The word bistro has a nice ring to it — it sounds quaint and inviting and like the kind of place where you would want to spend an afternoon having a nice meal. But what exactly is a bistro, anyway? Merriam-Webster defines "bistro" as "a small or unpretentious restaurant."
When is a bistro a casual restaurant?
A bistro is what some people call a casual dining establishment and they are most popular during lunch hours and around dinnertime where locals can come in for drinks or an entire meal. What makes bistro a bistro? A bistro is what you call a restaurant that’s primarily influenced by French food.
What is the ambiance of a bistro?
The ambiance of a bistro is usually very relaxed – it doesn’t have loud music or flashy decor like some other types of restaurants might have. The bistro is a very old type of restaurant that originated in France. The first bistros began popping up around late 1884 and were usually frequented by locals rather than tourists.
Do Bistros still exist in America?
Lyness's definition proves to ring generally true for bistros in America. Certainly, bistros are still associated with French cuisine — if you Google bistros in your area, you will receive a list of French restaurants (or with French influence).
