About This Food Place

Express de Lyon is the kind of spot where you can drop in any time, whether you’re after a quick coffee or settling in for a relaxed dinner. The vibe is casual and cosy, with seating both indoors and outside if you want to watch the street life. The menu focuses on French bistro classics and small plates, great for sharing or enjoying solo. There’s a good mix of food and drink options, from breakfast dishes to late-night bites, plus a solid selection of beers, wine, and cocktails. It’s easy-going, welcoming all kinds of guests — from locals catching a game to students and tourists looking for a laid-back meal in the heart of Paris.

Why People Come Here

  • People come here for a wide selection of craft and Belgian beers, including a variety of taps and bottled options.
  • This place is often chosen for its convenient location next to Gare de Lyon, making it ideal for travelers and commuters.
  • People come here to enjoy affordable meals that have a homemade feel, with menu items that reflect classic French bistro fare.
  • This place is often chosen by those looking for a casual spot to relax outdoors, people-watch, and experience a local Parisian atmosphere.
  • People come here for the combination of a lively beer hall vibe paired with the opportunity to have a full dinner without stretching the budget.

When & How to Enjoy This Place

Express de Lyon is perfect for a relaxed lunch or a long, leisurely dinner, whether you’re dining solo or with friends. Enjoy their great beer selection and casual vibe while people-watching from the outdoor seating or cozy indoor spots. Solo diners will appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and quick bites, while groups can linger over small plates and cocktails. It’s an ideal spot for unwinding after work or savoring a casual meal near Gare de Lyon, with a pace that suits both quick stops and extended gatherings.

Reviews

Ryan Marlow

Ryan Marlow

5
⋅ Feb 16, 2026

Stopped in for a beer and dinner and ended up staying for 3 hours. Great beer, great food and good company.

Volodymyr Korsun

Volodymyr Korsun

5
⋅ Jan 15, 2026

Lovely little place next to Gare de Lyon. It is budget friendly and the food tastes good and looks homemade. Nothing fancy, but delicious Both pasta dishes were great, and they carry a good selection of herbal tea. Perfect place to sit outside, relax, wait for a train, people-watch and feel as a Parisian for a moment.

Adam Gaydosh

Adam Gaydosh

5
⋅ Jan 07, 2026

This is the best beer bar I've found in Paris! I've seeked them out and have visited several of the top rated establishments, and the selection here really cut through. The funny thing is it was just next to my hotel and I at first overlooked it as being a train station area pass. But once it lured me in, I realized it was the real deal. A great selection of 15 taps, mostly Belgian and craft. Small but notable bottle selection. Highly recommend, particularly for lovers of Belgian beer! Food looked and smelled good, but I did not get a chance to indulge.

Arend Hart

Arend Hart

5
⋅ Jan 06, 2026

I travel the world for my work. I enjoy all types of cuisine, and always appreciate where I am. But there are few places I ever think “I’d love to be back in ___________ to eat some of that __________”. Mainly because international cuisine is so ubiquitous, you can often get whatever _________ you were introduced to on your trip, everywhere and anywhere else. What makes a place special is the preparation and presentation. Express de Lyon, despite the rather misleading name (in the US “express” typically means counter-service pre-prepared food - this is NOT the case), delivered the absolute best beef cut dinner I had during my week in Paris. It was seasoned and cooked to absolute perfection. The blue cheese sauce was perfect without being overpowering, and the frites (French fries for my fellow Americans) were homemade and perfectly crispy and delicious. The beer selection is wonderful, the prices are half of what the flashier neighbors charge, and they’re privately and locally owned and run by great people. This is one dish I will long for in the future. Good thing I have to come back in June.

Sheena S

Sheena S

5
⋅ Dec 06, 2025

Excellent selections of craft beers! Glad I stumbled across this bar. Prices are cheaper than neighbouring bars. Friendly waiters and bartenders. Absolutely love the vibe. Went back the next day for food and wasn't disappointed. Would definitely recommend you to visit when in Paris.

simoninpalma

simoninpalma

5
⋅ Dec 02, 2025

Leary of a place so close to the train station, I took the advice of a local guy and had a simple dinner of burger and fries with a beer. It was totally satisfying and tasty. And an absolutely outstanding selection of beer on tap. I highly recommend the Express de Lyon. The waiter spoke English, was personable and helpful. Very reasonable price.

Nicholas Garber

Nicholas Garber

5
⋅ Nov 25, 2025

Food was very good! I had no problems after eating it, which speaks to the freshness and quality of their ingredients as well as their attentivness to cooking. I'm here visiting so I need to try other places, but I would definitely come back! I'm visiting from America, so I'm not familiar with local customs, and this was the first place I ate. I paid with my debit card (food was priced reasonably, despite being in a high tourist area). There was no option for tip on the card, but I'm not even sure if its a custom here, so if you're gojng to tip, bring cash. My waiter spoke English and was very helpful and professional. Bathroom had graffiti written everywhere, but from what I seen throughout the city, it's absolutely everywhere, so I guess it's normal? Anyway, great place to stop in and eat!

Vincent Buscher

Vincent Buscher

5
⋅ Nov 16, 2025

Great beer selection, great burgers and fries as well as very friendly staff. Very decently priced for Paris and authentic and honest decor, our Airbnb was right across the street and we came here 3 times in 5 days! Highly recommend!

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday
  • 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
  • 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
  • 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
  • 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
  • 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
  • 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
  • Closed

Where This Food Place Lives

1 Rue de Lyon, 75012 Paris, France

+33 1 43 43 21 32