Good place to eat on a budget in Paris

We followed the RS France guidebook advice and crossed the Seine on the Pont d'lena, through the Trocadero Gardens and up the steps to the Archtecture and Monuments Museum on the right. We didn't visit the museum but had lunch at Cafe Carlu, as guidebook says you don't have to enter museum to eat at the cafe. The food was good and the views from the outdoor area were amazing. The food is basic grab and go fare or you can order their hot entree - it was actually quite good. Not too expensive but nothing special. There was a crepe stand outside that was yummy. You could just order a crepe and enjoy the views of the tower from the gardens.

The batobus was ok. We were there when it was crowded and hot. The bus is slow and once we had to wait for a second boat because the first one filled up. The boats come about every 20 minutes or so. Nice view from the river and faster than walking. I don't think you are really going to get off the boat and see each of the sites that day, especially since it includes the Orsay and the Louvre. If you are not in a hurry and want to sit and see the view it is fine.

There are very good Pizza places in the Rue Cler neighborhood, a few blocks walk from the Eiffel Tower. Saved me when I took my picky eater grand daughter to Paris last summer!

Here is the Paris By Mouth list of Eiffel Tower neighborhood restaurants:

http://parisbymouth.com/not-terrible-near-the-eiffel-tower/

Thanks Bets, I'm printing it out for next time I take the little picky one!

Budget strategies include: 1) Look for advertised lunchtime menus (fixed-price meal) or plate specials, cheaper than at dinner. 2) Shop for a picnic along Rue Cler; bakeries and charcuteries have plenty of prepared foods, too, such as salads, quiches and savory tarts, etc. Eat on a bench (or even on the grass!) at Champs de Mars.