Description

The Paris Bistro and Jazz Cafe at Germantown Ave and Southampton Ave is a fine place to eat when it isn't too crowded. I visited the bistro on Friday, January 6th, 2017 with some friends and arrived at 815pm. The first floor bistro and basement jazz cafe have had a lot more tables added to the floors and the lower level is very dark. I had to use my cell phone to illuminate the menu to read it. The place was so crowded with people not only occupying all the tables and seats at the bars but the floor was nearly impossible to move through because of the crush of customers. The lower level jazz cafe was also very crowded and the band was difficult to hear over the din of the patrons loud conversations. I do no know what the lawful occupancy of this place is but I would guess that on any Friday or Saturday night the place can easily exceed what would be a safe number of occupants. When I left with my party at 10PM we encountered some difficulty finding our way out of the lower jazz cafe. There is also a very narrow stairway which must be used to ascend to the first floor level. Would this condition be acceptable for fire regulations? I believe that L&I should have a look at this place.