Bars

Bars, taverns, saloons, pubs, taprooms, clubs, cafés, and cocktail lounges all fall within the larger context of what can be called “commercial leisure spaces.” The definition for each of these different drinking places is not precise, and the elements that distinguish them blur at the boundaries.

One element found in all of these places is the bar. The bar is generally a wooden counter, longer than it is wide, over which alcoholic beverages or other refreshments are served. The person who pours the drinks or pulls the tap is the bartender; the woman who carries drinks to the table is the barmaid or cocktail waitress. Almost anything that comes in contact with the wooden counter picks up the prefix of “bar.” The bowls of peanuts and pretzels on the bar are called bar mixes or bar snacks. Patrons sit upon bar stools and if they spill their drink, the towel used to wipe it up is called a bar mop.