Some time ago, my SO and I discovered King Marcel, a place dedicated to 100% french burgers. Two apparently already exist in Lyon.
Burger joints are everywhere in Paris nowadays (you’d think that’s all we eat!) and they range from good to bad to everywhere in between.
This one caught my eye with it’s cute wordplays on the menu : a “tennis roquette burger” (roquette is arugula’s french name): I’m a great audience for that kind of thing, and it made me want to find out more.
Inside Marcel’s joint
Inside, offbeat humor is on every wall: posters and newspaper headliners have been diverted, and burgers are named after famous Marcels.
We chat with the waiter, and learn that the ingredients are fresh (cheese, meat, bread) and are sourced from local french producers. Ketchup and mayonnaise are both homemade. This is off to a good start.
My burger is French
When we order, I’m torn, but I end up choosing Marcel Jackson (haha) with a classic menu (a drink, homemade fries and dessert). My Jackson is made with Limousin beef, matured red cheddar, fried onions and a homemade secret “Ribs” sauce.
“Marcel Jackson” burger
My SO opted for the King menu “Marcel Patulacci”*: the steak is thicker and there is a bigger portion of fries. (* I loved the reference, I hope that “a fortiori” you’ll get who we’re talking about!)
“Marcel Patulacci” burger
His Marcel was south-themed, with red pesto, mozzarella, eggplant, grilled zucchini and (tennis) roquette/arugula.
The bread is golden and delicious, the meat perfectly cooked and tender: maybe a tad too minced, but I’m really splitting hairs here. The sauce and cheese bring everything together nicely, which is a nice change to some burgers that can be a bit too dry.
Chocolate cakes
As for dessert, we both opt for the (homemade!) chocolate cake, right out of the oven. We didn’t regret our choice! They’re adding a praline pie to the menu soon, I’ll have to come back.
In a nutshell
A yummy frenchie alternative to our american friend Ronald. The prices are pretty reasonable (12,50€ for a classic menu – 15 if you add dessert; and the King menu is 15,50€ or 18 with the dessert).
You can really feel it’s about the quality and doing things in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. “À la bonne franquette”, as the french say! (English translation by Bleu Marine)
KING MARCEL
166 Rue Montmartre
75002 PARIS
(Métro Grands Boulevards)
