Anyone have a favorite classic dining spot that's not over-the-top fancy, not a tourist trap, but not fast-food either? Here are my picks:

5th arrondissement:
CAFE PANIS
21, Quai Montebello
Reliable classics like French onion soup and croque monsieur, with a friendly waitstaff. To accompany your lamb or steak-frites, order a bottle of Cotes du Rhone for 12.50. Old Latin-quarter feel with old books filling the walls of bookshelves. Hard to believe such an "authentic" feeling place could be just across the Seine from the tourist center that is Notre Dame Cathedral. I wouldn't say there are no tourists here, but it doesn't have the high-stress atmosphere of some other Latin Quarter restaurants (ahem, rue de la Huchette anyone? STAY CLEAR!)

6th arrondissement:
LE BISTROT D'HENRI
16, rue Princesse
01.46.33.51.12
Metro: Mabillon
Traditional French cuisine, from the foie gras entrée to the crème caramel dessert. Menus under 20 euros.

LA BASTIDE D'OPIO
9, rue Guisarde
01.43.29.01.84
Provençale cuisine that may even beat Chez Janou (see below). Fish, chicken, and brochettes were delicious. The daily specials are particularly recommended - classic flavors with creative flair. Don't forget to order a dry rosé from the Aix-en-Provence area: not sweet, but refreshing.

18th arrondissement:
LE BRUANT
rue des Abesses, in Montmartre
Prix fixe menu for 17.50 or 23 euros, depending on how fancy a dish you'd like to order. Delicious steaks and live jazz several nights a week.

3rd arrondissement:
CHEZ JANOU
2, rue Roger Verlomme
01.42.72.28.41 You will need this phone number to reserve a table; this restaurant fills up fast!
Traditional provençale cuisine with an emphasis on fish dishes. Try a pre-dinner "apéro": a large selection of pastis, the anis-flavored liqueur from Provence. The mousse au chocolat comes in a GIANT bowl- fun to share with a crowd.

~Rachel
www.craftyrachel.com