It is one of the most legendary cafe of Paris. Lipp brasserie celebrated its 130th anniversary. Its ritual, its decor and its unchanging menu continue to attract the whole of Paris. Here is the saga of an institution.
A cafe in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Près
It was on October 27, 1880, that Léonard Lipp and his wife Pétronille opened their boulevard Saint-Germain brasserie. Alsatian by origin, Léonard Lipp fled his native land, which became German, and devotes himself to the preparation of cervelas remoulade as a starter and sauerkraut as a main course, all accompanied by beer. Its user-friendliness and modest prices make it a great success. In July 1920, Marcellin Cazes took over the establishment, which was already frequented by a few poets such as Verlaine or Apollinaire.
Prestigious regulars
And since then, many great literary and political figures have their habits there; it is there, for example, that François Mitterrand took his hidden daughter, Mazarine. Literary and political center, the Lipp brewery is also the privileged place of artists and fashion. A veritable Parisian theater, the mirrors are tilted there by 10 degrees so that customers can examine who enters and leaves the restaurant without looking back…
The perfect place to see and be seen
The haute couture brand Chloé organized its Printemps parade here. Summer from 1960. From Verlaine to Beigbeder, Françoise Sagan to Kate Moss, François Mitterrand to Emmanuel Macron without forgetting, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Scarlett Johansson, Sofia Coppola and many others: the social directory would not be enough! Everyone has their habits at Lipp …
Waiters dressed in white
At lipp, the average seniority of the staff is 19 years; only men, dressed in white aprons numbered 1 for the oldest until 23 for the latest arrival! Another tradition is that the clock advances exactly seven minutes ! This is the time that MPs and Senators take to join their assemblies … Enter LIPP and you will see! The snack is accompanied by the famous mille-feuilles of the house.
