bistro

noun

bis·​tro ˈbē-(ˌ)strō  ˈbi- 

plural bistros

1

: a small or unpretentious restaurant

2

a

: a small bar or tavern

b

: nightclub

Synonyms

• boîte
• cabaret
• café
• cafe
• club
• nightclub
• nightspot
• nitery
• niterie
• roadhouse
• supper club

Examples of bistro in a Sentence

a bistro in Paris that serves veal chops and hearty stews

a section of the city populated with casual bistros offering entertainment to suit nearly every taste

Recent Examples on the Web

While sitting outside at one of the bistro tables under the cream-white awnings on a sunny day is a joy, be sure to also go inside to see the interiors of this chandeliered grand café. —Nicole Trilivas, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

The framing device, meanwhile, finds Geraldine, played by Caroline Katz, dressed in a stylish cream trouser suit sitting in a windowless, timeless bistro reflecting on her life. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2024

There are enough bars for a crawl, and tons of food options: from sushi and bistros to local pizza and barbecue. —Andrea Louis, The Enquirer, 3 Oct. 2024

Guests can also enjoy French bistro fare at The Left Bank restaurant and relaxing massages at the spa. —Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bistro

noun

bis·​tro ˈbēs-(ˌ)trō  ˈbis- 

: a small or modest restaurant