La Perle Bar / Restaurant

Marais - 3eme / 4eme, Paris –

Situated on an open corner in the Marais, there isn’t anything particularly outstanding about La Perle – except perhaps the bar and restaurant’s regular clientele of international jet-setters, socialites, fashion conscious cool cats, and famous French actors.

And then there’s that 2011 John Galliano rant, when the British fashion designer – who has a pad upstairs – dropped in for dinner only to go off on an anti-Semitic rant that quickly became an internet sensation.

Unfortunate outbursts aside, one might expect such a place to be sleek and exclusive, but au contraire – the bar is actually a rather run-down 70s dive with a dusty décor that includes bare tables and chairs and an original pink neon light that frames the bar.

During the day it’s not uncommon to see the joint populated by relaxed blue-collar locals sipping coffee and old French men quietly reading the paper. But at night, drawn in by history or perceived prestige, curious tourists and savvy scenesters begin to pile in, and waiters frequently shout at customers spilling out into the streets to get back on the sidewalk.

Though the service often leaves something to be desired, no one seems to complain (except for Galliano), and the venue continues to attract a young, pretty, and scene-driven crowd. Putting a finger on why La Perle is so popular may be impossible, but everyone who’s anyone still makes it a point to drop by.