A. Lacroix Pâtissier

you're on quai de montebello, the seine running alongside you, notre-dame close enough that tourists slow down every few steps to photograph it. a pâtissier that takes its coffee seriously is a particular kind of paris find, because the default here is a bitter espresso slid across the zinc with no ceremony. a.lacroix pâtissier at number 11 sits in that current of foot traffic and holds its own, quietly, with people who come back on purpose. the regulars here are the kind who know what they want and go where the quality is consistent. you'd be forgiven for stopping in just for something sweet, but the coffee holds up on its own terms. late morning, quai-side light, an espresso or a pastry you can take two steps out the door with.