mom and pop brasseries

Okay Bob, since nobody else has stepped up, here's a couple of ways to skin the cat. Brasseries, almost by definition, are local eateries and not part of a chain. You can find any number of them by moving a couple of blocks off the main tourists track. Avoid anything that is a combo; i.e. says 'Cafe -Brasserie-Bistro-Restaurant' on the awning. Also avoid any with multi-language menus or picture menus. Avoid anyplace that has people in it with guidebooks. Look for people with a newspaper, little old ladies with shopping bags, people that look like they may have gotten off work, or good-looking young chics. For the Latin Quarter, move in a bit, maybe to the east side of the Sorbonne or off of (maybe even on) Rue Mouffetard. For the Marais, move north of Rivoli into the Jewish Quarter. Sacre Cour is a building, not an area. It's on Montmartre. Look around on the back (north slope). I'm a dud with names of places. Somebody will have more specific ideas.

Bob: For the best Paris restaurant recommendations check out the blog of David Lebovitz (just google his name). He has insights on everything from Parisian fine dining to street food. His observations are so helpful. Have fun.

The big name places (Coupole, Dome, Brasserie du Nord) have all been bought up by investment groups and standardized. Some of these places are still quite good, nonetheless. However, as Ed said, generally avoid places with pre-printed multi-lingual menus or barkers out front telling you in English to come in to eat. As for Sacre Coeur, you'll find more mom n pops on rue Lepic going up to Place du Tertre, where the artists are, than near the artists. Just look for handwritten daily menus or a plate du jour. There's even one family owned place on rue du Rivioli under the arcades, but only one.