Bar (establishment)

A hotel bar in Switzerland
Outdoor bar in Paso Robles, California, United States of America

A bar, also known as a saloon, a tavern or tippling house, or sometimes as a pub or club, is a retail business that serves alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, liquor, cocktails, and other beverages such as mineral water and soft drinks. Bars often also sell snack foods, such as crisps or peanuts, for consumption on their premises. Some types of bars, such as pubs, may also serve food from a restaurant menu. The term "bar" refers to the countertop where drinks are prepared and served, and by extension to the overall premises.

The term derives from the metal or wooden bar (barrier) that is often located along the length of the "bar".[1] Over many years, heights of bars were lowered, and high stools added, and the brass bar remains today.

  1. ^ Harper, Douglas. "bar". Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved 2019-05-18. - 'bar[:] "tavern," 1590s, so called in reference to the bars of the barrier or counter over which drinks or food were served to customers [...].'