Comptoirs Les Deux Magots: Paris’s Legendary Café Gets a Modern Twist
The name Les Deux Magots has long been synonymous with Saint-Germain’s literary soul. Its terrace is part of Paris’s mythology, a place where Sartre and Beauvoir argued over philosophy and Hemingway scribbled notes between sips of coffee.
Now, the storied café has opened a new chapter: Comptoirs Les Deux Magots, a smaller, faster, more accessible offshoot tucked on Rue de Buci.
This new address reimagines what the Left Bank café means in 2025: tradition meeting everyday practicality, where a traveler can grab a gourmet sandwich or a cup of old-style chocolate without booking a table under the famous green awning.
A New Address for an Old Legend
Comptoirs Les Deux Magots opened recently at 2 Rue de Buci in the 6ᵗʰ arrondissement – a short walk from the parent café on Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Rue de Buci has always been a lively artery of the Latin Quarter, filled with flower stalls, bookstores, and neighborhood markets. Setting up shop here feels like a deliberate nod to everyday Parisians, the ones who still pick up their baguette and morning paper at the corner.
The space is compact, about 14 seats inside and 10 on the terrace. But its design carries the same DNA as the original. Warm wood, brass accents, and mosaic details keep the atmosphere rooted in the café’s heritage.
On one wall, a few well-chosen books evoke the literary spirit that built the Deux Magots legend.
Fast But Crafted with Care
Unlike its grand sibling, Le Comptoir doesn’t aim to impress with formality. The concept is “take-away, but artisanal.” Think gourmet baguette sandwiches made fresh throughout the day, small savory plates, and beautifully packaged pastries to go.
The star items are the “Baguettes Création” – sandwiches built like miniature chef dishes, using seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers.
here’s also a changing selection of soups and salads, designed for a quick but refined lunch. Check out the menu here.
For those chasing something sweet, the famous Tarte Tatin and Financiers from Les Deux Magots make an appearance in portable form.
Hot Chocolate & Coffee
Les Deux Magots’ hot chocolate has its own following, often ranked among the best in Paris. It’s made from real melted chocolate rather than powder or syrup – dense, almost pudding-like, served with a side of fresh cream.
The Comptoir version keeps the recipe but lets you carry it off-site, a small revolution for anyone who’s ever waited in line for a table at the main café.
Coffee is handled with equal seriousness. The beans are roasted in France, with espresso and cappuccino options prepared by trained baristas rather than standard counter staff.
The quality level stays faithful to the brand’s name, but the rhythm is quicker.
Design: Past and Present
Inside, the look feels new but unmistakably Saint-Germain. The palette mixes soft cream tones and walnut wood. Brass fixtures recall old café mirrors.
The counter display, filled with sandwiches, pastries, and bottled drinks, is designed more like a boutique pâtisserie than a fast-food counter.
A few details give it personality: postcards printed with the Deux Magots logo, a letterbox for dropping them before you leave, and neatly stacked books celebrating Paris’s café heritage.
What It Means for Travelers
For travelers planning a Left Bank itinerary, Comptoirs Les Deux Magots offers a smart alternative to the main café. It’s less formal, more affordable, and rarely packed to the brim.
You can stop by for a take-away lunch before strolling through the Luxembourg Gardens or grab dessert on your way to the Seine.
The pricing is still above average (this is still Saint-Germain) but you pay for convenience and craftsmanship as well as the name. Locals see it as a refreshing evolution: the same spirit, scaled down for the rhythm of modern Paris life.
When to Go
The Comptoir opens around 10:30 a.m. and stays open until early evening, about 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 p.m. on weekends.
Morning visits are best if you want to sit inside without waiting. The terrace is small but gets steady sunlight until late afternoon, ideal for people-watching on Rue de Buci’s market stretch.
In the Shadow of the Original
It’s impossible to separate Le Comptoir from its legendary parent. The original Les Deux Magots at 6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés remains a magnet for travelers chasing literary nostalgia.
Visitors there often praise the setting but note the crowd and the cost – heritage comes with a price tag.
The Comptoirs gives travelers a taste of the same brand without the spectacle. You still get the flavors, the design touches, and even the same desserts, but in a place where you can order, sit, and move on without the ceremony.
Address: 2 Rue de Buci, 75006 Paris
Hours: Daily, 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m. (Fridays & Saturdays until 9:30 p.m.)
Nearest Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Line 4) or Mabillon (Line 10)
Website: comptoirs-lesdeuxmagots.fr