Le Refuge Des Fondues. Montmartre.

Fact : Refuge des Fondues is probably one of the more touristy restaurants I've ever frequented in Paris.
Fact : French people continue to go to this restaurant despite the omnipresence of drunken, boisterous foreigners at neighboring tables.

What to make of this paradox?

Quite simply, the cheap 18-20 euros, wine included (about 1/3 a bottle, served in a baby bottle) menu is too good to pass up. Whether cheese (gooey, succulent, rich) or meat (served raw, then you fry it at the table in hot oil) - this interactive meal is a real pleasure, and the tiny wait staff makes sure you feel right at home with their brash jokes and snarky comments.

This isn't the place for a romantic date- the heavy food alone will make you feel anything but sexy. However, if you're game for sparking conversation with interesting strangers and study-abroad students crammed next to you at banquet-style tables- dining at RdF can be an exceptionally entertaining evening. Plus, the hike up to nearby Sacre Coeur post-dinner offers an exceptional night-time view (and can help speed-up the digestion process).