 rue des Ecoles 75005, near the metro stop Cardinal Lemoine
BIA 2: 4 rue Malher 75004, near the metro stop Saint-Paul
