Au Petit Garage

This quaint little Paris bar on Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud in the Northeastern Oberkampf district provides a refreshing alternative on a street saturated with ever-emerging chic bars. The reasonable prices, local clientele, nonchalant-but-likeable bar staff, and rough-and-ready decor all give Au Petit Garage an appealing edge.

Ambiance
The ambiance at Au Petit Garage is laid-back and gritty. Worn vintage furniture helps create a unique, intimate experience, and if you're lucky enough to occupy the bar's few threadbare couches, you will happily settle here for the night.

Drinks and Service

• Beer and wine by the glass will set you back a mere 2.50 euros (approx. $3)-- but don't expect the best reserve, or even a proper wine glass!
  
  
• Table service is also a rarity here, and if you remember to take your empty glasses with you on each trip to the bar, you'll endear yourself to the bar staff.

Music and Banter

• The music is generally rock of the heavy variety, and you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd stumbled on an impromptu biker's convention.
  
  
• This is particularly true of the bar area, where the long-standing regulars gather and banter. They're a friendly bunch, so if you're up for putting your conversational French to the test, this is your chance.

The Verdict

Despite this Paris bar's prime location, Au Petit Garage still feels like a well-kept secret, full of character and never overcrowded or pretentious.

You might want to think about coming here to follow up a visit to one of the area's nearby restaurants, or making a night of it with a bunch of friends. Either way, you'll be guaranteed a relaxed, atmospheric evening.

About the Author

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Aedin Mac Devitt is a Paris-based freelance writer and translator.