Dear New Yorkers,
You might be surprised when you order a coffee at a parisian café and see something looking like an espresso coming your way. To avoid letting these unnecessary situations make you look like a tourist, here are my tips:
If you want a regular size american coffee, you’ll need to ask for “un café allongé” (literally: stretched out coffee).
Je voudrais un café allongé, s’il-vous-plaît. – I’d like a coffee, please.
As you know, “un café” is a place where you can get a coffee and snacks (just like an american coffee shop). But “un café” can designate a bar that serves a little food and alcoholic beverages. We use the word “bistrot” as well.
Il déjeune au café – He’s having lunch at the café.
Ce café a un très bon Pinot Gris. – This bar has a great Pinot Grigio.
We also have something called “café-concert,” which is a place where you can have a drink and listen to some live music.
Après le diner, on va au café-concert d’en face. – After dinner, we’re going to the live music bar across the street.
