During my last trip to Paris, I made a solemn vow—right up there with “I will not impulse-buy another beret”—that I would eat at the legendary Les Deux Magots café. This spot isn’t just a café; it’s a historic intellectual battleground where literary giants once gathered to sip coffee, exchange existential dread, and quietly judge each other’s choice of scarves.

Now, while I didn’t get the pleasure of debating philosophy with Sartre, critiquing modernity with Camus, or trying to figure out what James Joyce was saying (seriously, has anyone?), I did get to sit where they once did. Which, in a way, means their genius might have seeped into my croissant.

Knowing the café’s reputation, I booked a reservation in advance—because nothing says “I respect history” like ensuring I get a good table. When we arrived, we were seated outside under a charming yellow tent, enveloped in that perfect Parisian café atmosphere: the hum of conversation, the occasional clatter of dishes, and the existential crisis of a tourist realizing they accidentally ordered sparkling water instead of still.

And the food? Magnifique. Fresh, delicious, and just fancy enough to make me feel sophisticated while simultaneously wondering if I was holding my fork the wrong way. The service was impeccable, the atmosphere enchanting, and I was this close to pulling out a notebook and dramatically penning my deep thoughts about the human condition (or, you know, my lunch).

Fun fact: Les Deux Magots owes its name to a hit 19th-century play, Les Deux Magots de la Chine. Inside the café, two statues stand tall, representing Chinese mandarins—or maybe magicians—or possibly alchemists. Honestly, they weren’t very forthcoming with details. They also seemed entirely unimpressed when I sprinted inside on a flimsy pretense just to snap their picture. While I was there, I took a moment to admire the elegant interior, made a mental note to actually Google its history later, and—most importantly—located the bathroom, because priorities.

All in all, 10/10, would philosophize again.