Ordering Drinks at a Bar
Use these phrases to confidently order drinks, buy a round for friends, and manage your tab at a French bar.
Key Phrases
Une bière, s'il te plaît.
casualA beer, please.
Use 'tu' only in very informal places or if you know the bartender.
Je vais prendre un demi, s'il vous plaît.
neutralI'll have a half-pint, please.
Using the near future is the standard, natural way to order.
Est-ce que je peux avoir une bière, s'il vous plaît ?
politeCan I have a beer, please?
A very polite and safe way to ask the staff.
Qu'est-ce que vous avez sans alcool ?
neutralWhat do you have without alcohol?
Useful for asking about sodas, juices, or mocktails.
C'est pour moi !
casualIt's on me!
Say this to your friends when you want to pay for their drinks.
Je vais payer pour tout le monde.
neutralI am going to pay for everyone.
A clear way to tell the bartender you are paying the whole bill.
Est-ce que je peux ouvrir une note ?
neutralCan I open a tab?
They might ask you to leave a credit card behind the bar.
Est-ce que vous avez une pièce d'identité ?
neutralDo you have an ID?
Staff might ask this if you look young.
On peut payer ?
casualCan we pay?
A natural, direct way to ask to settle the bill.
Je vais fermer ma note, s'il vous plaît.
neutralI'm going to close my tab, please.
Use this when you are ready to pay and leave.