open bar

American  

noun

1. a bar at a reception that serves drinks whose cost has been borne by the host, an admission charge, a sponsor, etc..

   Before the banquet there will be an open bar from 5 to 7 p.m.

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Etymology

Origin of open bar

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

open bar

But hopefully now when I’m at these celebrations I can focus on the fun, not the funding — especially if there’s an open bar.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 7, 2026

The open bar at the reception ended up costing $62,500—$250 a head for 250 guests—so they chose not to have one at all seven events.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 3, 2026

"But that comes with different expectations," she says, explaining that Polish weddings are often expected to include a large celebration, endless food, an open bar and free accommodation.

From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2026

There was an open bar, a roast beef carving station and trays of appetizers passed around a restaurant located on a Dallas Cowboys themed golf course.

From Slate ● Mar. 30, 2026

To the office, which is in fact a long open bar, the guest walks up, and there inscribes his name in a book.

From North America — Volume 2 by Trollope, Anthony