Formerly Chez Gudule, La Maison is a less expensive outfit, which has introduced an affordable brasserie menu to make a convivial bar and canteen. The venue is full of light and character, with big doors in sculpted wood and glass that open onto the street in summer. The owner Karim, who also has La Gouttière nearby, likes simplicity with prices to match. Cocktails are at €6.50 (€5 during the long happy hour from 5pm-9pm), pints €4, pastis €2, and wines by the 50cl pichet around €15.
The brasserie food served is unpretentious and good value for money. Burger with chips or crispy duck with raspberry sauce are €11, tandoori chicken kebabs with tagliatelle €10.50. Upstairs is a room reserved for Wednesday’s salsa nights (which can also be booked for private functions), downstairs a second bar area with a big dancefloor, making La Maison an exciting new venue in the Belleville neighbourhood, just near popular hangouts Café Chéri(e) and 9B.