It's the existential problem of Parisians when the sunny days return: the terraces are overwhelmed to the point where it's difficult, if not impossible, to find even a stool to sit on. But you know us, we’re always here with the best tips.
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The best tips for snagging a spot on the terrace
1) Have a unemployed buddy who can be useful by reserving the best spot before the after-work crowd shows up; it’s a win-win situation!
2) Forget about the "look-at-me" terraces and aim for ones that are a bit less trendy, like a slightly old-fashioned neighborhood bistro that has tons of advantages, generally a "super nice" proprietor, and free peanuts.
3) The "little by little" technique: occupy a table that’s way too small for your group’s size, but gradually gain ground by keeping an eye out for departures nearby.
Become a regular. It takes some long-term effort, good connections, and a bit of charm to reach the Holy Grail: a manager who always finds a way to accommodate you, no matter how many people you need to place, or the right to reserve the best spot "just because it's you".5) The gamble : Sure, this terrace isn't particularly nice right now (lots of construction noise, unpleasant smells, a car parked in front). BUT, according to my buddy who has an app that tracks sunshine hours, "in a few hours this will be the place to be, and that car will definitely move, and construction after 8 PM is forbidden: it’s written in the rules of my building."
6) Playing the "pregnant woman" card, folks in their thirties, it's time to shine and pull out the ace! If you're going to be doing babysitting in a few months anyway, you might as well make it useful starting now.
7) The passive-aggressive wait: spot the tables with the emptiest glasses, chat often with the server while pointing at that table, and play the waiting game. It’s such an unpleasant and very Parisian move that the table might feel intimidated and eventually give up their spot to you. Proceed at your own risk: it could also spark a defiant reaction and encourage them to test your patience.
8) More technical : pretend to be Emmanuel Grégoire’s communications team and claim that he’s arriving in 10 minutes.
And if you're looking for places, we've got just what you need !
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