Maybe Parisians who are used to getting such good food all over the place feel this place is just A-OK, but for this American, the food and service was phenomenal. Our server was a tall, slim darker-skinned woman who had just the very sweetest demeanor. You may have gleaned from my other reviews that I find service in Paris to be less-than-friendly. By a long stretch, in some cases. Well, when I even compared her to her American counterparts, she was just amazing. So hospitable and caring. She was a joy to have, due to her helpfulness and the general warmth she radiated. Okay, enough with my almost-in-love ranting of this amazing woman, on to the food and even the ambient of the place.
Le Maine Café has a feel much like other cafés in Paris (or in all of France?), pretty intimate-feeling and kind of on the darker side. This is awesome, as it is a completely different scene from what you get in other countries. Instead of a bread basket, we were brought over a plate/bowl of different crackers and crunchy munchies, which were pleasant to snack on before our meals. I ended up ordering the thick-cut rump steak with pepper sauce and fries, while AT got duck confit with garlic potatoes (oh yes, there are English translations on the menu!). We both were very pleased with our food, which took about 15 minutes to come out. Great flavors and meats were cooked perfectly, neither under- nor overcooked.
The prices were very reasonable and our kind server took care to take our bill with payment quite quickly. AT even felt compelled to give her a tip, which is not expected when dining out in Paris (since service is included in the overall cost).
If you are early for your train at Gare Montparnasse, Le Maine Café is within walking distance and has some pretty tasty food to prepare you for your voyage. The only thing that could bother slightly is if the front door is open, you may catch lots of whiffs of cigarette smoke, but hey, you're in Paris. Just get used to lots of smoking and if it really bothers you (I actually have asthma and cigarette smoke triggers annoying wheezing), find places where there is no smoking at all. Truthfully, the afternoon I was there, the smoking was bearable and with the great food and service, I almost didn't notice it at all. read more