rathskeller

[raht-skel-er, rat-, rath-]

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noun

(in Germany) the cellar of a town hall, often used as a beer hall or restaurant.

a restaurant patterned on the German rathskeller, usually located below street level.

Origin of rathskeller

1860–65; < German, equivalent to Rath (extracted from Rathaus town hall) + -s 's1 + Keller cellar

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for rathskeller

bistro, tavern, pub, lounge, inn, saloon, tap, taproom, barroom, canteen, rathskeller, alehouse, bar, drinkery

Examples from the Web for rathskeller

Historical Examples of rathskeller

He had disliked the young man "Tacks" when he met him in the Rathskeller.
Cap'n Dan's Daughter
Joseph C. Lincoln
"We'll get a bite to eat down in the Rathskeller," he suggested gaily.
Stubble
George Looms
Mr. Scanlon was willing, and so they made their way from the rathskeller into the sunlight.
Ashton-Kirk, Criminologist
John T. McIntyre
It was in the rathskeller that Highsmith made the hit of his histrionic career.
The Voice of the City
O. Henry
The Rathskeller is well-conducted, and was built by the municipal authorities.
The Gourmet's Guide to Europe
Algernon Bastard

Word Origin and History for rathskeller

1900, from German ratskeller, earlier rathskeller, "a cellar in a German town hall in which beer is sold," from rat "council" (see rede (n.)) + keller "cellar" (see cellar (n.)). The German -h- inserted to avoid association with the word for "rat."