Sidewalk Cafes in Paris
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sidewalk Cafes in Paris
At a sidewalk cafe in Paris, do you seat yourself and wait for the waiter to come to you, or wait outside for the waiter to show you to a seat, or do you enter the cafe and ask for a seat outside? I hope someone can give me a clue so we will avoid a faux pas!
#9
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Less often at true cafes, but certainly at brasseries, etc., especially anywhere near a mealtime, tables with tablecloths--even if paper--are for people who will order food, and generally you can sit at one without a tablecloth if you want only beverage(s).
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There are cafés and bistros and such in Paris that have separate sections for diners. They will be easily recognizable, as the tables in that (those) section(s) will be set with tablecloths (maybe), silverware, glasses, napkins, etc. If you just want a drink, don't sit there. And if you just want a drink, ordering inside the café at the bar is cheaper than grabbing a table outside.
And yes, don't wait around or you'll be there all year. Sit down when you can!
And yes, don't wait around or you'll be there all year. Sit down when you can!
#11
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In most cases you want to avoid the side walk cafes as much as possible. There is the 3 tire system in Paris, at the bar, inside the cafe, outside of the cafe, You pay according to where you end up. We always stand at the bar for our café and croissant, saving at least 1€/each.
#12
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,393
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Robert what you say is true, however sitting at a table and watching the world go by is worth the extra expense sometimes. If you've been walking for hours and are dog tired then hang the extra couple of euros, which are nothing in the scheme of things when considering the cost of a trip to Europe.
#16
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 696
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sitting on the terrace is one of the reasons I GO to France.
Museums are nice...of course the history is a wonder...but for me, the experience of thinking I'm here! The café terrace sets it off so beautifully. I wouldn't have had the chance to ease drop on a couple of GREAT conversations had I not. Then up and walk and walk and walk...
Museums are nice...of course the history is a wonder...but for me, the experience of thinking I'm here! The café terrace sets it off so beautifully. I wouldn't have had the chance to ease drop on a couple of GREAT conversations had I not. Then up and walk and walk and walk...
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
anne5o57
Europe
33
Aug 27th, 2007 02:48 PM