Coffee Parisien

16eme, Paris –

Hardly a spot for typical Parisian fare, Coffee Parisien is a U.S. president-themed diner that attracts big clans of burger lovers.

Those expecting an average greasy spoon won’t find any old ladies running around in coffee-stained aprons and hairnets – this is still Paris, after all – but the hearty fare is definitely reminiscent of the sort of staples that have satiated college hangovers for generations.

Over-studied students bring in their tired, their poor, their huddled stomachs yearning for toasted buns, clamoring around the small tables that line the walls as they pick from classics like stacked pancakes, nachos drenched in cheese, and the standard hamburgers and fries.

Portraits of Barack Obama and JFK look on, mixed in with vintage Coke signs and an avant-garde painting of Kennedy and Jackie O. behind the bar, while table settings feature all the presidents, who smile up at patrons as they peruse the English-language menu.

Even with the Americana décor, the cozy joint is rarely inundated with expats, and the diners who line up on the sidewalk during the always-busy lunch and dinner hours tend to be a mix of hip locals, young families, and trendy couples with the temerity to eat their double-cheese with a fork.

Eggs Benedict, pastrami bagels, and even spareribs round out the menu at Coffee Parisien, as do a nice selection of beer and cocktails, although most people cap things off with a milkshake.

Eaten with a dainty spoon, of course.