Craving a taste of Lyon’s rich history and culinary delights? You’ve arrived at Bistrot Jutard. This isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a place with stories etched into its walls.
Let’s step back in time. In the late 19th century this building was known as the “Café de la Gare”. It was a hotel and restaurant. It stood proudly opposite the “Ficelle de la rue Terme” station. This was Lyon’s first urban funicular. It started transporting passengers in 1862. Imagine the hustle and bustle. Travelers arriving. Locals meeting. The Café de la Gare buzzed with life.
The 1920s brought change. Antonin Jutard acquired the establishment. He gave it his name. Jutard wasn’t only a hotelier and restaurateur. He was also a wine broker. He specialized in Beaujolais and Mâconnais wines. Bistrot Jutard became known for fine wines.
Tragedy struck in 1942. Antonin Jutard was murdered by the militia. He was a member of the Resistance and a Freemason. His story adds a layer of Lyon’s history to this place.
In the 1930s Gaston Simonet took over. He was a lover of literature. Bistrot Jutard became a literary hub. It hosted the “Grand Prix Littéraire de Lyon”. This was inspired by the literary scene in Montmartre. Imagine intellectuals discussing ideas over coffee. The bistrot was a meeting point for creative minds.
After the war, the hotel and restaurant separated. Bistrot Jutard gradually lost its culinary fame. In the early 1990s, it became a PMU bar.
But the story doesn’t end there. In 2011, new owners revived the bistrot. They brought back its culinary and artistic traditions. They wanted a welcoming place for everyone. A place that embodies the “village spirit” of Croix-Rousse.
Today, Bistrot Jutard offers a unique dining experience. Its menu features fresh seasonal products. The bistrot offers delicious tapas perfect for sharing. Seafood lovers will enjoy the carefully prepared oysters. The atmosphere is warm and inviting.
Bistrot Jutard has earned a 4.4 rating on Google. People praise its friendly staff and pleasant service. It is known for its relaxed atmosphere and cute decor.
Consider starting your day here. Bistrot Jutard opens early at 7:30 AM. Enjoy a coffee. Plan your day exploring Lyon. Or, wind down your evening with tapas and wine. The bistrot is open until 11 PM.
Take a moment to appreciate the ambiance. Think of the people who have passed through these doors. From travelers to literary figures to local residents. Bistrot Jutard is more than a place to eat. It is a piece of Lyon’s history. A place where stories continue to unfold. A place where you can create your own Lyon memory.