Planning our cafe crawl with stops at La Coupole, La Rotonde, Le Dome, Le Select, and La Closerie des Lilas. Thinking we should nibble as we go. What are your food recommendations at these historic cafes? Which would be best for dinner? Or should we order a bit at each...besides wine, n'est-ce pas? Anything fun to look for as we go...on the walls, etc.? Are reservations a must-have at any? Merci!
Posted by
Chicago
8550 posts
These places are not cafes, they are brasserie and/or restaurants and serve meals for the most part and you would be expected to have reservations or if seated without to have a meal. They are not locations for nibbling and drinking although in the off meal hours you might be able to do that.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
For famous cafes, you might be thinking more of Cafe de Flore or Les Deux Magots. Consider this Guardian article, and a few other tempting ideas in the Guardian travel section.
Posted by
OP
Denver, CO
28 posts
Thanks Laura, I see #7 is Le Select. Do you need to order a meal to sit outside on the terrace? You cannot order just a drink? We are staying in Montparnasse so wanted to check out our neighborhood spots.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
Becky-I ran across Je The Me online a while back, and we'll be giving it a try.
4 rue d'Alleray 75015 Paris
Posted by
Chicago
8550 posts
depends on the time of day -- in the afternoon drinks can be had on the terrace of such places -- a rule of thumb is never to sit at a table that is set for a meal and if the terrace is enclosed or managed, you need to be seated by a waiter (you have to play that by ear) often places that look to have 'plenty of room' are pre-booked at meal times particularly on the terrace in nice weather. some places have a happy hour where drinks and snacks can be ordered at lower price.
Deux Magot Cafe Flores etc are always places where you can stop for drinks.