Café: Les Deux Magots, Paris
Les Deux Magots (French pronunciation: [le dø maɡo]) is a famous café in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area of Paris, France. It once had a reputation as the rendezvous of the literary and intellectual élite of the city. It is now a popular tourist destination. Its historical reputation is derived from the patronage of Surrealist artists, intellectuals such as Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, and young writers, such as Ernest Hemingway. Other patrons included Albert Camus, Pablo Picasso, James Joyce, Bertolt Brecht, Julia Child, and the American writers James Baldwin, Chester Himes, Charles Sutherland, and Richard Wright.
The Deux Magots literary prize has been awarded to a French novel every year since 1933. (Les Deux Magots,2018 )
As most others have noted, this is mostly a tourist destination (though there are plenty of locals there too) for its history as a hangout for famous writers and philosophers. The food is good but not particularly noteworthy (though the hot chocolate is absolutely amazing!), and the prices a little on the high side. BUT, the veteran waiters balancing several bottles and glasses on a tray and weaving quickly and deftly in and out of the tight tables without spilling a drop are right out of central casting with their efficient, humorous manner and they are very polite despite what some other reviews have said. Being served by those gentlemen is almost by itself worth the visit. And of course, there is the classic ambiance, as well as the sidewalk tables on a busy street corner that are perfect for people-watching. As long as you know what to expect, you can make an informed decision as to whether the experience is worth the cost.
