rathskeller

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

noun

1. (in Germany) the cellar of a town hall, often used as a beer hall or restaurant.
2. a restaurant patterned on the German rathskeller, usually located below street level.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rathskeller¹

1860–65; < German, equivalent to Rath (extracted from Rathaus town hall) + -s 's 1 + Keller cellar

Example Sentences

Mller's Rathskeller was the rendezvous of students, officers and all those persons of quality who liked music with their meat.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he finished his beer, rose, and proceeded toward the stairs leading to the rathskeller below.

From Project Gutenberg

Let hard liquor crouch and tremble in its rathskeller below the sidewalk!

From Project Gutenberg

"We'll get a bite to eat down in the Rathskeller," he suggested gaily.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Scanlon was willing, and so they made their way from the rathskeller into the sunlight.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bistro
• inn
• lounge
• pub
• saloon
• tavern