I know in order to eat at one of the Eiffel Tower restaurants you have to make reservations well in advance, but does anyone know if it is possible to just go to the bar and have a glass of champagne (and take in the view) without any hassle/ reservations/ line/ long wait?
Thanks,
Beth
The first level place had the ambiance of a taco stand, but it's changed names and might be better -- I have no idea about it. You need reservations at the good place on the second level.
However, if it still exists, there's a cubbyhole of a champagne bar on the third level. You have to look for it, and it's come and gone through the years. I'm sure you'd have to use the regular waiting/reservation line system.
Edit: if this thing is any good, it might still be around:
http://www.mylittleparis.com/en/champagne-bar-eiffel-tower.html
You can also make reservations to go up the elevators now as well.
Thanks everyone for the information.
Wow, we went to the first level restaurant back in 2000 and thought it was very nice. Have they changed the menu/format that much?
I have not visited the ET level one restaurant any more recently than you have. However, the tripadvisor folks say you now order at the counter and your food is brought to you in disposable containers, similar to fast food places. Prices still run about $100 for dinner for two, however. Caveat emptor!
I agree Judy, we went to Altitude 95 on several occasions and had a wonderful time. The food was good and the view was spectacular. It was a bit touristy but it really is OK to be a tourist on occasion! Based on all the comments regarding the new place, we are going to Jules Verne instead. I expect to have a wonderful, if pricey time.
I have never eaten at the Eiffel Tower, but someone who used to write advice to the this info site often suggested the Café de l'Homme in the museum at the top of Trocadero...pricey, 50 plus euros, but from their terrace excellant view of the Tower and good food
We had lunch at Tour Eiffel 58 on 5/12/09 and what a disappointment. We had eaten at Altitude 95, before it was renamed and transformed into Tour Eiffel 58, on 3 previous occasions and the food was good, not great, but at least it was a nice environment. The new Tour Eiffel 58 restaurant is a cross between a McDonald's and a buffet with food that is only passable.
After you are seated and read the directions on how to place your order you walk to a counter, where all the appetizers are on display in plastic dishes, select your appetizer and order your meal. The servers behind the counter are all wearing baseball caps just like McDonald's.
You return to your table and your order is delivered to you in a basket . . . all of it in hard plastic containers, like at a fast food restaurant. You also get a roll in a paper bag. Total cost for 4 appetizers, 2 hamburgers, 2 plates of pasta and 2 glasses of house wine -- 118 Euros.
We even complained and were told that everyone else seems to love it because "you're able to get in and out fast." We doubted that and our experience was not actually that fast.
Most of the reviews on this site of the Eiffel Tower restaurant choices have been unfavorable. You can see those by going to the FAQ and searching prior posts.
My husband and I ate at The Jules Verne restaurant on June 2, 2010. We knew going in that it was expensive, but decided it would be worth it for a once in a lifetime experience. The evening was wonderful.We sat near the window, the food was fabulous, and the service was impeccable. We sat next to a French couple who were also celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary. They spoke little English, but they wanted to converse so my college french vocabulary was streched to the limit! A truly marvelous night.
