bistro

[bis-troh, bee-stroh]

noun

plural

bistros 

1. a small, modest, European-style restaurant or caf é.

2. a small nightclub or restaurant.

bistro

/ ˈbiːstrəʊ /

noun

1. a small restaurant

Word History and Origins

Origin of bistro¹

1920–25; < French bistro ( t ), originally argot, first attested in the sense “proprietor of a tavern” (1884); of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of bistro¹

French: of obscure origin; perhaps from Russian bistro fast

Example Sentences

Since then, he’s added Yellow, a cafe with two locations, and La’ Shukran, a chic Middle Eastern bistro, to his stable.

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"These groups are the equivalent of the bistro counter – but with more people," said psychoanalyst Patrick Avrane, author of a book on attitudes to crime.

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The wrap that has quietly risen to ubiquity in café fridges, trendy bistros and airport grab-and-go kiosks.

Read more on Salon

République is a mainstay of the Los Angeles dining scene, a French bistro routinely topping “best of” lists.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But for the mom-and-pop shops in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades — the dry cleaners, tattoo parlors, bars, bistros and stores that sold antiques, flowers, books, pottery and macaroons — the devastation is more personal.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lounge 
• restaurant 
• tavern