bistro

American  

[bis-troh, bee-stroh] / ˈbɪs troʊ, biˈstroʊ /

noun

plural

bistros

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

2. a small nightclub or restaurant.

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bistro British  

/ ˈbiːstrəʊ /

noun

1. a small restaurant

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Etymology

Origin of bistro

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

Compare meaning

How does bistro compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• bistro vs. CAFE
• bistro vs. restaurant

Example Sentences

Standing on a bistro chair in the crowded Manhattan bar, Bores urged supporters to treat the fight in his district as a fight for the country.

From The Wall Street Journal

I had been driving west through downtown and stopped in Chinatown to wait out the morning congestion in a new café that used to be an old bistro.

From Los Angeles Times

To do so, I stay away from bistros in fancy neighborhoods, which charge too much and often cook up mediocre food.

From Barron's

In return, Europe offers inexpensive healthcare, walkable cities dotted with sidewalk bistros and co-working spaces where English has displaced the local tongue.

From The Wall Street Journal

Whenever I see it on a bistro menu, I order it.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• lounge
• restaurant
• tavern