Every time I go to Paris I discover some new little place. Sometimes it’s a place I’ve read about, sometimes it’s somewhere I just stumble across, and sometimes it’s somewhere a friend takes me to. Mary Celeste was one of these insider recommendations, and although it’s been a while I’ve been, I still have plenty of lovely feelings towards this place.

Located at 1 Rue Commines on the intersection of several streets in the 3eme arrondisment, Le Mary Celeste is dripping with character. When I was here it was sort of an “after work drinks” vibe, and the vibe seemed chill and relaxed. Nothing overly pretentious or precious about the place.

I was seated at the bar, which is the first thing you see when you walk in, and forms the heart of the restaurant. It’s the perfect place to perch and people watch, and I’m always a fan of sitting where I can watch the bar tender make drinks, especially when they’re works of art, as they are at Mary Celeste.

The menu has a variety of well curated house specialities, and the menu is always changing. Fresh ingredients (I was here in the spring and my drink featured lavender), quality spirits, and a flair for mixing flavors are what made the menu memorable for me.

Although there’s a great menu and the selection looks delightful, and the place is known for their 1€ oysters, when I was here I just got drinks. So that’s what I can vouch for, and I do so gladly.