Chartier

So many people have been talking to me recently about The Bouillon Chartier – more commonly known simply as Chartier – I thought I would write a few lines about it for you.
 
Chartier is an institution.  The brasserie opened its doors over 100 years ago and is much the same today as it was then.
 
It opened to service the many workers in the neighbourhood who lived in small rooms or apartments with little or no cooking facilities.  Chartier provided good, nourishing food for a very reasonable cost.
 
And not much has changed.
 
The décor is typical of early 20th century brasserie, lots of wood, brass and mirrors.  The dining room is now heritage listed.  Note the dumb waiters and rows of small drawers.  These were originally for the regular patrons napkins.  Rather than giving them clean napkins for every meal, they simply stored them in the nominated drawer and changed them weekly.
 
As for the menu, it really has not changed, it remains traditional and reasonable – a main course is around Euro10.  
 
I always start with salade de carotte râpées, then have steak au poivre and finish with a mystère ice cream.
 
Be aware that you cannot make reservations and the queue for a table can be very long.  Depending on how many you are, you may get a private table or you may have to share with others.  You could make life long friends in the process!
 
I must have been to Chartier over 50 times, the atmosphere is always gay and lively and never disappoints.
 
7 Faubourg Montmatre, 75009
Metro: Grands Boulevard
Open 7 days a week
11h30am to midnight
www.bouillon-chartier.com
No reservations taken