Maybe it was from being a southerner.

Lantier didn't like anything too rich and argued about every dish, sending back meat that was too salty or too peppery.
He hated drafts.

If a door was left open, he complained loudly.

At the same time, he was very stingy, only giving the waiter a tip of two sous for a meal of seven or eight francs.

He was treated with respect in spite of that.
The pair were well known along the exterior boulevards, from Batignolles to Belleville.