Breakfast In America

So, usually while in France I am anti any food that tries to be American because well, I'm in France and I want to immerse myself in the French lifestyle. That being said, there is always time and place for some home-style comfort (usually after getting your fill of baguettes, cheese, and all kinds of livers/pates nonstop for weeks on end). The place to do just that in Paris is definitely Breakfast in America. This place is a haven for anyone missing classic diner food while in Paris. It literally has the best blueberry pancakes I have ever eaten. The staff is English speaking and friendly, but they must have been trained by French waiters along the way or have lived in Paris too long and have caught the French waiter disease that equals slow and not overly concerned about anything. However, I repeat that they are friendly; so at least they haven't picked up that French waiter trait.

The decor is classic American Diner and will undoubtedly transport you back home to your local breakfast/burger joint. There are two locations: one on the right bank and one on the left bank. Since I am a left bank resident, I frequent that location. Know this: it is small and they pack people in tight. Also, be prepared for a wait, especially on the weekends.

So, if you are in Paris and you just can't stomach the thought of another baguette or pastry for breakfast, get over to BIA fast. It will cure your craving for American breakfast. If you get there after noon, you can indulge in a huge burger and crispy French fries all washed down with a milkshake. You just might want to ask them to cook the burger well done if that's how you like it because they definitely have taken a page out of the French book when it comes to cooking burgers, which means fairly rare in the center. I have no doubt, though, that they will accommodate your request and you will be pleasantly surprised at the quality of the burger at BIA compared to other places in Paris (or Europe in general, in my personal American burger eating opinion).

Inside BIA's left bank restaurant.

B's breakfast - pancakes, eggs and bacon with a "bottomless cup o' joe."

The home fries were AWESOME. 

But as I said earlier, the blueberry pancakes were divine.

Just look at the amount of blueberries they pack in there.  Heaven.

On our most recent trip to BIA, I went all out and ordered the burger and fries. It was huge!

And very tasty.

Chocolate milkshake.

The word is out.  Both Frenchies and Ex-Pats stand in the cold to get a taste of BIA.  So get there before noon if you don't want to wait.

Breakfast in America

www.breakfast-in-america.com

5th Arrondisment

17, rue des Ecoles

4th Arrondisement

4, rue Malher