A lively Alsatian-themed brasserie in central Rouen serving choucroute, moules, and a great selection of draught beers and local ciders. A reliable, buzzy venue open from breakfast to late and popular with theatre-goers and tourists alike.
La Taverne de Maître Kanter on Rue des Carmes in central Rouen is a branch of the national Maître Kanter brasserie chain — Alsatian-themed establishments found in city centres across France that serve choucroute garnie, flammekueche, draught beer, and the broader French brasserie menu with the particular emphasis on Alsatian specialities that is the chain's defining characteristic. The Rouen location benefits from a central position near the Église Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc and the Place du Vieux-Marché, and from the extended hours that make it practical for visitors whose schedules do not conform to the French convention of 12:00–14:00 and 19:00–22:00 dining windows. The kitchen opens from 9am for coffee and breakfast and continues service until 23:30 nightly, making this the most reliably accessible option in the old town for late dinners, early suppers, and between-times meals. The choucroute garnie is the dish on which the Maître Kanter concept rests — a mound of sauerkraut braised with assorted smoked meats, sausages, and ham, traditionally served with boiled potatoes and mustard — and the Rouen kitchen executes it with the consistency of a well-run chain operation. Moules-frites provide the Norman accent, and the flammekueche (tarte flambée in French) is a useful light option. The beer selection is extensive by Norman standards, with a strong Alsatian and Belgian range on draught and in bottle.
Location
7 Rue des Carmes, 76000 Rouen
Highlights
- Open daily from 9am to 11:30pm — the most flexible opening hours in Rouen's old town
- Choucroute garnie — Alsatian sauerkraut with smoked meats, a Norman-Alsatian chain speciality
- Flammekueche (tarte flambée) — thin Alsatian flatbread with cream, onion, and lardons
- Wide draught beer selection including Alsatian and Belgian choices
- Central location near the Place du Vieux-Marché, convenient for post-theatre or late dining
Tips for visiting
- The choucroute garnie is best ordered on weekend evenings when the kitchen has produced the largest batch
- The early dinner before a theatre or concert at the Théâtre des Arts works well — kitchen open from 19:00
- Groups appreciate the long opening hours and flexible format — a practical choice for varied travel schedules
- The flammekueche is the lighter option if the full choucroute is too substantial
- A large shared choucroute for a group of four is better value than individual main courses
Accessibility
The brasserie is at street level on Rue des Carmes in central Rouen. The dining room is a large, level brasserie space. Wheelchair access is generally manageable at the entrance and within the dining room.
Frequently asked questions
What is choucroute garnie?
Choucroute garnie is a traditional Alsatian dish of fermented cabbage (sauerkraut) braised with white wine or beer, served with an array of smoked pork sausages, ham, and bacon, alongside boiled potatoes and mustard.
What is flammekueche?
Flammekueche, or tarte flambée, is a thin Alsatian flatbread topped with crème fraîche, sliced onions, and lardons, baked quickly at high heat. It is served as an appetiser or light main and pairs well with cold beer.
Is it part of a chain?
Yes, La Taverne de Maître Kanter is a national brasserie chain with locations in French city centres. The Rouen branch operates consistently with the chain format while incorporating local Norman elements like moules-frites.
What is the average spend per person?
A main course with a beer costs approximately €20–€30. A full dinner with starter and dessert runs €30–€45 per person. The chain format keeps prices consistent and fair.