Bistro, Cafe', Boulangerie...HELP!!!

Don't worry about it. At one time it communicated more precisely the type of eatery, what food they might serve, meals served (lunch and dinner, only dinner, open all day for snacks, etc.) whether it was more formal or informal...but my experience has been that the tags mean only slightly what they did before. As an example; a Boulangerie at one time only sold bread to take home, some still do, but many have some pasteries, some serve sandwiches, some have seating, still I would not expect though that they serve a multicourse meal, or have fine dining, but they definition has changed. Much the same for other tags, Bistros and Brasseries have blurred a bit, a Cafe still mostly coffee and drinks, but again probably more food than in the past.

When it comes down to it, if they are open and the menu looks good, have a seat and eat.

Things may have blurred a bit, but this is what those things traditionally are:

Boulangerie-bakery, largely bread but sometimes with pastries

Patisserie--bakery with emphasis on fine pastries

Cafe-the most casual type of eatery, no reservations, usually seat yourself, you can spend all day sitting there with a cup of coffee if you want

Brasserie--a casual (but not as casual as the cafe) eatery, where the food if of Alsace (so, hearty meats, stews, sausages, sauerkraut, etc)

Bistro-traditionally a neighborhood type restaurant, meant to be a good value

Restaurant--the fanciest of eateries. Make a reservation, dress well.

Don't worry about it, Rick. You'll be able to tell what's what by looking in the doorway or window. My experience was that everything was good!

rick,

Many of the eating establishments will have a Menu posted in front, possibly on a "blackboard". If the items on the Menu look like they might interest you, ask to be seated (regardless of what type of place it is).

Happy travels!

Walk inside and look around. If you like what you see then stay. If not, then leave. You're making a mountain out of a mole hill :-)

Brasseries were originally beer breweries. Currently, they have very little to do with brewing though. There are many historic ones in Paris, including Le Grand Colbert, the one where Jack Nicholson met Diane Keaton in Something's Got to Give. I have been there and to Bofinger and I think it is great fun to have a meal in one while you are in Paris. Francois Thomazeau has a great little book about them.