Cafe La Ruche

Cut-and-paste Parisian bistro is older than you and hasn't changed a bit. Long row of benches, booths, and tables sure pack ‘em in there but career wait staff actually do give a damn about you want. Comfort food comforts with well-honed culinary clichés. Centuries-old recipes mastered without gimmick, after which the chef comes out to thank you. Homegrown francophiles and diplomatic imports equally delighted. Pre-movie meals more popular than Casablanca. Best French brunch this side of the Seine.