Cafés vs. Restaurants in France

In America, “café” is usually just another word for a small restaurant. But if you went into a café in France and tried to order a meal, the waiter might think you were joking. You see, le café is the French word for coffee, and that is one of the main things that cafés serve. You might be able to get a grilled ham and cheese sandwich (un croquet-monsieur), or some other simple dish, but for the most part, cafés serve mainly coffee, tea, wine and other drinks.

Thirst is not the chief reason for going to a café. Most people go there because it is a good place to sit and talk. Or they may go because they enjoy watching people. In good weather, most cafés set up tables out-side on the sidewalk (sur la terrasse), with the chairs facing the street. This way, customers can watch the world go past while they drink a cup of coffee (un café) or sip a glass of Coke (un Coca).

Source: Son et Sens. Glenview, Illinois: Scott, Foresmen and Company. 3rd Ed. P. 171.